IHTL-1700 - Extra Heavy Cotton Knit Crew Neck Thermal Sweater
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Hey all. This is only my second post since having signed up for the IH forums. I've been reading from it for the last couple of years and figured it might be time for me to sign up.
Had a question about this thermal. Tried finding some comments which might have already answered the question but couldn't find it…
Originally, I was looking at some merino wool options to wear as an undershirt in order wear underneath my ultra heavy flannels to stay warm but after browsing around on the IH site I found this beautiful IHTL-1700 piece. Really... I'm surprised that the only store that stocks it is Self-Edge. It looks really warm and functional. How does something like this version 2 thermal compares to a merino wool shirt?
I saw a nice Stevenson Overall knitted merino on Self-Edge but is merino wool more of a fad than something that is built to last long-term? I know that shrinkage is a big concern. I'm thinking that this is why IH hasn't really jumped on the bandwagon. What do you guys think? Which would better for warmth? Is the IH much more bulky or are they about the same, would you think.
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Hi @BrianA
Merino wool may be a fad in this niche of men’s clothing but it isn’t in parts of the world with brutal winters. In Scandinavia, for example it is the standard material for woolen underwear.
As for IH not jumping on the bandwagon, there are two reasons for that. Firstly IH aren’t really bandwagon jumpers. All products are concieved of and designed from scratch by Haraki-san, with the exception if those specced by Giles and Alex, and those produced in collaboration with other brands. Haraki-san’s vision is singularly his own and explicitly not governed by what other brands are doing.
Secondly, with the exception of a couple of wool shirts and the Melton wool used in some jackets, Haraki-san deals almost exclusively in cotton. So merino wool will not be on his radar for that reason either.
As for the matter in hand, nothing will beat well made merino wool for comfort and insulating properties. Emphasis on well made.
If you need to be warm outside in very cold conditions having cotton next to your skin is the single dumbest thing you can do. It retains water very easily and when you sweat it sits in the cotton and gets cold. You don’t want that in sub zero temps. Merino wool wicks moisture away from you skin and retains warmth. It is an excellent undershirt material. This is why it is used so much in Scandinavia. The quality is generally very good, this wool is finely milled and all shrinkage removed.
Your needs may not be so specific though. Everyday urban life in a temperate climate, for example, doesn’t require that level of technical detail when it comes to clothing.
All that being said, I have two IHTL-1700’s and absolutely love them. I generally use mine alone or over a tee as a sweater though. You could wear them under shirts, but they are quite bulky. A better IH undershirt would be the IHTL-1213 or IHTL-1301. I have those as well and they are lovely.
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One of the best basic answers @neph93 !
Love my two 1213 as my base layer in 80% of all cold conditions.
Always thought about a 1700 as a useful addition.But when it comes to freezing conditions, I prefer Woolpower as my base layer!
We have a rule with the kids under 8 years that they wear a woolen base layer as soon as temps drop below 5C. Apart from the more traditional Norwegian producers who take a sports/outdoors approach to design, a newer company from near my home town are making more everyday designs made of merino. They are called FOGG Gildeskål. Their wool and weaves are excellent although they take a traditional approach and do not take the shrinkage out of the garments. Washing on a wool program or hand washing is not a problem however.
I’m amazed their site is not translated to English, but here you go:
I also picked up Nine Lives merino henley from Sonder Supplies recently and it is absolutely amazing.
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Thank you for your thoughtful responses!
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Any idea when more large blacks are coming in?
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You will be blown away by how heavy and thick the thing is. It is awesome.
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@Filthy:
You will be blown away by how heavy and thick the thing is. It is awesome.
@Filthy yes, you were 100% right. I‘m completely blown away by how heavy, comfortable and well fitted this thing is. I‘ll probably never get out of it again
Reminds me of the feeling I had when wearing my 21OZ 888s for the first time.Shoutout also to the IHUK crew! The whole “buying experience” was awesome from start to finish. Much appreciated, @Giles
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Looks awesome on you! I hope you enjoy it in good health and it serves you well for many years.
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Yeah it's like one I had from the 80s but on hardcore steroids
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@vaquero357 Looks awesome on you
Both the Thermal and the Ring! -
@vaquero357 Like the shirt,ring and especially the Stooges posters. Huge fan. Got to see the original band a few times even on a double bill with the MC5. Like the Ron Ashton version better than the James Williamson.
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…thanks all!
...@Jett129 saw 'Destroy All Monsters'( Ron Asheton and Niagra ) in 78'-79' at Jay's Longhorn in MPLS! Underage - fake ID! Love Iggy and I might have to differ with you, love James Williamson, favorite album 'KILL CITY'!
...old punks never die, we just have to piss a lot!
