Just received my KUIU 145 LS Shirts... anyone else?

[eltaco]

I'm curious if anyone else has received their 145s yet? I just received a package containing three of these shirts, and quickly ripped it open to try them out! I got the first shirt on, and immediately felt the discomfort of itching all over. I also received a 230 shirt and absolutely LOVE the shirt. I guess the question is... is this normal on the 145? Would it get better if I washed it? I'd order up some 185s, but they've been out of stock for a while now so I'm scared that I'm stuck with no better options this close to season. Really curious if anyone else had this same experience, or if there's anything I can do to mitigate the itchy feeling? Any info is GREATLY appreciated...

 

[Ryan Avery]

You might just be sensitive to merino. The only merino that doesn't itch me is First Lite.

 

[JNDEER]

try and give it a good wash. despite it all being Merino they all feel different next to the skin. I have kuiu, core4 and firstlite and they all feel different next to the skin.

 

[Hardstalk]

First lite is great. I know a few sheep farmers and wool is varied soo much its insane. From the sheep to the shirt its easy to cut corners and save a few bucks in manufacturing. I hope thats not the case with the kuiu.

 

[cmeier117]

All merino itches me right when I put it on. Then i don't notice it. First lite and kuiu both.

 

[BigSurArcher]

My Merino 145 SS felt a bit rough when I put it on out of the package, but after one wash and dry on low heat it softened right up. It should be even better after wearing it and washing the second time.

 

[eltaco]

Do you guys think washing it will help? Seems like a nice shirt at a weight I'd be satisfied with... but if I wash it and it still itches, I doubt I can return it.

Really wish they had some 185 in stock to know if I had the same reaction to it...

 

[BigSurArcher]

First lite is great. I know a few sheep farmers and wool is varied soo much its insane. From the sheep to the shirt its easy to cut corners and save a few bucks in manufacturing. I hope thats not the case with the kuiu.

All the KUIU wool is from the Merino Company in New Zealand, and the quality standards are very high (17.5 micron width per strand).

 

[Hardstalk]

All the KUIU wool is from the Merino Company in New Zealand, and the quality standards are very high (17.5 micron width per strand).

Had a feeling you would be chiming in. This is a perfect thread to dig a bit deeper into kuiu's wool play.. Im just curious why not american wool? If you can pinpoint the answer I would appreciate it. Regardless still a fan and not bashing.

 

[BigSurArcher]

Really wish they had some 185 in stock to know if I had the same reaction to it...

There are plenty of 185 LS and SS crews in stock.

 

[eltaco]

There are plenty of 185 LS and SS crews in stock.

Not in Verde Large, though... for either the crew or zip.

I could order another color, but it would be just to try it on and pay shipping both ways. Hopefully their shipment of Verde arrives soon.

Then again, if its just an issue of my skin sensitivity, should I have any expectation that the 185 would be better for me?

 

[BigSurArcher]

Had a feeling you would be chiming in. This is a perfect thread to dig a bit deeper into kuiu's wool play.. Im just curious why not american wool? If you can pinpoint the answer I would appreciate it. Regardless still a fan and not bashing.

The Merino Company has been doing their thing for over 150 years, and is known for being just about as good as it gets in the wool industry when looking at quality control (grade and consistency), number of fabric types available, and dependability. Their wool isn't all from their own flocks, they actually work closely with sheep farmers in New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa. Then from those various sheep farms, they go ahead and hand-select which wool is going to meet standards for use. This close partnership with provides the farmers with a huge incentive to raise the best wool and harvest it with great care. Jason traveled all over the world meeting with different wool companies, and The Merino Company took the cake. I'm sure if there was better in the U.S., he would have gone that route.

eltaco- Sorry to get off base! The 185 will feel a bit softer, but you are right- if it's your skin, then you may just be sensitive to wool all together. The rest of the wool shipment should be coming in just around the corner... although there isn't a lockdown date yet. I wouldn't give up all together before trying the 185 and/or washing the 145.

 

[Hardstalk]

Ok. So they work with a wool distributor?

 

[Ryan Avery]

Here's my take on it. I have worn a lot of different merino wool. Kuiu, Smart Wool and First Lite, all have 17.5 and there's not a lot of places to get this quality merino wool from. So First Lite must be doing something extra. It doesn't make me break out at all.

The 230 is a sweet shirt. But I don't wear it next to my skin.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 2

 

[Jager]

Give it a wash mate, should be right then.

Hardstalk Australian and New Zealand ultra fine merino is the best you will find, bar none, simply because it has been a specialised industry for many many years, my Great Grandfather was growing it before I was born.

 

[Aron Snyder]

Taco,

If it still itches after you wash it, I would think about sticking with synthetic.

I know a few people with super sensitive skin that can't use merino.

 

[cmeier117]

What is the difference between the 185 and 145?

 

[eltaco]

What is the difference between the 185 and 145?

145 is lighter weight blend, I think it was 63% merino / 37% poly blend. I've never held the 185 so I can't say how much thinner it is.


What has me intrigued about "the itch" is that the 230 feels fantastic.... no issues for me at all. Its obviously heavier than I want to go for an all day layer, but it's straight Merino.

 

[doverpack12]

For me First Lite is the best against the skin but KUIU is not far behind in the 185 weight. My KUIU shirts were a little stiff/rough out of the package and they are designed big so after washing the first time they shrink to the proper size and mine also got much much softer almost equal to First Lite. I no longer have a preferance either way other than price. I did try one of the Russell Merino shirts and talk about itching WOW!! Have not tried C4E or some of the others because I don't need to.

 

[jquarnberg]

I really was happy with the shirt. The cut and fit was perfect for me on the LS crew. Sleeves are a good length shirt is a good length. My complaint is the color. Its so different than all the other vias items I have. I hate that. Also did anyone notice the smell? We ordered 3 I got my LS out and tried it on didnt notice anything. My buddy came by to pick up his SS and he tried it on and it stunk so bad so we opened the other SS and it was bad too. Like a vomit worthy stink. I swear it came off a dead sheep. Sure it will wash out. Love the top just pissed about the color.