Keep it long, treasure it long.

The pine cone has turned into color.

When trekking or traveling, concerns about UV rays and sweat odors are common. The Merino Wool 150 Pine Cone Short Sleeve T-shirt is made from lightweight 100% merino wool fabric, dyed with pine cones sourced from Hokuto City in Yamanashi Prefecture. With a relaxed silhouette featuring UV guard functionality, it can be worn not only in everyday life but also during mountain walks.

100% Merino Wool for Year-Round Wear

The fabric is made from lightweight 100% merino wool. Thanks to the insulation and moisture-wicking properties of the wool, it releases heat and sweat on hot days while trapping warm air on cold days. It minimizes odor retention from sweat, and the soft touch against the skin makes it comfortable to wear even during the trek. This versatile piece can be worn as an inner layer throughout the year or on its own.

A significant feature is that it is dyed using Japanese pine cones. In collaboration with Hokuto City in Yamanashi Prefecture, waste materials from the region are transformed into dye. The pine cones used in this process are sourced from dead pine trees in the mountains. What would normally decompose in the soil has been transformed into a rich, autumnal color through product dyeing. The special technique ensures that, despite being a natural dye, it is resistant to fading.

The fibers of merino wool contain natural melanin pigments, providing UV guard functionality with UPF ratings of 30 to 50+, and a UV cut rate of over 90%, even in the lightweight 150-thread fabric. This garment harnesses the strength of merino sheep that thrive in high-altitude areas under intense sunlight. Even during sunny treks, simply wearing it can reduce skin exposure.

With a relaxed silhouette that allows for freedom of movement, this functional short sleeve T-shirt can be worn comfortably during activities without feeling restrictive. It is easy to care for, as it can be washed in a regular household washing machine without the need for special wool detergents, making it a convenient choice for your wool T-shirt collection.

The Encounter that Sparked a Love for Merino Wool

icebreaker was founded in 1994 by JEREMY MOON, who met a merino sheep farmer through a friend. JEREMY MOON had been kayaking for some time and was frustrated with the breathability and unique odors of outdoor clothing available at that time. Back then, outdoor apparel was dominated by synthetic fibers, and few people were interested in merino wool. However, after being given a 100% merino wool T-shirt by the farmer, he discovered its lightweight, soft texture, excellent breathability, and resistance to odors. This experience inspired him to create stress-free clothing for various sports. He left his job, secured a loan from the bank, and used his savings to produce five styles, including four tops and one pair of leggings, to launch the brand.

icebreaker uses the raw wool from merino sheep raised at an altitude of 1,800 meters in the Southern Alps of New Zealand. These merino sheep live in harsh high-altitude conditions with significant temperature fluctuations. In the summer, when temperatures can reach 35 degrees Celsius, the fine wool's high breathability helps maintain the sheep's body temperature, while in winter, the thick wool layer protects them from the cold, even at minus 20 degrees. This high functionality of merino wool is a product of nature, not derived from the latest technical fibers or petroleum, but from the power of grass, water, and sunlight. With its biodegradable properties, it contributes to sustainable production practices.