Smartwool  Merino Sun Hoodie - Men's

I have tried a few different wool sun hoodies up to this point but felt like each one didn't quite get it right (for me). Some had features I wanted, others didn't, and I have had wanted something that combines features of all of them together. Then Smartwool released this shirt! I hadn't used any Smartwool tops before this one but the features it offers sold me. It combines key features I have wanted: durable cuffs (they feel double thickness) with thumb holes, decently sized hood, and a mostly merino blend for some extra durability/stretch. I am 6'0", 210lbs with an athletic build (wide shoulders/hips) and the XL fits perfect. The arms and torso are just the right length, which I can struggle to find. I have worn this hoodie now anywhere from around 40 degrees (F) up in the mountains to 80 degrees (F) out in the full sun and it has kept me both warm in the cold and cool in the heat. I have worn it on multiple long day hikes and even a couple short backpacking trips, in light misting rain and I routinely sweat through it, but it always dries out reasonably quick, is very breathable and comfortable, and it seems to be holding up well. I haven't noticed any pilling of the material (on the back where my backpack rubs and cuffs) which I have gotten on other merino wool sun hoodies. I haven't noticed the material to snag easily which is also a plus. Overall, I have been super happy with it so far. Smartwool did a great job with this one.

Outstanding fabric and fits perfectly! So fortunate to have found this on sale. I will wear this year round for so many situations.

It's a great shirt! Good sized hood and sizing seems to be right on for a large. I'm 6'1", 175 pounds.

I have a closet full of SmartWool gear. A high percentage of it is for skiing, but also some leisure wear. We live in the high desert climate where we get a lot of sun. So when I saw this Sun Hoodie with a UPF 40 rating I had to have it. I am 5'10" and 160 pounds with a 33" waist. The SmartWool suggested size for me is a Medium, which is what I purchased. Their model is 6'2" tall, with a 34" waist and is shown in a Medium, so I figured I was safe, although I typically buy SmartWool tops in Large (and some XL if they are a top layer). In the product photos, the top does not fit the model 'skin tight' so I figured I would have a little bit of room. Somehow, even though I am smaller, shorter and have a smaller waist size this top is tight on me from top to bottom. I thought maybe it stretched out, as you wear it, but it really has not. I really was not looking for a skin tight top. The cut of the neck, in the front is also awkward. Again, the model is bigger than me, but the neckline is tight against the front of my neck. Maybe in a bigger size this would not be an issue, but in the recommended size it is not comfortable for me. It is unfortunate, because the feel of the fabric itself, and the UPF rating would have made this a go-to' top for me, had it fit correctly. Unfortunately, I have worn and washed it, so it is not returnable. If you decide to try this hoodie, and you are not looking for skin tight, I would size up. By comparison, in this order I also got a Second Cut vest (also in the recommended Medium), which fits great and I love it.

I have been using smart wool primarily for skiing for many many years. I have lots of their products and have loved them until recently. I am a creature of habit and stick with companies and styles that work well for me. Over the last few years I’ve been replacing and refreshing my gear, but the quality is very far removed from the original products I purchased and the price has only skyrocketed. I would be happy to pay a premium for gear that is reliable, but Smartwool is no longer that. On arrival, my 1/4 zip long sleeve base layer and leggings were far more transparent and noticeably thinner even though they are supposed to be the same weight fabric. I am meticulous about caring for my gear, yet the new stuff has degraded more than my 5-10 year old gear it was meant to replace. They have developed holes and tears and are no longer functional as reliable base layers. I will wear my old stuff until they reach that same point, but I don’t think I will be purchasing from smart wool again in the near future. I also contacted them about my concerns to see if this was in my head, or somehow my mistake, but they confirmed that many customers have had the same issues, and they admitted that they’ve been using lower quality materials and fabrics. They have dramatically expanded their roster of clothing, have spiked prices, and have completely lost the plot of what made them so popular and successful in the first place. It’s a shame that they are now so confidently and knowingly letting down their customers, and it truly is painful for me to write this as I have represented and recommended them furiously to so many people for so many years. I will be searching for new vendors and will no longer be recommending them to anyone. They used to be a 5 star brand, and they quickly declined to a 1 star brand. I wish I could give them more stars, but my rating is on the company as it currently stands, not as it once was.