CARINTHIA Base Layer Merino Underwear

The right base layer is like the foundation for a house, with it stands or falls the rest. Everyone knows how important good underwear is, as it is worn every day and is the first layer directly on the skin. Therefore, wearing comfort and temperature regulation are crucial to feel comfortable and deliver the best performance during activities. CARINTHIA knows the importance of these factors and has recently launched their new merino underwear. We used and tested it and present it to you in this review.

Firstly, underwear from CARINTHIA, is functional underwear. Thanks to the high merino content, it has temperature-regulating properties, meaning it keeps you warm in the cold and cools in the summer. Additionally, it keeps the skin dry and is odor-neutralizing. Also, since merino fibers are much finer than regular wool fibers, it doesn't feel scratchy. 

This underlayer kept us nice and cozy for a restful sleep in our sleeping bag - even in the very cold and damp conditions of this winter, with no snow. Here you can see the CARINTHIA Functional Long Sleeve (CFL), as well as the CARINTHIA Functional Pants (CFP). We wear size Medium, and this fit perfectly, as expected from the size chart. We also wear T-shirts and underpants in size Medium.

Something special about the long versions of the underwear is that they are made 100 percent of Merino, as can be seen from the label. This is quite special, as many other manufacturers use fiber blends. Is the 100 percent a problem? No, quite the opposite. The fabric also has natural stretch, so it wears very comfortably. 

The shirt has CARINTHIA printed inside, along with the size. The label is sewn on the side to avoid chafing. The seams are strategically placed and flat stitched on the pants and shirts to prevent pressure and chafing spots. This also helps when you start adding more layers in the onion principle, as these layers should also transport moisture away from the body so that the underwear can play to its full strength. 

Now let's move on to the short versions of the underwear. These differ in length and one other detail. 

As mentioned earlier, the short versions use a different fiber blend. Namely, 80 percent Merino, 14 percent polyamide, and 6 percent elastane. Why? Because you tend to wear the shorts when it's warmer, and you naturally produce more sweat. Accordingly, the mixed fabric of the short underwear wicks the moisture away and dries faster. 

Both underpants are closed at the front and have no fly. So, if you need to pee, you have to pull the pants down. 

The cut of the shirts is practical - being longer at the back to prevent bare spots when bending over. 

Conclusion

Those who spend a lot of time outdoors can really benefit from Merino clothing. What has long been proven in mountain sports also proves itself here. We have not only worn the clothing in the sleeping bag but also on several tours, as well as at the shooting range and on outdoor courses. This is an ideal base layer that does exactly what it is supposed to - and the fabric feels fantastic. Even after several washes, everything is still as fresh as when purchased and ready for wearing again. 

The Merino underwear line is available directly from CARINTHIA. The short T-shirt sells for 84.90 Euro, long shirt for 109.90 Euro. The short underpants sell for 49.90 Euro and the long underpants for 99.90 Euro. 

CARINTHIA online