By Kate Spiller – In our ever changing world, it’s more important than ever to find ways to simplify, live purposefully, and practice sustainability. One way that we can strive toward this is through our clothing choices. As an outdoor family, we need garments that fit with our lifestyle. We’re out adventuring in all seasons, and in all kinds of weather, which is why the merino wool clothing from Chasing Windmills works so well for us.
About Chasing Windmills Merino Wool
Chasing Windmills was founded by Sarah and JP, parents of twins who dreamed of creating a merino wool clothing line for babies and toddlers that would stand the test of time. Their belief that “Mother Nature knows best” manifested in 2015, and they now offer an entire line of merino wool apparel for young children. Included in their collection are long johns, play clothes (t-shirts, hoodies, shorts, and capris), and nursery items (blankets, PJs, beanies, and crib sheets).
What’s to love about this merino wool?
Before I get into the specifics, if you are not familiar with merino wool here are the basics: it’s soft, regulates body temperature, wicks away moisture, and repels odor. Basically everything an outdoor family could as for! My children, ages 5 & 1.5, tested a number of items from the Chasing Windmills line through summer and fall, and we found so much to love about the clothing line.
Lightweight: Chasing Windmills merino wool is not like the big bulky wool sweaters of yesteryear. The lightweight material means the kids are not bogged down with heavy, uncomfortable material. We can easily layer items depending on weather conditions. The hoodies don’t take up a lot of space, so I love that I can easily pack them along for an adventure.
Moisture Management: Through rainy forest preschool to creek wading to puddle jumping, we tested the Chasing Windmills fabric, and found that the fabric doesn’t soak in moisture like other material such as cotton. The merino wool dries quickly. I especially appreciate this when we travel. I can wash the garments after a day of adventuring, and they’ll be dry by morning.
Happy Kids: Bergen adores wearing his Chasing Windmill gear. All summer long he reached for his “adventure” t-shirt, and his all-season orange hoodie is a wardrobe staple. The soft merino wool fabric feels good on their skin, and the prints on the t-shirts inspire us to get outside even more.
Sustainable Brand: The Chasing Windmills brand fits with our family’s desire to support small businesses that are environmentally sustainable and ethical. All garments are made in the USA.
What’s to be desired about this merino wool?
While I adore the cheery colors of the Chasing Windmills clothing line, I’d love to see some darker color choices. Like most little ones, our kids seem to attract dirt, food, and other potential stain causers, so it’s nice when those marks can just “disappear” into the fabric.
Notes on Chasing Windmills Merino Wool Apparel:
Take care in washing merino wool. In our experience, gentle cycle with a mild detergent is best for washing. We also wash in the sink from time to time. It’s possible to tumble dry on low (machines can vary), but after seeing a hole appear in Bergen’s shirt, I decided to always take the safe route and line dry.
It is NOT necessary to wash your merino wool after each wearing. Since the fabric naturally resists odor, unless a major soil has occurred, garments are good for multiple adventures.
Chasing Windmills Merino Wool Apparel is available through their online shop. Two of my favorite items are their tees for $38, and their all-season hoodies for $50.
Check out more great outdoor gear here!
Note: OFM contributor Kate Spiller received Chasing Windmills Apparel in return for her review.
Kate is a former elementary school teacher, turned stay-at-home mom, writer and blogger. Her blog, WildTalesof.com is all about outdoor adventure and travel with kids. She wants to pass along little tidbits that she’s gathered in her short life as a mom, wife, and adventurer. Inspiration, tips, helpful hints, how-to’s, are shared…all to make family life a touch easier, a touch wilder, and a touch more adventurous.
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