Kitsbow Lory merino crew

Kate Agathon

Say goodbye to your favorite sweatshirt.

It’s time to upgrade the comfort wardrobe staple that’s been sitting in your closet for the last decade with something more refined: the Kitsbow Lory merino crew (MSRP $125).

Akin to a modern version of a sweatshirt, the Lory merino crew is not bulky, and drapes nicely. Constructed from a soft merino and polyester blend, the Lory merino crew does so much more.

Because of its technical properties (moisture-wicking and temperature-regulating merino; odor-resistant material; and quick drying polyester yarn), the Lory is basically the shirt that does everything.

Worn as a base layer, or alone as a single layer, the Lory can be worn mountain biking, hiking, doing errands, walking the dog, or lounging around. And unlike a sweatshirt, it doesn’t add bulk under clothing.

Whatever you’re doing, or wherever you are, the Lory adapts to changing weather conditions while regulating your body temperature.

In addition to its fabric, the Lory’s versatility comes from its simplicity. In essence, it is your work-play-adventure-lounge-go-to-sweatshirt made better.

Good for mountain biking

I wore the Lory merino crew most recently on a mountain bike ride. It was a typical Colorado early summer day: sunshine to start with, thunderstorms promised in the afternoon.

I could not have chosen a better shirt to wear for that day. Yeah, it’s not flashy. It’s appearance is as basic as it can get. But it gets the job done.

As promised, the Lory merino crew kept my body temperature regulated. During the late morning and early afternoon when the sun was out, I didn’t overheat. When the clouds began to roll in and the temperatures shifted, I was glad for the Lory’s warmth.

Additionally (and mountain bikers will especially appreciate this), the company’s crash policy maintains that any damage done to an article of Kitsbow custom clothing will be repaired at a reasonable charge. If it can’t be repaired, they’ll work with you to figure out a way to get you back on your bike wearing your favorite Kitsbow (a big promise, since each Kitsbow item is custom-made).

Made to order in the USA and true to size, the Lory Merino Crew comes in six color choices including titanium, black heather, black, redwood heather, oxblood heather, and blue ash.