Cashmere baselayer?
#1
Thread Starter
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From: Sacramento, California, USA
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Cashmere baselayer?
We had some moth issues and I have a couple of really nice cashmere sweaters with big holes in them. Too big to be repaired so I could wear them as a regular sweater (and not look like a hobo).
But I was thinking I might be able to fit them under a jersey as a super comfy baselayer. Has anyone done this?
But I was thinking I might be able to fit them under a jersey as a super comfy baselayer. Has anyone done this?
#4
cyclocommuter
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Brunswick, ME
Bikes: L.L. Bean Evolution hybrid, Jazz Voltage rigid mtb
I love my wool long underwear.
It's by far the best material I've tried (used to use cotton and polypro), although it can be expensive. Cashmere is just a high-quality and extra-soft type of wool. I had an Under Armour Cold Gear top but it has been my backup baselayer since I got the Smartwool midweight top. The Under Armour didn't breathe all that well and started to smell like BO almost as soon as I put it on. (The smell doesn't wash out either). In contrast, I can wear the wool (I also have the Smartwool midweight bottoms) all week without it smelling at all.
It's by far the best material I've tried (used to use cotton and polypro), although it can be expensive. Cashmere is just a high-quality and extra-soft type of wool. I had an Under Armour Cold Gear top but it has been my backup baselayer since I got the Smartwool midweight top. The Under Armour didn't breathe all that well and started to smell like BO almost as soon as I put it on. (The smell doesn't wash out either). In contrast, I can wear the wool (I also have the Smartwool midweight bottoms) all week without it smelling at all.
#5
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From: København
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We had some moth issues and I have a couple of really nice cashmere sweaters with big holes in them. Too big to be repaired so I could wear them as a regular sweater (and not look like a hobo).
But I was thinking I might be able to fit them under a jersey as a super comfy baselayer. Has anyone done this?
But I was thinking I might be able to fit them under a jersey as a super comfy baselayer. Has anyone done this?
Regarding holes in wool products. People often think it is moths, but IMHO most of those holes comes from people washing the wool in washing powder with enzymes in it. The enzymes can potentially destroy wool.
"Recently it has become the practice to incorporate more enzymes in fabric washing compositions so that the compositions can be used at lower temperatures to save energy and reduce the damage to clothes caused by high temperature washing. There is also a trend towards washing woollen garments in the washing machine, even if they are marked 'hand wash only'. The damage caused by washing wool in a fabric washing composition containing high levels of proteolytic enzyme can be considerable in terms of weight loss of the fabric, shrinkage and eventual disintegration of the garment by formation of holes."
Source:
https://www.freepatentsonline.com/EP0614966.html
I have a Merino baselayer that accidentally was machine washed with enzymes (probably more than once) and also went into the dryer afterwards. It looks like a coarse fishing net from all the holes.
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Regards
#6
surly old man

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Why not? I use freshwater pearls as hub bearings. And fois gras makes a good wet lube for the chain in winter.
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#7
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#8
Thread Starter
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From: Sacramento, California, USA
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Canyon Exceed, Specialized Transition, Ellsworth Roots, Ridley Excalibur
Yes and no. I have tried Cashmere a base layer, but usually I use my Cashmere sweaters as second layer when it is freezing and windy. The only problem with using it as a baselayer is that it can absorb a lot of sweat and therefore takes a long time to dry.
Regarding holes in wool products. People often think it is moths, but IMHO most of those holes comes from people washing the wool in washing powder with enzymes in it. The enzymes can potentially destroy wool.
"Recently it has become the practice to incorporate more enzymes in fabric washing compositions so that the compositions can be used at lower temperatures to save energy and reduce the damage to clothes caused by high temperature washing. There is also a trend towards washing woollen garments in the washing machine, even if they are marked 'hand wash only'. The damage caused by washing wool in a fabric washing composition containing high levels of proteolytic enzyme can be considerable in terms of weight loss of the fabric, shrinkage and eventual disintegration of the garment by formation of holes."
Source:
https://www.freepatentsonline.com/EP0614966.html
I have a Merino baselayer that accidentally was machine washed with enzymes (probably more than once) and also went into the dryer afterwards. It looks like a coarse fishing net from all the holes.
--
Regards
Regarding holes in wool products. People often think it is moths, but IMHO most of those holes comes from people washing the wool in washing powder with enzymes in it. The enzymes can potentially destroy wool.
"Recently it has become the practice to incorporate more enzymes in fabric washing compositions so that the compositions can be used at lower temperatures to save energy and reduce the damage to clothes caused by high temperature washing. There is also a trend towards washing woollen garments in the washing machine, even if they are marked 'hand wash only'. The damage caused by washing wool in a fabric washing composition containing high levels of proteolytic enzyme can be considerable in terms of weight loss of the fabric, shrinkage and eventual disintegration of the garment by formation of holes."
Source:
https://www.freepatentsonline.com/EP0614966.html
I have a Merino baselayer that accidentally was machine washed with enzymes (probably more than once) and also went into the dryer afterwards. It looks like a coarse fishing net from all the holes.
--
Regards
I think you're right. It's just too fluffy and I think it'll hold too much sweat. On the other hand, if I wear it as a second layer over my new (and instant favorite) Smartwool merino longsleeve t-shirt, it would be great all the way down to 32F/0C, I think.
#9
DNPAIMFB
Joined: Aug 2005
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From: Cowtown, AB
Bikes: Titus El Guapo, Misfit diSSent, Cervelo Soloist Carbon, Wabi Lightning, et al.
Hell yes, I would use cahsmere as a base layer. Merino wool is really nice as well, but cashmere is the shiznitz.
#10
Daily Rider
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My wife got me a cashmere vest to use as a mid-layer and it is awesome. I also use a cheap cashmere sweater when it is really cold out. It was actually cheaper than my high tech cycling stuff. The only drawback I see might be that they are not cycling specific but sometimes that's a plus.
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#11
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