When I was a kid, wearing meant thick, scratchy, and hot, sweaters. Merino wool existed somewhere in the universe, just not in my world. And cashmere, well that was a luxury my family couldn't afford. Man have the times changed. Merino and cashmere are everywhere and affordable.

Here's something you may not have known, the Romans perfected the use of wool as a material and frequently used wool for togas. Rome is semi-tropial, so no scratchy hot togas for the patricians, or the plebians. Just that wonderfully smooth wool you could slip on once you left the public baths.

Did you also know that wool has natural moisture wicking properties? Mother nature's answer for dri-fit.

Wool is making something of a come back in athletic wear, and the poly-wool blends are allowing manufacturers to make products that are a lot more creative and can fit the athlete's needs. And this is the right time of the year to begin considering adding a little wool to your wardrobe.

Check out some of the reviews below from Bicycle Magazine. Note that most of the gear is meant for bike riding, yet some of it you may use for other sports.

Rapha Country Jersey: http://www.bicycling.com/gear/detail/0,7989,s1-15-65-1684-0,00.html

Review
The Country, available in four colors, has a slim fit, three rear pockets and a long-cut back. The Sportwool blend fabric is 40 percent merino and 60 percent polyester to add shape and help retain the form of the jersey through repeated use. The itch-free, comfortable material breathes incredibly well and has a natural insulating ability.

Rapha Website: http://www.rapha.cc/

Kona Mens Jersey: http://www.bicycling.com/gear/detail/0,7989,s1-15-65-1688-0,00.html

Review
This all-merino-wool jersey comes from quirky bike maker Kona, long distinguished for making stylish wool pieces with classic lines and colors. The '08 men's jersey is elegant, with dark colors, a front half zip and a zippered back pocket. It has all the benefits that merino offers: comfort, breathability and a knack for always being soft.
Kona Website: http://www.konaworld.com/

Smartwool Ewtopia Jersey: http://www.bicycling.com/gear/detail/0,7989,s1-15-65-1686-0,00.html

Review
Constructed of 100 percent merino wool, the flattering new Ewetopia women's jersey is whisper thin and barely there soft with incredible comfort and wicking ability. The cut suits casual rides, but the material's function is high performance. The little sheep on the sides are cute, and also serve as a reminder of the fabric's origin.
https://www.smartwool.com/

Swobo Merino Origins T: http://www.bicycling.com/gear/detail/0,7989,s1-15-65-1687-0,00.html

Review
Swobo's Origins T is 100 percent cashmere-soft merino wool, making this simple yet stylish T-shirt perfect for summer get-togethers. It stays comfortable regardless of the temperature, always feels soft to the touch--and if a rugby match starts up, it's durable enough to last longer than you will at the bottom of the scrum.
http://www.swobo.com/

I like the Kona and the Swobo t shirt. If any of you get the chance to try out any of thie gear and can get us a review, please do. My concern is about the fit of the shirts. Does it fit over a wide-body mesomorph? Or is this stuff made of the skinny boys and girls? An ongoing battle we wide-bodies face.
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