I/O Bio Women's Contact Sleeveless Hoody : Summer Lovin'

I can't believe I almost passed up a chance to review this adorable merino wool top. I wrongly thought that I didn't like sleeveless tops, especially sleeveless tops with hoods. I also thought the top would look much better on one of Fancy Green's smaller and younger reviewers.

But there I was today, walking all over Seattle in my sleek, black I/O Bio merino wool Contact Sleeveless Hoody. I caught a ride downtown with my boyfriend, and before he headed off to work he told me how nice I looked in my new top. Then as I was walking down the street to an appointment, I turned my head just in time to catch a guy in a convertible checking me out! A few minutes and several blocks later a bike rickshaw guy who was pedaling down the sidewalk tooted his bike horn at me and gave me a big smile. So, it was unanimous. The top is cute and it looks great on me.

The Contact Sleeveless Hoody is made of super soft, super thin, lightweight merino wool. I/O Bio claims that the fabric is "the absolute softest merino you will ever wear." I think it just might be. Of course, I haven't reviewed every merino wool top from every company (yet), but it is very soft.

I'm a big fan of merino wool because it's breathable, it does an excellent job of wicking away moisture and regulating my temperature, and it's naturally resistant to odors. All these features make the Sleeveless Hoody an ideal top for street wear, travel, yoga, hiking, and anything else I want to do.

If you've never worn merino wool before you might not know that this shirt is much more comfortable on a hot day that a similar weight cotton shirt because wool breathes better and dries more quickly. It also drapes well, doesn't need to be washed as often as cotton, and can be tossed in the washing machine. I hang mine up to dry on a wooden drying rack and it's completely dry by morning.

I love the relaxed fit of this top. I'm 6' tall and have a large chest, so I was worried the top might be fitted and too short. Again, I was wrong. Even when I wear my hoody with low-rise shorts, the front of the top is long enough to cover my stomach. The top is cut a bit longer in the back, which adds to its nice relaxed fit. I ended up wear testing a size L, my usual size, and it fit perfectly. The armholes were just the right size and the top has a lovely lowish v-neck, which the hoody accentuates. I can show of my favorite necklaces very well when I wear this hoody.

It's so nice to find the material I love in a style that's flattering, suitable for nights out, and equally at home on the beach, at the gym, or on the trail. I'm leaving for a 10-day vacation soon, and I'm only taking three tops (all merino). Actually, I'll be wearing this one and bringing two other shirts (if I wasn't going to be going to a lot of meetings where I need to appear in different clothes each day, I'd just wear this one every day).

Available in women's sizes S-L, colors: black, grey, pink, light blue. I/O Bio also makes underwear, jackets, and bottoms for women and men.

Eco Creds: Made out of merino wool, a renewable resource.

Bottom Line: I adore this top. It's fun, it's different from all of my other merino tops, the fit is great, and it's totally versatile. Once I'm back from my summer vacay, I've pretty much committed myself to wearing my hoody every day until summer ends.--E.D. (July '10)

BUY ONLINE : $69.99, click to shop at Backcountry . Click to shop at Amazon.

Manufacturer's Site:  www.io-bio.com

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