Last Updated on November 30, 2024
Ridge Merino is a high-performance apparel company crafted by and for outdoor enthusiasts. They focus on next-to-skin Merino wool products that are less expensive than the industry standard but offer similar quality. Today, we dive into all aspects of their clothing in this Ridge Merino review.
Ridge Merino’s mission is to develop high-quality, high-value Merino wool apparel that performs as well in daily life as it does in the wildest outdoor conditions.
Ridge Merino Website
Transparency means everything to us! At Merino Wool Gear, we strive to provide you with the most updated and accurate information about Merino wool clothing and accessories. We only recommend products we genuinely believe in. While we don’t sponsor products, we may utilize affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission (at no cost to you) if you click a link and make a purchase. We appreciate your support as it helps us create the most valuable and informative Merino wool reviews online. You can read our complete affiliate disclosure here.
Brief History of Ridge Merino
Based at the adventure hub of Mammoth Lakes, California, Ridge Merino was founded by the husband and wife team of Jeff and Susan Russell in 2014. As the head of technical design at Armada Skis, Jeff noticed many professional winter athletes favored Merino wool base layers over traditional synthetics.
The couple figured: if the pros love Merino, then so will everyone else!
Now, Ridge Merino creates Merino wool clothing specifically designed for outdoor adventures, tested in a high-altitude environment of the Sierras. All of the gear we’ve ever tested from them works flawlessly in the backcountry. And with consistent design updates and new products released seasonally, we know they’ll be a contender in the outdoor clothing industry for years to come.
Ridge Merino Review: What We Like
All of Ridge Merino’s products are crafted by – and for – outdoor enthusiasts. Therefore, you’ll have peace of mind that you are purchasing quality clothing with enhanced protection. Their high-performance apparel is some of the best on the market and comes at a reasonable price. Their affordability is because they sell directly to the consumer at no additional mark-ups and maintain a low overhead compared with other companies.
They are a customer-centric company that puts you first and profits second.
You can expect a company like Ridge Merino to have some of the industry’s highest innovation standards. They utilize a specific corespun nylon technology called (m)Force™, which improves Merino wool’s durability without losing the benefits. According to their website, their fabrics that use (m)Force™ are 40% stronger than Merino wool. Therefore, we love how their apparel will last longer than other products on the market. Oh, let’s not forget their staunch commitment to sustainability and ethics (especially within their TENCEL™ technology). But we’ll touch on that in a later section.
But, what truly sets Ridge Merino apart is their drive for success. Every time we browse their collection, they have new and improved gear. They take feedback from their users and testers (ourselves included), and strive to create some of the most cutting edge Merino wool gear on the market. And the best part? It’s all at a reasonable price.
In other words, with Ridge Merino, you’re getting high-quality clothing at a for a fraction of what a high-quality brand costs. I mean, what’s not there to like?
Ridge Merino Review: Areas to Improve
Even though we truly love Ridge Merino clothing, no company is perfect, and there is always room for improvement. Two of the main issues we’ve seen with their clothing are the fit consistency and lack of versatility.
2024 Update: Since writing this, Ridge Merino has updated many of their collections, offering a wider variety of clothing and a better overall fit. So, when reading the next little bit, know that Ridge Merino is making continual strides to improve their apparel based on feedback from their loyal fanbase!
Several customers have been taken back by the lack of congruity within some of the company’s products. There have been stitching quality issues reported, incorrect lengths, and even some minor durability issues. One user even bought the same shirt twice at the same size and realized that it had two different fits. Much of this has to do with Merino wool’s nature as a fabric, but you should also consult Ridge Merino’s sizing charts if you are unsure.
Next, one area for improvement with Ridge Merino (and all Merino wool clothing in general) is the lack of versatility. You may purchase an awesome t-shirt for hiking, but it may not be best for everyday use, and vice versa. Before buying any Merino wool apparel, you should understand its appropriate usage so that you don’t have it hanging idly in your closet for 95% of the year.
Sustainability Efforts
The people at Ridge Merino take their commitment to the environment very seriously. They are certified green by the California Green Business Network, a high standard of achievement for sustainability. They are a member of the organization 1% For the Planet, which donates some profits to pro-environmental advocacy groups.
One unique aspect that sets Ridge Merino’s sustainability efforts apart from its competitors is there use of a specific wood fiber called TENCEL™. This fiber is obtained from sustainable plantations and mixed in with Merino wool in many of their collections. The whole process is closed-loop, which means that it has minimal (if any) environmental impact due to the efficient use of resources and no waste generation. If that’s not eco-friendly, we don’t know what is.
