Kristin / Linden: What first attracted me to the Jackson Hole, WY company, Iksplor, was their colorways. Their 100% merino wool fabrics come in such happy colors that you can’t help but be drawn to one of the more vibrant options. But Iksplor wool has more to offer than just bright, beautiful colors. They use 18.9-micron wool and their set is the only base layer on this list to include sleeve thumbholes, all of which make for a soft and practical base layer. Honestly, I have no idea why all base layers designed for kids don’t have thumbholes. My son loves using them and I love when he does since it saves me the trouble of fishing for his sleeves when adding layers.
My son is petite (he’s in the 1% for weight / height) and it can be challenging to know what size to order him. Fortunately, Iksplor has a chat option that makes finding the right size a breeze. After a few simple exchanges, I felt good with the 2T size and when it showed up, I was delighted by just how well it fit my son. The waist actually stays up on his diaper-less body without needing to be rolled. This is fairly uncommon for him, especially for “age appropriate” sizes like a 2T. The fit is still somewhat roomy, so while it fits him comfortably now, I know it will fit him all winter since the sleeves and legs have extra length to them and the material has a bit of stretch to it. And after a full year of wear, the set still fits him. It’s a little more form-fitting, but they should fit all winter.
If for some reason, the Iksplor set doesn’t fit well or it doesn’t live up to your expectations, Iksplor has a great return policy. In their own words:
“You and your little explorer’s happiness is our priority. If you’re not a happy camper by day 30, you can return/exchange your Iksplor items for free, even if your wild one has already worn it, no questions asked!”
The Iksplorer set maintains its shape even after a full 24 hours of wear, from skiing to sleeping. It washes well and has come away mostly unscathed (there’s a tiny hole in one knee) from my son’s outdoor explorations where he sometimes wears them without an outer layer. The fit is fairly slim and is more reminiscent of the way adult base layers tend to fit — it hugs the body but isn’t too tight. The torso is long enough to stay tucked in and to keep out drafts but not so long that he swims in it.
Iksplor uses wool that is not only soft but also 100% ZQ Certified, which means the wool is sustainable, ethical, and traceable. Between the colors, design, and soft wool, the Ikslpor set will keep your child comfortable, warm, and photogenic (those colors!) while leaving you happy knowing that you supported sustainable practices.