Wool: Your New Running Bestie

Wool workout clothes? Yes, you heard me. This great fabric can be found in many clothes for snow sports, hiking, socks, etc, but recently it has been showing up in running gear and gym clothes. What's great about wool is that it keeps you cool while you workout by transporting sweat away from your skin. It will also keep you warm during your warm-up, cool-down or post workout errands. Wool keeps you warm by "absorbing moisture from the environment and locking it in tiny air pockets that trap body heat" says Whitney DeBree, a rep for New Zealand brand Icebreaker. Many mainstream fitness brands like Nike and Athleta have begun to use the fabric in their workout clothes and are incorporating it into the running world in a big way. Did I mention that Merino Wool is naturally anti-microbrial, which means you won't stink because the bacteria can't bind to the fabric. Score! A few of the wool pieces I love are mentioned below.

Nike Dri-Fit Wool Hoodie: $110  (43% Wool)

I have last year's model of this shirt and it is one of my absolute favorites. The natural wool fibers insulate your body during cold conditions, keeping you warm even when wet. It also features flat seams, a must when running to prevent chafing. Thumbholes to keep sleeves down and hands warm. And it is a bit longer with a dropped hem to keep even tall girls (like myself) warm and dry!

Athleta Merino Soma Sweater: $128

To and from yoga class this sweater keeps you warm and dry. Made of Merino wool and naturally insulating, you won't be disappointed with this gem. The hood keeps your head and neck warm in wind and snow and the longer hem keeps all your assets covered!

Feetures Elite Merino+ Light Cushion No Show Tab: $15.99

Merino wool insulates when wet and keeps feet dry and odor free. The merino fibers wick moisture away. These socks also feature a "no irritating toe seam." With high density cushioning that provides protection in high impact areas these are my go-to socks in wet and cold conditions. They keep my feet dry and blister free. I recently wore them for a half marathon entirely in rain and cold and my feet were the only part of me that was warm and dry!

There are many more brands that offer great wool designs and features. Check out Smartwool, Icebreaker and Ibex for more designs and styles. Icebreaker has great base layers, pants and tops to keep you warm in even the coldest conditions. Check them out!

Do you run in wool gear? What is your favorite piece or feature of your gear. Let me know in the comments!