If you've ever invested in a piece from Icebreaker, you already know the magic of high-quality merino wool. It's the perfect fabric for everything from hitting the trails to just navigating a chilly day, thanks to its natural temperature-regulating, odor-resistant, and super soft feel.
For those who love Icebreaker's ethical sourcing and perfectly minimalist vibe but are curious about what else is out there, you're in luck. Here are 18 similar brands that share that same passion for quality, performance, and merino wool comfort.
Smartwool is a giant in the merino world, especially famous for its incredibly comfortable socks. Beyond footwear, they offer fantastic base layers and outdoor apparel that prioritize comfort and durability. Their aesthetic is functional and cozy, perfect for your next hike or just lounging on the weekend. Like Icebreaker, they are committed to ethically sourced merino, but they offer a wider variety of fun patterns and an unbeatable sock collection. Prices for socks start around $20, with layers hovering around the $150 mark.
Shop now at smartwool.com
While Patagonia is an outdoor powerhouse known for more than just wool, their merino base layers are top-notch and share Icebreaker's commitment to performance and environmental responsibility. Patagonia's vibe is rugged and functional, built for serious adventure and backed by industry-leading activism. If you want high-quality merino from a brand that also offers a wider assortment of technical fleeces, puffers, and rain jackets (often using recycled materials), Patagonia is a perfect fit.
Shop now at patagonia.com
Ibex is a premium brand that lives and breathes merino wool, making it a very close alternative to Icebreaker. Specializing in high-quality base layers, sweaters, and classic outdoor wear, their aesthetic is understated, comfortable, and built to last. Ibex feels like a direct peer to Icebreaker, focusing on durable, versatile pieces with an unwavering commitment to natural fibers. Expect prices from $60 for essentials to $250 for more substantial sweaters and outerwear.
Shop now at ibex.com
If you love merino's performance but need pieces for the office or a casual dinner out, Wool&Prince is your brand. They specialize in beautifully crafted button-down shirts, refined t-shirts, and loungewear that feel luxe and polished. Where Icebreaker focuses on the outdoors, Wool&Prince brings merino into your everyday wardrobe with incredible craftsmanship. Their commitment to sustainable wool is just as strong, but their vibe is much more smart-casual than trail-ready.
Shop now at woolandprince.com
For a more budget-friendly and accessible option, Pact is an excellent choice. Primarily known for their organic cotton basics, they also offer some essential merino wool layers. Their style is simple, comfortable, and focused on everyday sustainability and fair trade practices. While their wool selection is smaller than Icebreaker's, Pact is a fantastic place to find simple, soft, and eco-friendly basics without the premium price tag, with many items under $50.
Shop now at wearpact.com
Tasc stands out by blending sustainable fibers, creating unique fabrics from materials like merino wool and eucalyptus. Their apparel is designed for active lifestyles, offering a modern and versatile aesthetic that works for both workouts and day-to-day wear. Tasc shares Icebreaker's commitment to performance qualities like moisture-wicking and odor resistance but does so with a more contemporary, athleisure-focused look. Their innovative blends are an exciting alternative to 100% merino.
Shop now at tascperformance.com
Aklia brings a touch of luxury and high-fashion to the merino wool space. This newer brand creates sleek, minimalist basics and activewear with a modern, fashion-forward edge. If you love Icebreaker's quality but want a more design-driven, upscale silhouette, Aklia is the perfect option. Their innovative processing techniques and commitment to sustainability make them a worthy, albeit slightly pricier, comparison.
Shop now at akliacollection.com
Outlier is for the gear-head who appreciates cutting-edge technical apparel. They engineer high-end pieces from merino wool and other performance fabrics designed for ultimate durability and function. Their style is minimal, utilitarian, and perfectly suited for urban explorers and outdoor adventurers who value innovation. While sharing Icebreaker's commitment to quality merino, Outlier is known for pushing the boundaries of what performance fabrics can do, often at a higher price point.