Read More: The Ultimate Merino Wool Sustainability Guide
Ethics & Sourcing
As with their commitment to sustainability, Ridge Merino also is fully committed to ethical wool farming. They stress that all of their raw material comes from non-mulesed sheep and ensure that their sheep farmers and suppliers follow proper ethical practices.
Per the Ridge Merino website, they source most of their Merino wool from Australia and the McKenzie basin in New Zealand. Also, as previously mentioned, all of their Merino is 100% Woolmark-certified.
Our Favorite Ridge Merino Gear
If you can’t tell by now, we really love Ridge Merino as a brand. Their craftsmanship and expertise truly shine in the outdoor world. Still, there are some pieces that outshine the rest. So, we’d be doing you a disservice and we didn’t talk a little bit more about them. So, check out our top five pieces of Merino wool gear from Ridge Merino below! Who know? You may even find something that may work for you.
Ridge Merino Solstice Sun Hoodie
87% Merino wool & 13% Nylon | Ultralight (145 gsm) | 17.5 microns | Relaxed fit
Ridge Merino’s Solstice Hoodie rewrites the rules of summer sun protection. This ultralight Merino wool hoodie breathes like crazy, blocks UV rays (UPF 30+), and packs down to nothing – perfect for hiking, traveling, and everything in between. They use a unique fabric technology to make it surprisingly durable, too. The fit is super comfy and relaxed, with an oversized hood for hats or helmets. While it might run a bit long and wrinkle after a few days, this hoodie is a winner for sun protection and comfort, especially for the price. That’s why I have two, and my wife has one. Seriously, we are a Solstice hoodie family through and through.
Ridge Merino Men’s Journey Tee
87% Merino wool & 13% Nylon | Ultralight (145 gsm) | 17.5 microns | Modern fit
Looking for a top-notch Merino wool tee without the hefty price tag? Check out the Ridge Merino Journey. It’s crazy breathable, odor-resistant, and easy on the wallet. Plus, (m)Force tech makes it durable. The fit is relaxed but not sloppy, though it runs long. Overall, it is a comfy and affordable winner.
Ridge Merino Bralette & Boy Shorts
83% Merino wool, 12% nylon, & 5% spandex | Lightweight (170 gsm) | Next-to-skin fit
These bralette and boy shorts are a win-win for comfort and style. My wife absolutely adores them and even wrote a full-length review, just gushing over how comfortable they are. The bralette is super versatile and wearable year-round with anything from biker shorts to cardigans. The boy shorts provide a smooth silhouette under clothes, and the wide waistband is comfy. Both pieces are breathable and odor-resistant, and while the bralette is light support, it’s perfect for everyday wear and light workouts. Overall, it is a comfy, affordable Merino wool underlayer set that goes anywhere you go.
Ridge Merino Boxer Briefs
83% Merino wool, 12% Nylon, & 5% Spandex | Lightweight (170 gsm) | 18.5 microns | Athletic fit
Ridge Merino might be a smaller brand, but their Merino wool boxers are making serious waves. Here’s the deal: these boxers are built for comfort with super soft, fine fibers that wick away sweat and keep you fresh. They’ll keep you cool, confident, and comfy all day, no matter how strenuous your day may be. That’s one main reason they took second place in the Best Merino wool Underwear for Men!
Ridge Merino Men’s Hyde Joggers
100% Merino wool terry | Midweight (275 gsm) | 18.5 microns | Tapered fit
These joggers are part of my daily uniform – at home, running errands, you name it. Why? They’re surprisingly stylish. Plus, the tapered leg fits perfectly with everything else in my closet (a Ridge Merino perk!). But beyond the looks, the comfort is unreal. The 100% Merino wool terry fabric is like a soft hug for your legs, and the flatlock seams mean no annoying chafing. Bonus points for the hand warmer pockets – perfect for chilly mornings. If you’re searching for a versatile Merino wool sweatpant – comfy, adaptable, and stylish – these Hyde Joggers are your best choice.
How Do I Find Deals On Ridge Merino Clothing?
Ridge Merino has a dedicated clearance page on its website. Many products are offered at up to a 50% discount on the original price. Also, they regularly provide coupon codes if you sign-up for their newsletter or follow them on Instagram.
Also, you can get 15% off your first order and free shipping on anything over $49 at the link below.
Sizing Charts
Ridge Merino offers sizing charts for all its products, but some users have reported the fit does not always match the size. Be sure to read product reviews from other users to determine if the fit runs tight, accurate, or large.
