WIRED favorite apparel company Unbound Merino has kicked off its Black Friday sale with deals on our favorite merino wool clothing. This is the only sale of the year for Unbound Merino (though you can sign up for the mailing list, which offers coupons and deals), and a great chance to round out your travel wardrobe with some excellent merino wool. From casual, everyday T-shirts, to underwear, socks, and great merino travel pants, Unbound has a little something for everyone. We’ve combed through the site and found a few of our favorite deals. Be sure to see our guide to the Best Merino Wool T-shirts, Best Merino Wool Clothes, and the Best Base Layers for more great merino wool options.
What’s So Great About Merino Wool?
Merino wool is fantastic because it lets you take advantage of a sheep’s natural ability to stay comfortable in varying temperatures, a process known as thermoregulation. Merino sheep have finer, softer wool than what most people typically associate with wool. They’ve evolved this cozy coat to keep them comfy no matter the weather. This translates to a fabric that feels great against your skin. For the softest tees, look for fabrics labeled superfine or ultrafine—anything 17 µm or higher—like Unbound’s T-shirts.
Wool is also sustainable. One sheep can produce about 4 to 5 pounds of wool each year. While cotton and synthetic garments have their place, merino wool stands out as a remarkable fabric that’s a staple in my wardrobe. I don’t think you can have too many merino pieces, but they can be pricey—that’s why we’re sharing these deals.
What’s So Great About Unbound Merino?
I love Unbound’s T-shirts because they’re made of 100% merino wool, with no synthetics. That means you get all the antibacterial, odor-resistant, moisture-wicking, and temperature-regulating benefits of merino wool. I’ve found their T-shirts to be quick-drying and wrinkle-resistant, making them perfect for travel. The company’s pants also have a high wool content (95%), and they roll up nicely for easy packing. Do you need special travel clothing? Not necessarily, but Unbound’s merino wool is naturally odor-resistant, so you’ll need fewer items in your suitcase. Plus, they offer a 30-day guarantee—if you’re not happy, you can return them.
How to Care for Merino Wool
Most merino products come with care instructions. Unbound’s T-shirts should be washed in cold water with similar colors and laid flat to dry. Whatever you do, avoid bleach and don’t put them in the dryer—this can be really damaging. I’ve seen the disastrous effects firsthand after testing wool T-shirts. Just let them air dry; it usually takes less than a day. You just dropped $80 (on sale!) on that tee, so take care of it. When properly cared for, high-quality merino clothing like Unbound’s lasts for years. But toss it in the dryer, and you’ll start to see pilling almost immediately.
Do I always lay them flat to dry? Not really. When I’m traveling, I usually hand-wash in the sink and then drape them over the shower curtain rod to dry, which seems to work fine. Be cautious, though—hanging wet wool can stretch, especially with 100% merino like Unbound’s T-shirts.
I’ve never had trouble storing merino in my closet between wears, but for long-term storage, it’s wise to take measures against moths, which love to chew on wool. I’ve lost merino items to moths before. I make sure to wash and thoroughly dry anything I’m storing, then seal it in a compression bag. You could also wrap it in cotton and place it in a plastic bin. Just ensure the garment is fully dry before using any storage methods to avoid musty smells. Alternatives include cedar chests, which deter moths naturally, or using moth traps or lavender sachets to repel them.
Courtesy of Unbound Merino
Unbound Merino Merino T-Shirt
Unbound’s T-shirts were my first introduction to the brand, and they remain among my favorites. This shirt is incredibly soft, and being 100% merino wool, it stays odor-free for several days—up to five or six, depending on the weather and activities. I appreciate that the cut of Unbound’s crew neck T-shirt looks casual, unlike many technical shirts. This is just a regular, stylish tee that won’t make you look like you’re trying too hard. Additionally, it packs down to a tiny roll, making it great for minimalist travel.
The quick-drying feature is a game-changer. You can wash it in the sink at night, roll it in a towel to wring it out, lay it flat, and it’ll be dry by morning. Just remember to take care of these tees to ensure longevity—I recommend hand washing and line drying. Also, while I prefer the crew neck, the V-neck is also available for $80 (that’s $10 off).
Courtesy of Unbound Merino
Unbound Merino Relaxed Merino Travel Pants
Unbound’s travel pants are made from a lightweight merino blend that offers plenty of stretch and freedom of movement, helped by the 5% elastane. They have a slightly more formal look, so they might even suit your office’s definition of “business casual.” I’ve worn them to nice restaurants without drawing a second glance, and they don’t scream “wealthy” when you’re stumbling back to your hotel at 2 a.m.
True to Unbound’s reputation, these pants pack down incredibly small—two pairs take up about the same space as one pair of jeans. This is a huge advantage for serious travelers relying on just a carry-on bag. Keep in mind, though, they’re on the thinner side, so they might not be ideal for cold climates. If you’re like me and face winter weather, layering a good base layer underneath will keep you warm. If slim fit is more your vibe, that option is also on sale.
Save More With a Bundle Deal
Courtesy of Unbound Merino
Unbound Merino Travel Pants T-Shirt Bundle
One of the best ways to save on Unbound Merino T-shirts and pants is to opt for their bundle deals. Right now, you can grab the Travel Pants + T-shirt Bundle for $270 ($48 off), saving you an extra $10 compared to buying each item individually. There are several other bundles as well, including the T-shirt 3-pack for $220 ($50 off), which is $20 cheaper than purchasing three T-shirts separately, and the boxer briefs pack for $75 ($15 off).
Other Great Deals
Courtesy of Unbound Merino
Unbound Merino Merino Boxers
I know what you might be thinking: wool underwear? Isn’t that something lumberjacks from the 1800s wore? Perhaps, but those lumberjacks were onto something. They might not have had the luxury of soft merino underwear like Unbound’s, but they sure knew that wool keeps you warm without overheating, wicks moisture perfectly, and can be worn several times without stinking. The women’s underwear is also on sale; editor Adrienne So tested it out and found the fabric thick and durable, even holding up after a trip through the dryer.
These Unbound boxers are made from 84% merino wool, 12% nylon, and 4% spandex for a soft, stretchy fit. They weigh in at 180 GSM (check out our merino guide for what GSM means), making them lightweight. The inseam measures 5.5 inches, and they come tagless for extra comfort.
Courtesy of Unbound Merino
Unbound Merino Ultralight Travel Backpack
Unbound has recently expanded beyond clothing to create this travel backpack. While I haven’t tested it extensively yet, I’ve used it for a couple of weeks and so far, I’m impressed. It balances organization and flexibility nicely, featuring a pen holder and a tech pouch. Plus, it conveniently folds flat when you don’t need it. Despite its size, it’s surprisingly comfortable. This 15L pack isn’t enormous, but it’s designed to complement your main luggage, providing enough space for everything you need for a day out.
Courtesy of Unbound Merino
Unbound Merino Long-Sleeve Merino Crew
If you prefer long sleeves, this is the shirt for you. It’s pretty much the same as Unbound’s short-sleeve T-shirt but with long sleeves. Most of the same descriptions apply, plus many of the same multi-pack deals are available. You can snag a 2-pack of long-sleeve merino tees for $180 ($46 off).
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