Isobaa vs Nero
Isobaa puts merino on the outside. We put it where your skin is.
Why Nero is better
Built into the short. Isobaa's shorts have no liner, so you still need something underneath.
Organic cotton on the outside takes the abrasion. Merino sits inside against the skin, where fineness and odour actually matter.
Micron decides whether a fibre bends on contact or presses in. Isobaa states 18.5 micron on its Merino 200 shorts.
Not in any Nero garment. Isobaa's Merino Blend 200 lists 14 percent nylon and 4 percent elastane.
Audited farm by farm, sourced and produced in New Zealand under OEKO-TEX Made in Green and WRAP.
Nero vs Isobaa
| Nero | Isobaa | |
|---|---|---|
| Liner | 100% merino, 17.5 micron | Isobaa's shorts have no liner |
| Fibre fineness | 17.5 micron | Isobaa states 18.5 micron |
| Shorts construction | Cotton shell takes the wear, merino sits inside | Isobaa puts 200gsm merino on the outer face |
| Nylon and elastane | Zero | Isobaa's Blend 200 lists 14% nylon, 4% elastane |
| Pockets | Two open, one secure zip | Isobaa lists welt side pockets |
| Wool certification | RWS certified, audited farm by farm | Isobaa states non-mulesed but names no scheme |
| Wool origin | Sourced and produced in New Zealand | Isobaa does not state where its wool is sourced |
Isobaa figures taken from claims published on their own site. Specifications change, so check the current pages before you buy.
The Active Merino Liner Short
A 100% GOTS certified organic cotton shell over a 100% merino liner at 17.5 micron, RWS certified with no mulesing. Two open pockets, one secure zip pocket, 5.5 inch and 7.5 inch inseams.
- Moisture moves into the fibre, not across it. Merino absorbs water vapour into the fibre core and releases it to the air, so odour compounds stay bound inside instead of sitting on the surface.
- Zero petrochemicals. No polyester, no nylon, no elastane, no recycled bottle flake.
- Merino sourced and produced in New Zealand. RWS certified, no mulesing, under OEKO-TEX Made in Green and WRAP.
The shorts are where most men start. The rest of the range, tees, vests and boxers, is in best sellers.
Shop the liner shortRWS certified merino, sourced and produced in New Zealand
Responsible Wool Standard is audited farm by farm by a third party against published criteria. You can look up the scheme and check who signs it off.
Manufacturing runs under OEKO-TEX Made in Green and WRAP. Standard 100 tests a finished garment. Made in Green certifies the facilities that produced it as well.
Shorts for Any Season
Temperature-Regulating: Stay cool in scorching heat and warm when it's chilly - no more sweaty plastic clinging to your thighs.
Naturally Moisture-Wicking: Merino wool quickly absorbs and evaporates sweat, keeping you dry and comfortable throughout the day.
Built for Every Workout: Crafted from unbelievably soft yet durable Merino fibers, our shorts handle intense workouts, weekend hikes, and everything in between.
Test them out for 99 days
We're so confident you'll love Nero that we offer a 99-Day Money-Back Guarantee. No questions asked. Try them risk-free and feel the difference immediately. Say goodbye to sweaty plastic shorts forever.
Shop Nero ShortsWhat they say after training in them
★★★★★5/5 – Best Shorts I've Ever Owned
I bought the Nero Shorts made with wool and organic cotton, and I can confidently say they're the best shorts I've ever worn. The material is next-level, breathable, soft, and somehow manages to feel both lightweight and durable at the same time. The fit is perfect, relaxed but sharp, and they move with you without ever feeling bulky or stiff.
They've quickly become my go-to for everything from casual wear to lounging, and I genuinely notice the quality every time I put them on. The wool keeps you cool when it's hot and warm when it's cool. You can tell these were made with intention and attention to detail.
Highly recommend. I'll be buying another pair (or two).
Great shorts
These shorts fit and look great. The materials are excellent. Will definitely buy more going forward.
Comfy and practical
These are some of the best shorts i've ever worn! Comfy, good pocket size, sits well on the booty! The merino on skin is really cosy, while the cotton outer always looks good! Finally found a pair of shorts that are good for me and the earth!