Design 
Quality of Materials 
Value for Money 
Craftsmanship 
Customer Service I don’t know about you, but I’m a cautious guy when it comes to what I consume.
All my Teflon pans were replaced with aluminum. I no longer drink from plastic water bottles, only glass. If I can avoid wearing polyester, nylon, and any petro-derived fabrics in place of cotton, viscose, or cashmere, you can bet your bottom dollar I will.
It’s borderline paranoia.
Performance activewear has resisted people’s concerns with microplastics and the product’s lack of biodegradability.
I get it. Can The North Face just redesign their GORE-TEX jackets with an outer layer of sap-coated canvas as an eco-friendly alternative to waterproofing?
That would be absurd. These materials have their place. But for goodness sake, if we can turn crude oil into apparel, can’t we come up with decent performance gear mostly made from natural fibers?
Woolly Clothing Co’s mammoth logo captivated my fossil-loving inner child, but more importantly, their obsession with wool and its viability as an outdoor apparel fabric spoke to my eco-conscious shopping habits.
Having copped a hoodie, pants, shirts, and underwear, I tested their best-sellers over the course of a few weeks and the review is in.
What Is Woolly Clothing Co?
Woolly Clothing Co isn’t afraid to whistleblow the apparel industry when they say ”we see the negative impact synthetic garments have on our environment. And we recognize the high price tag of natural alternatives like wool – Time to change that.”
They’ve got us consumers pinned into a corner.
The brand’s five co-founders launched Woolly in one of America’s exploration hotspots: Seattle, WA.
Spotting the local hikers, climbers, skiers, and kayakers dressed head to toe in plastic was a perpetual deja-vu moment. Seeing as nobody recycles their clothes, they sought wool, a material hardly used for performance gear, as a less impactful alternative.
This isn’t coarse wool that triggers an abrupt case of hives, they use Merino wool—soft, elastic, and gentle on the skin. Woolly partners with The Woolmark Company to source their revered textile, ensuring animal welfare, land health, and environmental harm reduction are prioritized from shearing to shirt.
Things to Consider Before Buying
Wool thrives as an insulator. How else could sheep call chilly mountaintops home?
Woolly Clothing Co indeed found a way to make it thin and breathable, and it thrives as base and mid-layers, but they aren’t a one-stop-shop to outfit all of your wild excursions.
All-natural fabrics rarely stack up against synthetics for combatting inclement weather. Stick to the polyester shell jackets to keep you dry and layer on some wool underneath if you’re looking to cut down on plastic in preparation for your next trek.
Woolly’s active pieces are just as capable as synthetic versions from the big outdoor brands. Their base and mid-layer styles boast impressive freedom of movement, odor, and moisture control despite a Merino-only fabric. Casual button-ups made from 100% natural fabric are common, so eco-friendliness isn’t a strong motivator given Woolly’s basic designs.
My Hands-On Review
Pro-Knit Pullover Hoodie
I work fully remote, so my days of sweater-over-oxford when I need a warm layer are over. Hoodies have fully taken that spot.
The Pro-Knit Pullover Hoodie is made from 100%, 18.5-micron merino wool—completely unrecognizable if you’re used to thick wool sweaters.
These itty-bitty fibers have an uber-soft texture unlike the thick bands of yarn that most wool sweaters feel like.
I recently got a hoodie from a similar brand: PAKA. Their whole thing is alpaca-fur clothing for both casual and outdoor settings.
Theirs is almost $140 and only 65% genuine alpaca fur. For about $20 less, I think the Pro-Knit Pullover Hoodie is a much better value considering it’s 100% natural-fiber makeup.
When it comes to fit, the hoodie has an athletic profile. It sits well on the body without feeling too tight, and the thin material layers easily, whether that’s under a vest or over a long-sleeve tee.
While I don’t prefer this kind of fit on pullovers, it’s more functional than the boxy hoodies I normally lean towards. They take up a ton of room under jackets. This design is a lot more versatile if I’m solely looking for added warmth.
While it works great for an athletic build, those looking for a more relaxed fit might find it a bit too snug.
I like to keep my reviews balanced, but I struggle to find any major downsides of the Pro-Knit Pullover Hoodie. The fabric itself feels amazing, and the flat-lock seams and tagless prevent any targeted discomfort. A decent hoodie will run you about $100 these days. Nice wool sweaters cost way more. Whether you like all-natural clothing or plain-old comfy ones, I think it’s a steal.
This hoodie is made from 100% Merino wool, which has all of wool's softness without any of the itchiness. It has a thin feel which not only makes it great for layering, but surprisingly comfortable on warmer days.
Longhaul Shop Pant
I was deciding between the regular Longhaul Pants and the Longhaul Shop Pant.
Both are priced the same—just under $130. I sprung for the shop pants as they have a few features that I hadn’t seen from other brands.
