According to Icebreaker, Realfleece is a premium natural alternative to a synthetic fleece, but unlike synthetics, looks good enough to wear out socially. “Made from the world’s best merino, grown by merino sheep in New Zealand’s Southern Alps, it’s exceptionally warm, soft and cosy,” says Icebreaker.

The interior of each Realfleece garment is said to have a terry knit construction with loft that has been brushed to create pockets that trap air and lock in body heat. The outside is said to have a smooth, stylish, air-permeable jersey finish.

Icebreaker says Realfleece garments are ideal to wear during low aerobic sports, such as hiking, and to warm up or warm down from high aerobic sports, such as running. They come in two styles for men and women, with or without hoods, and can be worn over a base layer or underneath a waterproof, breathable shell.

“Realfleece is about instant warmth and instant luxury,” says Jeremy Moon, founder and CEO of Icebreaker. “These new garments are amazingly soft and warm, yet they look so good they can be worn out to a restaurant. Once you’ve tried one on, you won’t want to take it off.”

The men’s Aspiring Zip (in black and stealth/black) features a full zip centre front, set-in sleeves, zippered front hand pockets and chest pocket and a centre front interior chin guard.

For women, the Igloo Zip and Igloo Hood (in black and divine/merlot) features full zip centre front, set-in sleeves, and zippered front hand pockets. The Aspiring Hood offers the same features and a shaped hood.

“Realfleece represents the ethos of our brand. Sustainability is at the core of our business, and we want to make beautiful products that last a long time,” says Jason Phillips, Icebreaker’s Design Director of Apparel. “We think Realfleece will be an instant classic.”

Launched in 1994, Icebreaker claims it was the first company in the world to develop a merino fibre layering system for the outdoors. It also claims to be the first outdoor apparel company in the world to source merino directly from growers, a system it began in 1997. There are now 20-25 distinct pure merino fabrics in the Icebreaker system, covering underwear, mid layer, and outerwear.