No Wash? No Worries.

The Team Put Merino to the Test.

30 days. One tee. Zero laundry. Sounds like a stretch? We thought so too, until we tried it.

We don’t make big promises lightly. Merino wool’s natural odour resistance is something we’ve trusted for years, and we’ve put it to the test.

Before launching our Smell Free Guarantee, the Isobaa team trialled it across long hikes, sweaty commutes, and extended wear, no washing required.

Here’s what happened (spoiler: it smelled like success).

Tara, our head designer, knows better than anyone that Merino really works. Here’s her story, plus some tips and tricks to keep your garments in baa-rilliant condition.

“At the start of the COVID 19 lockdown in March 2020, when we launched our first 30 day challenge at ISOBAA, it was the perfect time to really put our merino products to the test and I enjoyed seeing how long I could go without washing my 180 Long Sleeve Crew (I think it was 45 days in the end!) ”

"Since that experience it's really changed how I look at my wardrobe in general, how often I wash certain items of clothing and especially how often I wash my merino items...even my husband has taken to not putting his merino tees in the wash after just one day of wear!"

"As I predominantly work from home, I tend to start the week with a fresh ISOBAA base layer and wear it every day for a week. I might switch to a different top for a run or strenuous exercise, but otherwise I'll wear that top all day & evening for around 7 days. So, I'll be working at my computer, taking the dog for a walk at lunchtime, running errands, cleaning the house, going to the pub/supermarket etc etc."

"I find wearing merino particularly beneficial on dog walks as when I start out I'm usually a bit chilly, but as the walk progresses I warm up - merino deals with this temperature change really well."

"I've also changed my deodorant since the 30 day challenge in 2020 and the one I now use definitely leaves less residue on my clothing in general, so that also helps. But, I've also found that if I'm working from home, especially in the colder months, I don't necessarily need to wear deodorant everyday - I think this aids in avoiding damage to the fibres in this area of the garment, which also helps it last longer in general."

"As the temperatures have changed recently I've just switched to wearing a 150 or even 120 weight top instead of my usual 180 option. I'm still experiencing all the usual benefits, it's just in a lighter weight garment and with shorter sleeves."

Tara and Marvin the dog, enjoying a Summer walk and keeping cool.

We asked the rest of the team about their experience wearing Merino for extended periods of time without washing it…

What's your main takeaway from the challenge?

“I've been washing my clothes far too regularly for decades!”

“Merino wool is the best clothing component I've ever used! I would never think that merino is so good for hot days as I always thought it's cold weather fabric.”

“It is great for outdoorsy and very active people. Ideal product for backpackers, hikers, van life and more.”

How long did your item last without needing a wash?

“I could have gone for longer, but easily 30 days.”

“Almost a month. I could go longer but I felt that it needed a quick wash (dust, some dirt etc).”

What activities did you do while wearing it?

“For work, walks, gym, playing basketball, running.”

“Mainly walking the dog and just everyday wear.”

“Hiking, running and walking and basically everyday life.”

Would you recommend others to try the challenge?

“Yes!”

“100%”

“For sure. I've never been so keen on talking about clothing!”

Have you noticed any change in how you look after your other clothes?

“I definitely wear my clothes for longer before washing, and not just my merino items.”

How have your friends and family responded to the challenge?

“They found it really interesting and they were keen on testing it.”

“My husband has now also embraced the idea of not putting things in the wash after just one day of wearing, particularly his merino clothing.”

“They didn't want to believe in how amazing the merino wool is. I even asked them to smell my top but no one was brave enough hahaha!”

Turns out, Merino really can go the distance, no smell, no fuss. Think you're ready to try it for yourself?