The first day of spring brings a familiar wardrobe problem. Your heavy 320 GSM base layers are too warm. Your cotton t-shirts are too cold. The forecast says 45°F in the morning and 65°F by afternoon. What do you actually wear?
The answer is merino wool — specifically the lighter end of your merino wardrobe. Here is how to transition your gear from winter to spring without giving up comfort or performance.
The Spring Merino Playbook: Which Weight, When
Not all merino is the same, and that is the point. We make four weights so there is always one that fits the conditions. All of it is 100% Australian merino at 17.5 micron, which is why even the heaviest weight does not itch.
165 GSM
Your spring and summer hero. Breathable, light, and perfect for warm days. Ideal for running, hiking, travel and everyday wear — the weight you will reach for most from April through September.
Shop men's 165 → Women's →190 GSM
The do-everything weight. Works alone in mild weather or as a layer when temperatures dip. Our hoodies and half-zips live here. Think of it as the cool-morning sweet spot.
Shop men's 190 → Women's →250 GSM
Still relevant in early spring for cold mornings and high-altitude days. Do not pack this away until mid-April — it is your insurance against cold snaps.
Shop men's 250 → Women's →320 GSM
Put it away until autumn. Unless you are skiing in April or camping above 8,000 feet, this one has earned a rest until the cold returns.
Shop men's 320 → Women's →Spring Morning to Afternoon: A Real-World Example
Say you are heading out for a Saturday hike in late March. It is 40°F at the trailhead and forecast to hit 62°F by noon. Here is how merino adapts with you.
Start: 250 long sleeve plus a wind shell
The 250 GSM long sleeve keeps you warm at the trailhead and through the first shaded mile. Pair it with a lightweight shell for wind.
Warm up: shed the shell
As you climb and the sun hits, the shell comes off. The 250 moves moisture as vapour, so there is no clammy back and no cold spots.
Peak heat: switch to the 165 tee
If you are running hot, switch to the 165 GSM t-shirt you stashed in your pack. It feels almost weightless while still managing moisture and temperature.
This is what separates merino from cotton and synthetics: you are never stuck. The fabric adapts, and so can your layers.
Spring Essentials: What to Stock Up On
For him
- Merino t-shirt 165The daily driver, April to September. Two or three in rotation.
- Merino long sleeve 165Cool mornings and sun protection on the trail.
- Merino poloOffice to patio without changing.
- Merino pants 165Lightweight and stretchy for active spring days.
- Merino boxersThe layer people are most sceptical about and most loyal to after.
- Merino tank topGym sessions and hot-weather running.
For her
- Merino t-shirt 165Soft, light, and odour-free for days.
- Merino long sleeve 165The layering piece for unpredictable spring weather.
- Merino tank topYoga, running and warm spring afternoons.
- Merino pants 165Light enough for spring, built for trails.
- Merino setTop and bottom in one purchase — ideal for packing.
- Merino hoodie zip 190The layer you will throw on every morning.
Spring Activities Where Merino Shines
Hiking
Temperature swings are the norm on spring trails. Merino handles them without constant layering and de-layering. Start in a 250 long sleeve, finish in a 165 tee.
Shop hike & camp →Travel
Spring break, weekend trips, long flights. Merino packs small and stays fresh for days, so one long sleeve and one tee cover a full week.
Shop travel →Running
As temperatures climb from the 40s to the 60s, lightweight merino keeps you dry without overheating — and it does not smell afterwards.
Shop running →Daily life
Commuting, errands, school drop-offs. A merino t-shirt looks like a normal tee and performs like activewear underneath.
Shop bestsellers →Do not put your 250s away yet
Early spring is sneaky. One day it is 65°F and sunny, the next it is 38°F with wind. Keep your 250 GSM base layers accessible through mid-April — they are your insurance for cold snaps and mountain days. By May you will be fully in 165 territory.
Build your spring set
Mix and match tops and bottoms in your weight. Choose your pieces, get the bundle price.
Frequently asked questions
What merino weight should I wear in spring?
165 GSM for most spring days, and 190 when mornings are still cold. Keep a 250 accessible until mid-April for cold snaps.
Can you wear merino wool in warm weather?
Yes. Lightweight merino moves moisture as vapour before it becomes sweat, so it runs cooler than cotton in heat, and it carries a UPF rating of 25.
How do I pack merino for a spring trip?
One long sleeve and one t-shirt cover about a week, because merino resists odour and can be aired overnight instead of washed.
Should I store my winter merino differently?
Store it clean, folded rather than hung, in a breathable bag or drawer. Body oils attract moths, not the wool itself. See our care guide.