Ridge Merino Men’s Tops Sizing Chart
| Size | Chest (in.) |
| S | 36 – 38 |
| M | 39 – 41 |
| L | 42 – 44 |
| XL | 45 – 48 |
| XXL | 49 – 51 |
Ridge Merino Men’s Bottoms Sizing Chart
| Size | Waist (in.) | Hip (in.) |
| S | 29 – 31 | 36 – 38 |
| M | 31 – 33 | 39 – 41 |
| L | 34 – 36 | 42 – 44 |
| XL | 37 – 40 | 45 – 47 |
| XXL | 41 – 44 | 48 – 50 |
Ridge Merino Women’s Tops Sizing Chart
| Size | Chest ( in.) |
| XS (0 – 2) | 32 – 33 |
| S (4 – 6) | 34 – 35 |
| M ( 8- 10) | 36 – 38 |
| L (12 – 14) | 39 – 40 |
| XL (16) | 41 – 42 |
Ridge Merino Women’s Bottoms Sizing Chart
| Size | Waist (in.) | Hip (in.) |
| XS (0 – 2) | 24 – 25 | 35 – 36 |
| S (4 – 6) | 26 – 27 | 37 – 38 |
| M (8 – 10) | 28 – 29 | 39 – 40 |
| L (12 – 14) | 30 – 31 | 41 – 42 |
| XL (16) | 32 – 33 | 43 – 44 |
Ridge Merino Kid’s Sizing Chart
| Size | Age | Height (in.) | Weight (lb.) | Chest (in.) | Waist (in.) |
| XS | 4 – 5 | 40 – 48 | 40 – 48 | 24 – 25 | 22 – 22.5 |
| S | 6 – 8 | 48 – 54 | 48 – 59 | 22.5 – 26.5 | 23 – 24 |
| M | 9 – 10 | 54 – 57 | 60 – 75 | 27 – 28 | 24.5 – 25 |
| L | 11 – 12 | 57 – 60 | 75 – 89 | 28.5 – 30 | 25.5 -26 |
| XL | 13 – 14 | 60 – 62 | 89 – 100 | 30.5 – 32 | 26.5 – 28 |
Warranties & Return Policy
Ridge Merino offers one of the best warranties for Merino wool clothes that we have ever seen. They have a 100% lifetime warranty for any manufacturing or material defects. This doesn’t mean you can wear out their clothing and send it back, though, as this warranty does not cover normal wear. For more warranty information, please visit the Ridge Merino website or contact their customer service agents at info@ridgemerino.com.
As with the warranty, there is no limit or time window to return any unused or packaged clothing Ridge Merino apparel. For worn items, they do, however, list a few restrictions on their website.
- All worn clothing must be clean and laundered before returning, or they charge you an additional $5 cleaning fee.
- Do not continue to wear your apparel if you are considering a return.
- Must include order number, packaging, and original hangtags.
- “Final Sale” items are non-refundable but can be exchanged for a different size or color.
- “Pro Deal” sales and any 30% or more discount sales are considered final sales.
- Ridge Merino will refuse any refunds where these conditions are not met.
To begin processing your return, please visit the returns portal on the Ridge Merino website.
Final Note on Ridge Merino
You probably noticed we’re pretty obsessed with Ridge Merino. They take a new, fresh approach to the world of Merino wool clothing. Not only are they constantly improving their gear, but they actually listen to their customers. From hiking, camping, or just lounging around the house, Ridge Merino clothing keeps you cool, comfy, and stylish. And honestly, you rarely see any of their products with less than a 4.5-star rating on their website. Clearly, I’m not the only one that loves them!
So, if you’re looking for a perfect blend of performance, comfort, and value, look no further than Ridge Merino. And if you want to see how they stack up to the rest of the Merino wool industry, read some of the reviews they’ve been featured in (we didn’t list all of them, just some of our favorites).
- Best Merino Wool Underwear For Men
- 20+ Best Men’s Merino Wool Tees of 2024
- Best Merino Wool Base Layers For Men
- Best Merino Wool Hoodies For Women
- 12 Best Merino Wool Hoodies For Men
- Best Merino Wool Bras For Maximum Comfort
- Best Men’s Merino Wool Hiking Shirts For Each Season
- Best Merino Wool Dresses For Every Occasion
- Ridge Merino Bralete & Boy Shorts Review
- Ridge Merino Aspect Leggings Review
Lastly, for the latest updates, insightful reviews, and exclusive deals on all your favorite Merino wool clothing, we invite you to sign up for our newsletter or follow us on social media. Just like Ridge Merino, we’re committed to assisting you in finding the perfect Merino wool gear for your needs!
