What is the Devold Klovstien shirt made of?
Wool for sport? This question still causes many people to frown. "Sustainability or not, it scratches or itches," is often the answer. This argument can be quickly refuted. Merino is not classic new wool, but much softer and more pleasant to the skin. In addition, 29% Lyocell (Tencel) has been added to the merino wool (69%) in the Devold Klovstien shirt. The silk-like Tencel fibre, which is obtained from cellulose like viscose and is biodegradable, has a slightly cooling effect and makes the knitted fabric (135 g/sqm) more robust.
How does the merino jersey wear?
In fact, the very first time you put them on, you feel a real cosy feeling. No itching, no scratching. Rather the feeling that the shirt could get too warm during strenuous exertion. The bike shirts have a loose cut and the Tencel yarn in the jacquard knit ensures a silky-soft, supple feel on the skin. The shirt has a short zip at the front. The special thing about it is that it can be opened in two directions, i.e. it can also be opened slightly at the bottom for cooling.
On the inside of the shirt - labelled on the outside with a reflective glasses sign - there is a small cloth that can be used to clean dusty cycling glasses. Mesh inserts under the armpits provide better ventilation. Several reflective elements for greater safety on the road can be found on the zip, sleeves and back. The big plus: the merino knit doesn't smell after cycling, which means you don't have to wash it as often - an advantage especially on multi-day tours. Speaking of washing: It's best to put it in the washing machine on the wool programme at 30°, use a wool detergent and hang it up afterwards, not in the dryer.
Conclusion on the Devold Klovstien
The Klovstien bike shirt with ¾ sleeves may not be a bargain at 130 euros, but for light and normal sweaters, it certainly has what it takes to become a favourite item on the bike, especially for tours in cooler climates or in the mountains. However, if you're often drenched in sweat when cycling, it's best to choose a different material. This is because merino dries relatively slowly when it gets really wet and sweaty. In terms of sustainability, however, the Devold shirt is hard to beat.
