Standal Merino Shirt Zip Neck won the ISPO Award.

Gravel riding and mountain biking require versatile clothing and an outfit that doesn’t smell, even after several days out and about. The new Standal zip-neck shirt is an insulating, temperature-regulating item of clothing that’s ideal in any season. It’s made from a blend of merino and Tencel fibres in a camo jacquard knit. With a superfine micron count of 17.5, the performance shirt is pleasantly soft against the skin and wicks moisture away naturally. The raglan sleeves lie comfortably on shoulders and the flat seams ensure a good fit.

Even after several wears, it’s enough just to hang it up in the fresh air. Because, in contrast to synthetic fabrics, merino wool neutralises odours. “When a top’s worn for several days during sport or on trips, merino’s the best fibre when it comes to minimising the build up of sweat and odour. This is due to the surface structure and large surface of the fibres themselves. Because of the wool’s surface structure – it’s curved, unlike the smooth surface of synthetic fibres – bacteria can’t stick to it as easily,” explains Christine Haraldstad-Sindum, senior designer at Devold. When the shirt eventually requires laundering, the Standal can be washed at 40 degrees in a mesh bag on an easy-care programme without losing its shape.

The women’s shirt has two diagonal, quick-to-access pockets at the rear. The men’s shirt has three pockets at the back. Cleverly placed vents and the two-way zip at the front ensure airflow if the going gets tough and the mercury rises. Mesh inserts underneath the armpits provide extra ways for sweat to escape. The shirt is long at the rear and protects the bottom of people’s backs during bike rides, or when they’re leaning forwards on long routes. A reflective strip on the rear also ensures bikers are visible in the dark – which is useful for those cycling in the twilight or in woods. Clever features, like the pretty linen insert with a glasses print on the inside for cleaning sunglasses, make the shirt the ideal biking companion.

All the bike collection is made in Europe. ISO and Oeko-Tex 100 certification also guarantee that no chemicals were used to make it. The Standal merino zip-neck shirt for women and men comes in three colours, as a long-sleeved and short-sleeved version.

• Fabric: 70% wool (merino) / 30% Tencel
• Weight: 170 g/m² / 17.5 micron
• RRP: Standal Merino Zip Neck Tee Women I Men 140 euros
• Standal Merino Zip Neck Shirt (long-sleeved) Women I Men 150 euros.