[Review] The Rose H/Z by Kari Traa

This top was one of the first tops of the Kari Traa Collection that I got the chance to try which may be why it’s one of my favorites. It’s their warmest, 100% merino wool, half zip base layer that keeps me warm on even the coldest of days. If you happen to be working hard on those cold days, the lighter weight merino paneling under your arm and down your side will help you regulate temps.

Aside from helping you look good at après because of their beautiful color combinations and fun patterns, the Rose H/Z will keep you warm and comfortable all day long. I love the feeling of the merino against my skin. When I think of wool, I think of that itchy sweater my grandma got me when I was a kid and I was forced to wear for Easter brunch. Merino wool has really done a good thing for the wool name, and now, if I could wear only merino, I would.

Not only is it warm and soft, merino has natural odor resisting properties so this piece won’t start to stink after a few wears. I can truly attest to this as this has been one of my top go-to layers and it has seen little washes over the past few weeks. If you are traveling and skiing, I would highly recommend a 100% merino layer because of this feature! Your friends won’t even know you haven’t showered in four days and have been wearing the same layer.

The flat lock stitching throughout really adds to the comfort level especially when layering over the Rose H/Z and while wearing a backpack.

I like my base layers tight up against my skin so that I can’t feel any bunching throughout the day skiing. I have this in a size medium and I’m 5’10 and usually wear a size medium or large in tops. The tightness for me is perfect throughout, the arm length is great, but the torso length could stand to be just a little bit longer. When I tuck this into my pants and head up to the hill, I find myself retucking it a few times throughout the day. If there was just a bit more length, I think this issue would be avoided. I do love the flattering shape of the top and I feel like that is a great benefit of having a base layer made for women by women.

Other than the torso being just a bit short, I have loved having a comfortable, extremely warm, and flattering base layer to wear while skiing. The layers next to the skin can definitely be some of the most important and can make or break your comfort level. I’ve been overall really impressed with the quality and attention to detail that goes into my Kari Traa base layers and they are comparable in price to many merino base layers out there.