The first thing that caught my attention was the D-ring on the waist. This little addition turned out to be incredibly useful.
Even though I don’t have a car in NYC, I have a key for my building’s entrance, apartment, bike lock, and copies for my sister’s apartment. I’m constantly reaching for them. The D-ring makes them much easier to access than my pockets which hold enough things already.
The fabric flexibility is another standout feature. Whether I’m sitting at my desk or riding my fixed-gear, they move with me effortlessly.
I hate to break hearts, but there is a bit of synthetic fiber here, albeit very little—75% Australian Merino wool, 21% bamboo, and 4% elastane.
Personally, I’m not pressed. The inclusion of elastane is so little and it serves a purpose here. A similar pair of pants from lululemon or Vuori would have a much higher content.
I normally avoid “commuter” pants from these types of brands. They’re stretchy to a fault, making my thick thighs and calves even more apparent. The Longhaul Shop Pants aren’t nearly as constricting through the leg, but boy, they do make the rear look nice.
Have you noticed how wool socks stink a lot less than cotton ones? I noticed that here too. After a long day, they still felt fresh, thanks to the natural odor-resistant properties of Merino wool.
I’d say the Longhaul Shop Pants are a solid addition to your wardrobe if you live a mostly casual lifestyle with a bit of amateur hiking in between.
They seem to lack the reinforcements I expect from true “shop pants”: double-knees, reinforced rivets, and double stitching. I appreciate the extra leg pockets and D-ring, but the fabric lacks the robust feel that I’d comfortably wear in a carpentry studio.
Even with a mere 4% elastane content, these pants flex with any pose you throw at them, and the remaining wool/bamboo combo balances softness and breathability that I can wear during any season. Add on a built-in D-ring and extra leg pockets and I’ve got a helpful pair of pants without that “tactical” look.
Long Sleeve Button Up
Most of Woolly Clothing Co’s shirts are 100% pure merino wool, and the Long Sleeve Button Up is no different.
It’s certainly one of the brand’s everyday pieces rather than an outdoorsy accoutrement, but I was surprised to find that it translates nicely onto a button-up.
It definitely has a flannel vibe to it— a subtle fuzz, only without the bulk.
Unlike the exposed stitches of a vintage flannel, the Long Sleeve Button Up is sewn with flat-lock stitches.
This gives it a cleaner look. I work from home, but this shirt is primed for in-office comfort if you’re a corporate warrior.
Thin fabric can be a positive or negative based on how you like your shirt to drape. The wool tends to highlight my body’s shape unlike the slimming effect of an oxford shirt’s rigid cotton.
I don’t tuck it in for this reason, but It rocks as a casual shirt otherwise. The way it moves with me is second-skin comfortable.
At 6’1 and 195 lbs, I would’ve gotten a medium instead of a large which fit longer than I’d prefer.
Sizing is always going to be a hit or miss, so I don’t knock Woolly for the roomier fit. Most outdoor brands run big anyway.
Most of what makes the Long Sleeve Button Up a good deal at under $100 is the fact that it’s all wool. There isn’t anything high-tech or even remarkably stylish about it, but it’s comfortable, well-made, and naturally odor-resistant. As someone who loathes stiff shirts that strangle me with rough collars, I can’t ask for much more.
Think of it as a flannel you can wear all year long, only softer, easier to move in, and naturally stink-resistant. However flannel-like it might be, the black colorway I got is sleek enough to go undercover as an office shirt. Believe it or not, I sweat less in Woolly’s Merino wool fabric than I do wearing that “tech-stretch-clima-breeze” stuff other brands put out.
Everyday Boxer Brief
On a busy day involving a mix of work, gym, and some leisure time, the Everyday Boxer Brief kept me comfortable throughout.
I’d think if anything were to sneak in some synthetic fibers, it’d be these instead of the Longhaul Shop Pants. But no, it’s 100% Merino wool.
Most briefs these days are stretchy enough for my needs, so I can’t say I notice much of a difference other than the plush texture these have. Regardless, the Everyday Boxer Brief didn’t bring chafing or ride-up as a +1 to the below-the-belt party.
Woolly Clothing Co’s moisture-wicking claims hold water, but I’d say it’s on par with the athletic briefs I own.
Swooning over briefs made of an anti-odor fabric would be a waste of time. I’ll say this: huge difference over anything synthetic I’ve worn.
I tend to sway between a 34” and 35” waist for trousers. That’s right on the cusp between a medium and a large per Woolly’s size guide. The waist was perfect, but they felt quite loose between the leg openings and waistband.
It goes without saying I’m a fan of the printed tag here. I’d be so distracted by the stubborn itch of a stitched tag that the soft wool would fly under my radar.
Tagless interior, they say, but not tag-free.
The mammoth-adorned loop sewn to the outside of the waistband is a neat little detail that makes Woolly just a bit more memorable.
