Smalls merino is a UK company owned by two New Zealand born friends who pride themselves in creating a range of the softest, machine washable, superfine merino wool clothing. Their garments range in size from newborn to size 14. Their merino is ZQ Merino which means that the sheep producing the wool are humanely treated, well fed, live natural and healthy lives, and are not subjected to mulesing. Their merino from free roaming sheep in the unpolluted environment of the Southern Alps of New Zealand is one of the very highest quality and performance. I reviewed their lightweight raglan tee and lightweight summer shorts.
Click to learn more about the benefits of wearing wool in the summer.
I received these garments at a discount for the purpose of my honest and unbiased review.
FIT: My 2 year old has a long torso is wearing the 4/5 raglan tee which fit him well. The summer shorts are a size 2/3 and are generously cut giving ample room if your little one is diapered, even for cloth diapers. Below is the accurate sizing of the shorts dry. Our trip to the creek to skip rocks quickly turned into a mini swim and once wet the shorts lengthened slightly. To ensure correct sizing, I emailed Smalls his measurements and they helped guarantee a perfect fit. I expect both items to still fit him next year; the shorts maybe an additional 2 years.
COMFORT: The Smalls website states that their superfine merino is as soft as a puppy’s earlobe and I would agree with the accuracy of that description. It is extremely soft and lightweight, thinner than a cotton t-shirt. I appreciate the raglan sleeve design because it allows for movement without restriction. The shorts have a substantial elastic waist that holds them in place while still being comfortable and there is also a drawstring if your little one is on the more slender side. The shorts include side pockets with the same contrast stitching as on the tee.
DURABILITY: At the time of this review both items have been worn only a few times but so far the quality and craftsmanship is very apparent. I will update this review at the end of the summer when they have gotten much more wear. 
EASE OF CARE: This is the care guide from the Smalls website: “Wear me lots, wash me now and then with wool detergent on a normal 40 degree cycle or hand wash me if you fancy. Don’t bleach me. Lie me flat to dry or tumble-dry me on low 40 degrees if you can’t wait. Cool iron is OK, but not on my label. Please don’t send me to the dry cleaners. Thank you. From happy sheep in New Zealand & Australia.” True to the wonderful nature of wool, after our trip to the creek I laid them out to air dry and that was all they needed. They still looked like I had just taken them out of the package and did not have any smell to them. Smalls merino is resistant to pilling.
CONCLUSION:
- One of the few companies that makes merino shorts
- Very open and upfront about the source of their wool and the quality of their product
- Helpful and responsive customer service
- No labels or tags on the inside of the clothing, everything is printed directly on the fabric
- Worldwide shipping is available
The quality and construction of Smalls superfine merino wool is impressive. You can view more Smalls products here.
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