Icebreaker: Sale, Clearance & Outlet

Related Expert Advice articles

Which material is best?

Match the temp to the trek

Find your fit

Fabrics

Synthetic: moisture-wicking, quick drying, durable, but can hold on to odor
Wool: moisture-wicking, odor-resistant, cooling in warm weather, can be less durable

Styles

Bikini: less rear coverage, thinner waistband, higher-cut leg
Briefs (women's): full-cut briefs offer more coverage in front and back; hipsters offer medium front coverage and back with higher rise
Briefs (men's): close fit and good support, but less thigh coverage
Boxer brief or boy shorts: snug fit, good coverage, longer cut extends down to the upper thigh
Boxers: looser fit, added coverage can prevent chafing but prone to bunching
Thongs: lightweight and quick-drying but provide the least coverage
Sports bras: compression and support during high-output activities like hiking and running

Bra support

Low-impact: Best for A/B cups and activities like walking, yoga and strength training
Medium-impact: Ideal for activities like moderate hiking, skiing, road cycling.
High-impact: Best for D cup or larger and high-impact activities like running, mountain biking and high-intensity workouts.

Support style

Compression: Pull-over style compresses breasts against the chest; no built-in cups
Encapsulation bras: Built-in cups support each breasts separately with minimal compression
Compression/encapsulation: Combines cups and compression for support and natural shaping

Strap type

Crisscross: Crosses in the back; often found on low- or medium-support bras
Tank top: Similar to everyday bras, often with adjustable straps
Racerback: Straps form a Y shape between shoulder blades for medium- to high-impact activities; may put pressure near neck
Combination: Adjustable straps convert between styles