Shop now at outliermg.com
Vuori has mastered the art of cozy, ridiculously comfortable athleisure. While they use various sustainable fabrics, their merino wool pieces blend seamlessly into their relaxed, modern collection of joggers, tees, and hoodies. Vuori shares Icebreaker’s passion for comfort but channels it into a casual, Southern California lifestyle aesthetic. It's a great choice if your adventures are more "coffee run and weekend errands" than "mountain summit."
Shop now at vuoriclothing.com
With a sleek, Scandinavian-inspired design ethos, KUI creates merino wool base layers and outdoor apparel with a cool, contemporary feel. Their focus is on high-performance pieces that don't sacrifice style. KUI is an excellent alternative for the style-conscious adventurer who wants the same eco-friendly, high-performance qualities of Icebreaker but in a more fashion-forward package. Their minimalist and clean lines set them apart.
Shop now at kui.co
Designed specifically for the one-bag traveler, Unbound Merino makes ultra-lightweight, versatile merino clothing that is odor-resistant, quick-drying, and supremely packable. Their style is minimalist and functional, aiming to help you travel more with less. If you love Icebreaker for its travel-friendly properties, Unbound Merino takes that concept and builds their entire brand around it, making them the ultimate choice for minimalist adventurers.
Shop now at unboundmerino.com
Nokona combines modern minimalism with a rugged outdoor spirit. This premium brand focuses on durable, well-crafted merino wool activewear that's built to withstand the elements. Their aesthetic feels slightly more tough and utilitarian than Icebreaker, but with the same clean lines and commitment to sustainable sourcing. It's a great option if you want performance wear with a premium, robust feel.
Shop now at nokona.com
Famous for their ridiculously comfortable ZQ-certified merino wool sneakers, Allbirds has naturally expanded into apparel. Their clothing line features cozy, simple basics like t-shirts, sweaters, and loungewear made from the same sustainable wool. Sharing Icebreaker’s love for the planet and soft fabrics, Allbirds offers a more casual, everyday vibe. If you live in their shoes, you'll love their clothes.
Shop now at allbirds.com
If Icebreaker's earthy color palette is a little too muted for you, meet Cotopaxi. This vibrant outdoor brand is impossible to miss, known for its bold colors, unique block patterns, and "Gear for Good" mission. Their merino wool base layers deliver the performance and sustainability you'd expect, but with a major dose of fun and personality. It’s a playful, eye-catching alternative for adventurers who want to stand out.
Shop now at cotopaxi.com
Rhone creates premium performance wear for the modern man, with a sleek, athletic look perfect for the gym junkie or anyone with an active lifestyle. They incorporate merino wool into their collections for its technical benefits, like odor control and moisture-wicking. Compared to Icebreaker, Rhone's aesthetic is more focused on a "gym-to-street" style, offering technical pieces that look sharp and ready for action.
Shop now at rhone.com
From the minds at Arc'teryx, Veilance is a high-end technical apparel line that blends cutting-edge performance with a ruthlessly minimalist, urban design. They use merino wool and other innovative fabrics to create luxury outerwear and base layers for the discerning consumer. While on another level in terms of price ($300+), Veilance shares Icebreaker’s dedication to quality and eco-responsibility but packages it in an ultra-sleek, architectural silhouette.
Shop now at veilance.com
A true heritage brand, L.L.Bean delivers durable, practical, and reliable outdoor gear. They offer dependable merino wool base layers and sweaters that are built for performance and comfort in the great outdoors. Their style is classic and traditional - less minimalist than Icebreaker but just as focused on value and durability. For no-fuss performance wear from a brand you can always trust, L.L.Bean is a classic choice.
Shop now at llbean.com
Prana creates sustainable apparel for travel, yoga, and outdoor adventure with a laid-back, earthy vibe. Their merino wool offerings fit seamlessly into their relaxed, boho-chic collections. Like Icebreaker, they prioritize natural fibers and ethical production, but Prana's designs often have a bit more flair, with unique patterns and a slightly more trend-conscious look. It's a great option for those who want performance wear with a stylish, versatile sensibility.
Shop now at prana.com
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