Here at Minus33, we use Merino wool in a variety of our garments. Understanding the types of knits we offer can help you choose the right base layer. Our garments are knitted rather than woven, so we are taking an in-depth look at jersey, rib, interlock, Ponte de Roma, and brushed interlock knits. Visit our Fabric Weights Guide for more information about each base-layer weight.
Jersey Knit
Jersey knit is a single-layer fabric with a soft stretch. It is ideal for close-fitting garments because it stretches and moves with you. It is also absorbent and breathable.
Jersey knit is used to make our Woolverino and Lightweight base layers. Our Woolverino Microweight collection is made from featherlight Merino wool using our corespun Woolverino fabric for additional durability. Our Lightweight Base Layers are made from 100% Merino wool jersey-knit fabric.
Learn more about Woolverino technology.
Rib Knit
Rib knit is a reversible fabric with distinct vertical ribs on both sides, created by alternating knit and purl stitches. Learn more about identifying knit fabrics from Threads Magazine.
Rib knit is commonly used for garment cuffs and collars, including the sleeves of our long-sleeved crew shirts and hoodies and the cuffs of our base-layer bottoms. Its elasticity allows it to stretch more across its width than its length. You can also find this knit in our Everyday Knit collection, including the Everyday Knit Beanie.
Interlock Knit
Interlock knit is a variation of rib knit. It uses two rows of stitches, with one behind the other, to create the texture of a double-knit fabric. Interlock knit offers excellent durability, stretch, and drape, making it suitable for both base and mid layers.
Our original base layers were designed with interlock knit. Our 100% Merino wool Midweight Collection was the first collection we created. It was designed for hunting, skiing, hiking, and other outdoor adventures. Its interlock construction makes it more durable than our Woolverino and Lightweight fabrics.
Originally designed for winter mountaineering on Mount Washington, Minus33's 100% Merino wool Expedition Weight clothing has been used in Antarctica, the Arctic, and on Mount Everest. Our Expedition base layers use the same interlock construction as our Midweight collection, providing some of the toughest and warmest base-layer options from Minus33.
For the coldest conditions, the Yukon Men's Expedition Wool Crew provides dependable Expedition Weight warmth.
Expedition clothing can be worn as a base, mid, or outer layer. Our Expedition family includes the Expedition, Wilderness Expedition, and Kodiak Fleece collections.
Ponte de Roma Knit
Our Wilderness Expedition collection uses a Ponte de Roma knit. It was designed to be lighter than our classic Expedition line, twice as durable, and just as warm. These substantial 100% Merino wool mid layers use a double-layer Ponte knit built for demanding outdoor adventures.
Ponte de Roma is a double-knitting technique that creates two layers of fabric knitted together. The fabric is tightly knitted, making it durable, stretchy, soft, and resistant to wrinkles. Its natural drape allows these mid layers to transition comfortably from outdoor activities to everyday wear.
Kodiak Fleece: Brushed Interlock Knit
Much like the coat of a Kodiak bear, our Kodiak Fleece Collection provides exceptional warmth in freezing conditions. We use the same 100% Merino wool interlock fabric found in our Expedition pieces and brush the inside for additional softness and warmth.
Brushed or fleeced fabric is created through a finishing process that carefully raises the fibers on one side of the material. This creates additional loft that traps warm air and makes the fabric exceptionally soft.
All our fabrics, garments, and accessories are ethically sourced using non-mulesed wool. Whether made from 100% Merino wool or our nylon-corespun Woolverino fabric, our products are designed to be breathable, durable, and warm. Learn more about our sustainably sourced Merino wool.
Written by Meaghan Ruby