I’m a simple guy. Boxers with gimmicky brief pouches and hang loops don’t impress me. The traditional design of the Everyday Boxer Brief has worked for ages, and I like that. Anti-odor, moisture-wicking wool that manages to stay cool is what makes this time-tested silhouette feel fresh to me.
Comfort and quality are non-negotiables when I’m scoring the market for new briefs, and the Everyday Boxer Briefs offers both. Chic branding and sustainability aspects are just frosting. If you can get the sizing right, I’d say the ~$30 cost is worth the investment.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
After performing some recon in the depths of Woolly Clothing Co’s reviews, it’s clear that they’ve established a troupe of wool believers.
Their reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with most of their praise having to do with the year-round adaptability of Merino wool and its softness that feels broken in from the jump.
Similar to my experience, one customer found the Long Sleeve Button Up to be long, describing it as “tunic length” despite ordering the same size for other products that fit fine.
The Everyday Boxer Brief had the most reviews at the time of writing—200+ garnering a 4.6/5 star average.
Customers who bought multiple pairs did so thanks to the anti-odor and stretch properties of the brand’s Merino wool. Although some wished there wasn’t so much branding between the waistband and logo tab.
Woolly Clothing Co Alternatives
Cozy Earth
If their name isn’t already a giveaway, Cozy Earth makes apparel made of organic bamboo without an emphasis on wearing it outdoors.
They bring bamboo-derived viscose into every part of the home. Aside from their main course, Leisurewear, they also make bedding, towels, and even mattress pads. In contrast with wool’s plush warmth, their stuff is light and breathable.
It might fall on the pricier side, but they’re Oprah-certified.
It’s obvious to me why Cozy Earth produces bedding alongside viscose-fabric apparel. Given their heavier construction, the Bamboo Hoodie and Jogger Set flaunt bamboo’s breathability strengths better than any cotton alternative I’ve come across. Their signature fabric is no gimmick.
Pact
Pact is Woolly if they were a city-dwelling cotton enthusiast who happens to be on a budget.
Everything they make is super easy to wear—tees, joggers, sweaters, and jackets with a minimalist aesthetic and organic cotton construction. If you tend to stock up on basics, none of it costs an arm and a leg.
Oh, and they make bedding too.
Pact has only deepened my existing love for organic cotton. Their tees and trousers might require some breaking in, but they soften up wonderfully, and the Woven Twill Roll Up Pant is the toughest jogger I’ve tried on. Keeping in mind price and texture, their briefs are a great value, but their bundle pricing makes that possible for other pieces, too.
My Thoughts Overall
What I Like
- Soft, stretchy, non-irritating wool clothing for casual and outdoor activities.
- Their 100% wool products are priced at a great value.
- The Longhaul Shop Pant’s metal D-ring is helpful for key access and I wish more pants had them.
- Pro-Knit Pullover Hoodie provides insulation as a base layer yet it’s breathable enough for warmer days with just a t-shirt.
- Anti-odor properties keep Everyday Boxer Brief and Longhaul Shop Pants from stinking longer than non-wool options.
What I Don’t Like
- The Longhaul Shop Pants seem too thin for heavy-duty work settings.
- Long Sleeve Button Up develops wrinkles quickly.
Who Is Woolly Clothing Co For?
Woolly Clothing Co is for men who prefer all-natural fabrics and are willing to explore their viability as an alternative for casual or outdoor clothing. Whether it’s one of their casual button-ups or base layer options, the anti-odor, softness, and longevity of wool is a benefit to each.
The Verdict
Woolly Clothing Co is spot-on in their assessment of the whole outdoor gear category as oxymoronic.
It’s a market propped up by nature lovers yet the brands fueling their passion use petroleum-derived fabrics that never leave the environment.
All things considered, I find that their strength lies in their product that’s active and not casual.
While I love the texture of the Long Sleeve Button Up, casual shirts made of 100% cotton aren’t unicorns by any means. On the other hand, it’s a great shirt for those looking for a softer alternative.
Woolly’s Longhaul Shop Pants find themselves somewhere in the middle. I use the D-ring to hold my keys every time I wear them, and the adaptable fabric is ideal whether I’m commuting through the city or trudging through a thicket of brush. It’s thin, though. I’m weary of how they’d fare on a job site despite what the name suggests.
The Pro-Knit Pullover Hoodie and Everyday Boxer Brief are prime examples of Merino wool as a challenger in the outdoor space. The anti-odor, moisture-wicking, and stretch benefits rival those of my synthetic equivalents, and my presumptions of wool being too warm for summer were wrong.
Woolly’s active pieces are just as capable as synthetic versions from the big outdoor brands. Their base and mid-layer styles boast impressive freedom of movement, odor, and moisture control despite a Merino-only fabric. Casual button-ups made from 100% natural fabric are common, so eco-friendliness isn’t a strong motivator given Woolly’s basic designs.
