This simple sleeveless vest is the perfect underlayer - soft, warm yet breathable and comfortable. Once you've put it on, it'll be hard to take off! Good job its fabric is naturally antibacterial and self-cleaning...

• 70% organic Merino wool, 30% pure silk
• binding on black and natural is 60% cotton, 20% polyester and 20% elastane
• warm, breathable and feminine
• standard length in smaller sizes, wonderfully long in the bigger sizes (click on "sizing" tab).

The following measurements have been taken with each vest lying flat on the desk. The measurements may vary slightly between vests of the same size. Please take into account that the vests have natural stretch.

XS, UK 8-10, EU 34/36

• Length from top of straps to bottom of vest: 62cm
• Chest across the front from armpit to armpit: 33.0cm

S, UK 10-12, EU 38/40

• Length from top of straps to bottom of vest: 68cm
• Chest across the front from armpit to armpit: 34.5cm

M, UK 14, EU 42/44

• Length from top of straps to bottom of vest: 68cm
• Chest across the front from armpit to armpit: 35.5cm

L, UK 16/18, EU 46/48

• Length from top of straps to bottom of vest: 70.5cm
• Chest across the front from armpit to armpit: 39cm

This is made from a blend of 70% organic Merino wool and 30% pure silk. This blend combines the thermo regulating properties of a soft, fine wool with the silkiness of pure silk on the skin.

The organic Merino wool used in this garment is certified by IVN as BEST which meets and exceeds GOTS organic standards. Engel themselves say:

'Ecological husbandry is motivated by esteem and respect for animal and man. The Merino sheep that produce our wool are kept according to the requirements appropriate to the species, so that they can live in a healthy and stress-free way. The pastures therefore must suit the Merino sheep in both climatic and ecological conditions.

The use of pesticides both on the meadows and the animal is inadmissible. The animals procreate in a natural way and any kind of change on the animal such as trimming the tail or mulesing are forbidden. In short – the sheep should live a happy life!

The merino virgin wool used in ENGEL’s woollen and wool/silk underwear is from organic husbandry. The certified organic origin of the wool ensures that it has been produced without noxious substances like pesticides and herbicides. Therefore, these clothes are awarded the highest certificate, the quality hallmark NATURTEXTIL–IVN ZERTIFIZIERT BEST.'

The Merino sheep usually thrive in mountainous areas at high altitudes resulting in wool which has many benefits when worn next to the skin and about the body.

• Wool absorbs moisture into the centre of the fibre, so that it still feels dry on the outside. This is very healthy for your skin - your skin stays dry while the wool can absorb up to 33% of its own weight while feeling dry.
• Wool "breathes", releasing its moisture out into the atmosphere. It does this dynamically in response to the environment, so if you or your child is active and sweating more, wool works harder for you. Wonderful.
• Wool is also naturally anti-bacterial, dirt-resistant and very stretchy, making wonderful clothes that are easy to put on and take off, excellent for dressing babies and children.
• Merino wool has also been proven to absorb UV across the whole range of the spectrum, giving excellent lightweight sun protection in the summer too.

Wool is therefore a wonderful temperature-regulator, slowing down the effects of changes of temperature and helping prevent sweatiness by absorbing moisture and releasing it in response to the environment.

Find out more about the properties of wool here in our blog here.

Engel call their next-to-the-skin layers made from this fabric "the underwear that nothing can top". My children still think so too!

The health benefits of wool are being revealed time and time again. Studies have shown that it's better for the health of premature babies if they are nursed on wool rather than cotton and it's better for the skin of hospital patients if they lie on wool rather than polyester.

Wool helps sleep too. At least two studies show that people get a better night's sleep with wool around them - they go to sleep more quickly, sleep longer and have better quality sleep too.

Please note that under EU labelling regulations, stating the type of wool is not allowed, only a statement of "100% wool" or "new wool" is allowed. However, this garment is certified organic Merino wool.

For centuries, silk has been known as the premier fabric to wear next to the skin. It is very smooth, so it's non-irritating, and it has good insulation properties giving it good warmth for its lightness. It is also naturally antibacterial and healthy for the skin.

Combining the Merino wool and silk gives the thermo-regulating properties of soft, fine wool with the silkiness of pure silk on the skin. Engel call their next-to-the-skin layers made from this fabric "the underwear that nothing can top". My children still think so too!

Everyday Care
Wool & silk is naturally self-cleaning. For everyday use hang your wool & silk clothing to air rather than wash. We advise against washing regularly, if at all.

How to Wash Wool & Silk in the Machine
When washing is required we recommend washing your wool & silk garment in the machine as follows:

• Select a wool wash or hand wash cycle at 30°c with a low spin speed (Engel recommends no higher than 700rpm).
• Use a detergent designed for wool and silks. We recommend one of our liquid wool shampoos in our fabric care section here.
  
  How to Hand Wash Wool & Silk
  When handwashing, great care is needed to ensure the garment does not shrink or 'felt':
  • Dilute your wool detergent in cool water. Use a thermometer to ensure the temperature is under 30°C.
  • Add your clothing, gently stirring and squeezing the water through.
  • Rinse through using water cooler than 30°c.
  • To dry, gently squeeze water out and wrap the wool clothes in a towel to remove the excess water. Air-dry naturally avoiding direct heat.
  
  

We have the widest range of Engel clothing on the web, made from organic Merino wool, silk/wool blend and organic cotton clothing.
With clothing for the little ones including premature babies, active wear for children and great base-layers for adults - it's all there to keep everyone healthy and comfortable! And their outerwear is wonderfully soft and breathable too!

Engel was established in the 1960s. From 1982 onwards the company started to concentrate on natural textiles in an exemplary and consistent way. Engel garments are Certified Organic by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). The wool comes from Merino sheep in their natural environment, which are organically farmed and therefore live a healthy and stress-free life. The usage of pesticides is forbidden both on pastures and on animals.

Click here to read Engel's FAQs.