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After watching bits of the Netflix documentary The Plastic Detox, I have not been able to stop thinking about how deeply plastic is woven into our everyday lives. Prior to watching it, I had already made what felt like the obvious shifts (swapping plastic food storage for glass, replacing plastic cooking utensils, etc.), but clothing was something I had never really thought about before.
Our clothes touch our skin all day long – so it’s ironic that our wardrobes are built on so many synthetic materials (hello, polyester!). Needless to say, I’ve been rethinking my everyday basics and have been on the hunt for more intentional pieces. That’s how I found Woolly Clothing.
We like
- Low-tox, biodegradable materials
- Super versatile pieces for easy layering
- Great fits for multiple body types
- Affordable luxury
- Merino is quick-drying and quick to regulate temperature
- Bundle and save – need I say more?
We don't like
- Certain pieces feel a little itchy depending on your wool sensitivity
- Wish for more colors/prints
What is Woolly?
Woolly Clothing was co-founded by three friends: Mike, Chris, and James, who wanted to make their Pacific Northwest outdoor lifestyle more comfortable and more sustainable. They were not fans of where everyday essentials (especially underwear) were headed and wanted to move away from the synthetic materials that negatively impact both us and our planet.
What started as a small side project making merino wool boxers grew into a full brand. Woolly is guided by its mantra, More Wool, Less Plastic™, which is rooted in the belief that when you feel comfortable in what you wear, you can move through life more freely. Today, the team partners with trusted wool producers in regions like Australia to source high-quality merino while keeping it more accessible for everyday wear.
Merino is Baa-rilliant
Before I get too deep into the products I tested, let’s break down the material a bit more – because wool is a polarizing material. I had always thought of wool as a warm, winter-only material, pretty much reserved for ski socks. I was wrong!
Merino wool is quite different from traditional wool. It comes from the Merino sheep and has much finer, more flexible fibers than the “grandma sweater” wool most of us picture. Beyond its softness and flexibility, merino has a set of performance properties we usually associate with synthetic athleisure. For example, it is highly moisture-wicking and can absorb up to 30% of its weight in water, helping you stay dry (and quickly!) whether you are working out or just out on a hot summer day.
But it is not just for warm weather; merino also performs in the cold, acting as a natural thermostat by trapping body heat when temperatures drop, while releasing excess heat and moisture when you start to warm up. Best of all, it is biodegradable and fully renewable, so it will not sit in a landfill for 50+ years, as the pieces are 95-100% merino.
Your next thought might be, “What about the sheep?” Luckily, Woolly has thought about that too. The brand is RWS-certified, meaning its wool is ethically sourced with careful attention to animal welfare and land management.
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My Top Picks
To give you the best scoop I can, I tried a whole bunch of Woolly’s styles. Let’s start with the undies, since that’s where the brand started: I tried the Bikini Brief ($34) and the Thong (on sale for $24). Admittedly, I really love a good comfy bikini brief, especially during certain *phases* of the month. The fit on this was really nice, and didn’t dig in anywhere. It’s definitely on the pricier side for underwear, but bundling can really help bring that cost down. The thong was good, too, and works well on gym days when I’m wearing leggings. I’ve been pretty picky thong-wise since turning 30, but this fits the bill.
Moving up the body a bit, I also tried the Triangle Bralette ($68). As a WFH mom of 2, I don’t do real bras. (Seriously – it takes a lot to get me out of sports-bra land.) This one was nice, but a touch itchy on my admittedly-sensitive skin. The fit and support was solid, and I felt shockingly sexy in it, so I’ll be giving this one another shot after a good wash or two.
I was probably most excited about the tees and tanks, especially the Crew Neck Tee ($68) and the Flex Tank ($68). Basics are my favorite, especially with a lot of upcoming summer travel, and these two will make the tight cut of my carry-on! The tee is expensive, but it feels luxe and offers a nice fit without squeezing anywhere (tricky for me, as I have larger shoulders and smaller waist). The tank is an easy, put-together option to toss on and go to the gym.
Worth the Investment?
As someone who does a lot of laundry (mom of 2, remember?) I hate special care instructions for fabrics (with every fiber of my being!). Thankfully, Woolly’s pieces are intentionally designed to be low-maintenance. You can wash and dry the pieces just like any other; the only caveat is that high heat and rough materials (like zippers in jeans) should be avoided. I am told pilling could happen over time, but washing inside out can help slow the progression of this. I can deal with lower heat and inside-out washing for an easy material, though… especially compared to the synthetic athleisure that I have to hang dry.
Woolly's pieces are not the cheapest basics you will find; there is no doubt about that. But they are doing something a bit different when it comes to what they are made of and how they are made. I really appreciate the simplicity, attention to detail, and care behind the brand, from material choice to design. These are the kinds of pieces you actually wear on repeat, not just sit in a drawer. And honestly, those are the things I find myself willing to pay for these days.
