The organic Merino wool used in this garment is certified by IVN as BEST which meets and exceeds GOTS organic standards. Engel themselves say:
'Ecological husbandry is motivated by esteem and respect for animal and man. The Merino sheep that produce our wool are kept according to the requirements appropriate to the species, so that they can live in a healthy and stress-free way. The pastures therefore must suit the Merino sheep in both climatic and ecological conditions.
The use of pesticides both on the meadows and the animal is inadmissible. The animals procreate in a natural way and any kind of change on the animal such as trimming the tail or mulesing are forbidden. In short – the sheep should live a happy life!
The merino virgin wool used in ENGEL’s woollen and wool/silk underwear is from organic husbandry. The certified organic origin of the wool ensures that it has been produced without noxious substances like pesticides and herbicides. Therefore, these clothes are awarded the highest certificate, the quality hallmark NATURTEXTIL–IVN ZERTIFIZIERT BEST.'
The Merino sheep usually thrive in mountainous areas at high altitudes resulting in wool which has many benefits when worn next to the skin and about the body.
Find out more about the properties of wool here in our blog here.
Engel call their next-to-the-skin layers made from this fabric "the underwear that nothing can top". My children still think so too!
The health benefits of wool are being revealed time and time again. Studies have shown that it's better for the health of premature babies if they are nursed on wool rather than cotton and it's better for the skin of hospital patients if they lie on wool rather than polyester.
Wool helps sleep too. At least two studies show that people get a better night's sleep with wool around them - they go to sleep more quickly, sleep longer and have better quality sleep too.
Please note that under EU labelling regulations, stating the type of wool is not allowed, only a statement of "100% wool" or "new wool" is allowed. However, this garment is certified organic Merino wool.
For centuries, silk has been known as the premier fabric to wear next to the skin. It is very smooth, so it's non-irritating, and it has good insulation properties giving it good warmth for its lightness. It is also naturally antibacterial and healthy for the skin.
Combining the Merino wool and silk gives the thermo-regulating properties of soft, fine wool with the silkiness of pure silk on the skin. Engel call their next-to-the-skin layers made from this fabric "the underwear that nothing can top". My children still think so too!
"My son has worn this vest in increasing sizes since he was 1, now he’s almost 8. They simply are amazing. Beautifully soft fabric, warm but not thick and regulate temperature wonderfully. Our younger child has reworn all the old vests and they are still perfect after 2 children have worn them. My children wear these vests every day from Autumn to Spring (apart from in coldest winter when they swap to wearing the Engel wool silk polo neck as a vest layer). I only wash them once at the end of the season as they never look or feel dirty."
This was washed... washed fine
This was worn by... Both of my children.
Sizing: Feels true to size
I'd recommend this to a friend.
"After I bought her a first one as a warm under layer, my daughter requested a second – she loves the feel against her skin, and it is really snuggly under her PJ‘s."
This was washed... not needed washing yet
This was worn by... 7 year old girl
"I bought these a year ago for my son and sized up in the hope they’d last two winters. They’re quite a slim fit (which is good for me, because my son is very skinny) but are plenty long enough, so they’re being worn for their second winter and may even last a third! Lovely quality and have washed really well so they’re still like new."
This was worn by... My 3 year old.
"These are great vests which we bought for our boys to wear under the school shirts and jumpers on cold days. The boys loved them and they kept them warm. They also don't itch. The boys are actually a bit disappointed when it's too warm to wear the vests. That said, the one thing that would make this even better and more adaptable is if this was more white (it is more of a cream colour)."
This was worn by... Two primary school-aged boys
"This is a really warm underlayer, and my granddaughter will wear it when she won't tolerate others."
This was worn by... My granddaughter
"As I said before. I buy these woolen items for my grand-son and he lives in Switzerland. He is very happy to wear them as they have already snow over there."
This was washed... The vests are in Switzerland so I do not know.
This was worn by... My giant grand-son, he is only 6 years but take size 9/10 years
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