Howies Classic Vail Merino tee

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

Howies say, "Short sleeved Merino wool t-shirt, printed with our Classic logo.

Made from the highest quality MAPP accredited Merino from New Zealand.

Perfect for sport and for after; the Vail wicks moisture, regulates body temperature and it's antibacterial properties keep it smelling fresh.

MAPP is an accreditation scheme where farmers commit to protecting the biodiversity of their land, as well as guaranteeing the welfare of their animals

190g MAPP Merino wool | Made in Fiji"

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

MAPP say, "Merino fibres have a complex structure with a hydrophilic (water holding) interior, known as the cortex and a hydrophobic (water repelling) exterior, known as the cuticle.

"MAPP fabric will absorb perspiration without making you feel damp and uncomfortable, with the added benefit of being naturally shower repellent.

"MAPP Merino fibre buffers the body's microclimate in changing conditions, maintaining comfort. As it absorbs moisture, from a cool, damp environment, the fibres release a small but perceptible amount of heat.

"This heat is known as 'heat of sorption' and is generated via a natural chemical reaction that occurs when the water vapour binds to the chemical structure of the Merino fibre. This acts to prevent the chilling. It is the original 'intelligent' fibre!"

Merino wool is perfect for a casual style shirt that you're likely to wear both on the bike and off it because it deals with sweat well and doesn't easily get smelly.

This is 100% merino wool - there's no synthetic outer layer to add extra durability. There are no pockets so it doesn't get pulled out of shape like some pure wool cycling jerseys do when you carry a lot of baggage.

The merino wool is super-fine. It doesn't feel at all prickly even after several washes.

Merino wool is never especially cheap. You'll do well to get a merino T for under £30 (unless you find something discounted on the internet). 40-odd quid isn't at all unusual.

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

You know what you're getting here: it's a basic T-shirt made from merino and it performs accordingly.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

The comfort and the fact that you can wear it when you get off the bike without it smelling nasty.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Hmmm, there's nothing to particularly dislike. There are no cycle-specific features - but that's not necessarily a bad thing because you're likely to wear it off the bike too.