Wool Sunshirt?

Whitewater Fishing innovative new Merino Fishing Hoodie blends the natural qualities of premium Merino wool with added features and performance for fishing. 

MUSKEGON, Mich. (June 20, 2024) Yes, a wool sunshirt. Leave it to Whitewater Fishing with their combined 100-years of apparel design expertise to leverage the inherent comfort, moisture-wicking, and cooling properties of Merino wool and merge them with sunshirt features and technologies. And its called the Merino Fishing Hoodie

What is Merino wool?

For starters, its not that itchy, scratchy fabric in your ugly Christmas sweater. Rather, its a superfine natural fiber thats sheared from Merino sheep. Originally from Spain, Merino sheep are now raised in South America, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and the United States.

Key to Merino wool of the highest quality is the diameter of its fibers, measured in microns (one millionth of a meter). For example, routine Merino wool measures in the low 20s, whereas Whitewaters new Merino Hoodie comes in at 18.5 microns. That means more of Merino wools beneficial properties per square inch of material. (To give you an idea of how fine that is, human hairs average between 50 and 100 microns.)

So, what are those beneficial properties?

Temperature Regulation

Merino wool adapts to your bodys needs. It provides a degree of warmth when its cold and offers breathability when its warmer. So, in the case of Whitewaters Merino Fishing Hoodie, it can perform as a lone outer-layer if its warm or theres a bit of a nip in the air. Additionally, the Merino Fishing Hoodie serves as the ultimate mid-layer under raingear, such as Whitewaters Great Lakes Pro and Tamer jacket. 

Sun Protection

Perhaps surprising to some, Merino fibers possess natural pigments that absorb UV light. This inherent UV resistance provides some level of sun protection, but not enough for Whitewater. They jacked up the sun protection on the Merino Fishing Hoodie to 50+ UPF.

Odor Resistance

While Whitewater is famous for its antimicrobial treatments, in the case of the Merino Hoodie, the fabric alone offers native antimicrobial properties. This comes from a sheeps ability to produce a natural wax (sheep grease) that repels water and prevents the accumulation of bacteria, mold, and fungus.

Moisture Wicking

Specialty fabrics and treatments, including some of those from Whitewater, are purposed for wicking moisture off your skin. Merino wool? It naturally lifts perspiration off and away as it does for sheep. Mother Nature is amazing

Elasticity

Unlike conventional wool, Merino wool offers a degree of elasticity. Meaning, the fabric holds its shape. For the purposes of the Merino Fishing Hoodie, Whitewater blended in nylon and elastane to add the stretch and motion-promotion required for fishing.

Comfort and Softness

This is the no-brainer. Instantly feel the softness with one touch of the fabric. This softness translates into unrivaled comfort against your skin. 

Hypoallergenic

Maybe not a requirement for fishing, but its factual, nonetheless. Merino wool is officially recognized as asthma and allergy friendly by the international certification body Allergy Standards Limited (ASL).

Fire-Resistant

Yes, its true. Merino wool fibers are difficult to ignite, have limited ability to sustain a flame, and can self-extinguish. Merino wool clothing is worn by firemen, police, soldiers, and rescue teams because of its natural fire protection.

Construction-wise, the Merino Fishing Hoodie features flatlock seams for maximum durability and comfort. The exceptional flatlock seams are visible on the outside and designed to keep the smooth Merino feel on the inside.

The Merino Fishing Hoodies premium 3-piece hood is designed for fit and comfort, as well as sun protection. And, in cooler conditions, it yields a level warmth. 

You might pay a little more for the Merino Fishing Hoodie, but when you consider all the benefits of Merino wool, its really more of an investment.

Merino Fishing Hoodie FEATURES:

• Featuring 83% 18.5-micron Merino wool, 12% nylon, and 5% elastane for the perfect blend of stretch with all the benefits of Merino wool
• Lightweight 120g fabric
• Natural thermal regulation
• Natural moisture-wicking
• Natural antimicrobial
• Natural sun protection increased to 50+ UPF
• 3-piece hood offers sun protection and warmth if temps drop
• Flatlock seams for next-to-skin comfort and overall durability

$129.99