We have reviewed other Woolpower products before so we were optimistic when they sent us the Crewneck 200. Once we pulled it out of the packing it struck as unique in that is is actually very thick, yet fleece like on the inside. We are used to 200 weight wool garments that are thin and tightly woven. This garment uses circular knitting to achieve a lofted look and feel. Essentially a terry kind of fabric like your favorite soft towel.

What did that mean for function? Form? Well for one it looks pretty fancy! Even though the Crewneck 200 is designed as a base layer, it looks like a wool sweater that you could wear to dinner or perhaps as business casual attire. It is still a performance piece so we had to take it outside and test it. Once we put it on, we could feel the difference – the circular knitting feels good on the skin – almost like a fleece. The fit is definitely trim. Our tester is 200lb, 6’1” athletic build and the XL was “fitted” on him.

One thing that comes from being hand knitted in a circular manner is that there are no lengthwise seams. Pretty nice touch. The back is slightly longer than the front, good for tucking into ski pants. The magic of wool is that it can regulate temperature well. So this sweater saw lots of use on cooler summer and fall nights.

Woolpower uses 22.5 micron wool sourced from Patagonia (region, not company). The Crewneck 200 is 60% Merino wool, 25% polyester, 13% polyamide (generic nylon), and 2% elastane for stretch. It’s machine-washable and dryer-safe (on low).  All garments are handmade in Ostersund, Sweden and each is labeled with the individual who made it.