The transitional seasons of fall and spring bring so much to love. Who doesn’t swoon over a hike through golden aspens with pine needles crunching underfoot? Or the first glimpse of wildflowers unfurling beside alpine lakes? Shoulder season is when the natural world shows off with crisp mornings, blossoming landscapes, and changing light. But as magical as it is, these in-between months are notorious for their unpredictability.
Frosty mornings, sun-baked afternoons, and rainstorms that roll in out of nowhere—if there’s one thing you can count on, it’s constant change. As Mark Twain once quipped about New England weather, “If you don’t like it, wait a minute.” The same goes double for spring and fall.
It might seem like your only options for adventuring outdoors are to overpack with endless layers, stash backup outfits in your bag, or resign yourself to discomfort. Luckily, there’s another way. Merino wool works with your body to help you stay comfortable as the weather swings and shifts. This is one of the reasons we’ve stretched beyond Performance Innerwear (also important as a feel-good baselayer) to Merino activewear like the Short Sleeve Tee, Hoodie Pull Over, Wide Leg Pant, and more.
Here’s why Merino is your secret weapon for shoulder season.
Keeps You a Comfortable Temp
Start a hike in the mountains at dawn, and you might see your breath in the 40-degree chill. Fast forward a few hours, and you’re sweating from your scalp as the sun pushes temps past 75. That kind of dramatic swing can be a recipe for misery… unless you’re wearing Merino.
Merino sheep only get one outfit, and it has to carry them through snowstorms, summer heat, and everything in between. Their secret? A special coat that naturally regulates temperature. Merino fibers act like a thermostat for your body. When it’s chilly, they trap warmth. When it’s warm, they release excess heat.
Staying the perfect temperature when the weather is anything but means layering with Merino—starting from the pieces closest to your skin. If you’re venturing out on an unpredictable day, this might mean putting on your favorite Performance Underwear (perhaps the Essential Bralette and the Essential Bikini). Next, pull on a pair of Compressive Leggings that can multi-task as a running tight or around-the-town pant. Complete your outfit with a Classic Tank or Long Sleeve Tee and top it all with a Hoodie Pull Over for extra warmth. If the weather report calls for drizzles, a waterproof shell will be helpful to pack, too. You’ll be ready for whatever the day brings.
Stays Dry Even If You Get Sweaty
If there’s one thing that will derail a shoulder-season adventure fast, it’s damp, clingy clothes. Between surprise rain showers and the reality of sweating on uphill climbs, moisture is practically guaranteed. The problem is what happens next: when the temperature dips, wet fabric can make you shiver and shut down your day early.
Merino changes the game. Each fiber can absorb up to 30% of its weight in moisture vapor — far more than cotton — while still feeling dry against your skin. That’s because the moisture gets trapped in the core of the fiber, leaving the surface dry and comfortable. On top of that, Merino is quick-drying, wicking sweat away from your body so it can evaporate.
Whether you’re biking in the Short Sleeve Tee or hiking in the Jogger, you’ll stay drier and fresher longer. No clamminess, no chafing, no need to cut the adventure short.
Minimizes Odor
Shoulder season adventures often blur the lines between workout and hangout. A brisk morning ride might end with coffee downtown; a trail run could lead straight into brunch with friends. Changing clothes in between? Not always an option.
That’s where Merino’s odor-resistance shines. The fibers naturally lock away odor molecules and release them only when washed. This is why Merino socks have been the subject of famous “smell tests.”
That same magic works for your whole outfit. Pull on the Essential Racerback Sports Bra and the Classic Tank for a hike, then wear it straight into town without a second thought. The seamless knit keeps you comfortable, and the Merino keeps you fresh, even after you’ve worked up a sweat.
Shields the Sun, Naturally
Cooler weather can trick us into underestimating the sun. But UV rays don’t take a break just because the air feels crisp. In many places, UV levels in September and October are just as high as midsummer—especially at altitude or near reflective surfaces like lakes, granite rock, or even the first dustings of snow.
Merino wool offers natural UV protection, shielding your skin without added chemicals. Whether you’re logging miles or relaxing post-adventure in the Long Sleeve Tee, you get breathable comfort plus sun defense built right in.
Moves With You Wherever You Go
Comfort isn’t just about temperature and dryness; it’s also about freedom of movement. That’s why BRANWYN’s seamless Merino design is such a game-changer. The knit construction eliminates bulky seams, molds to your body, and stretches with every stride, squat, and stretch.
Picture this: Leggings that don’t dig in on a steep climb, a sports bra that supports without pinching, and tops that move fluidly whether you’re shouldering a pack or reaching for that last hold on the wall. That’s what you get with the Wide-Leg Pant, Essential Busty Bra, or High Waisted Slim Jogger—pieces designed to move as dynamically as you do.
And because they’re sleek and versatile, they carry you seamlessly (pun intended) from trail to town. Wear them under your jacket at sunrise, shed layers for your afternoon run, then keep the same pieces on when you’re sipping cider with friends in the evening.
The Takeaway
Shoulder season might be unpredictable, but your comfort doesn’t have to be. With BRANWYN’s seamless and activewear Merino, you’ll stay warm in the chill, cool in the heat, dry in the rain, and fresh no matter how much you move. It’s one fabric that does it all. No overpacking required.
We want to know… what are your favorite ways to adventure during shoulder season? Please get in touch any time. We love to hear from you! You can email us at info@branwyn.com or DM us on Instagram at @branwynofficial. Happy trails!
