Icebreaker vs Nero
Both sell merino. Only one puts 100% of it against your skin.
Why Nero is better
Nothing blended into the layer that touches skin. Icebreaker's liner is 60% Tencel, 40% merino.
Fine enough to bend on contact instead of pressing into the skin. Icebreaker lists 18.5 micron on the Speed short.
Nero's merino is spun as merino. Icebreaker's corespun wraps merino around a nylon core, so the plastic is the skeleton of the thread.
Merino crimp and knit structure give the movement. Icebreaker lists 5 percent elastane on Merino 150.
Audited farm by farm, produced in New Zealand under OEKO-TEX Made in Green and WRAP.
Nero vs Icebreaker
| Nero | Icebreaker | |
|---|---|---|
| Liner fibre | 100% merino | Icebreaker lists 60% Tencel, 40% merino |
| Merino fineness | 17.5 micron | Icebreaker lists 18.5 micron on the Speed short |
| Shorts shell | 100% GOTS organic cotton | Icebreaker lists 80% Tencel, 20% merino |
| Nylon in the yarn | None | Icebreaker's corespun wraps merino around a nylon core |
| Elastane content | Zero | Icebreaker lists 5 percent elastane on Merino 150 |
| Tencel blend for heat | Merino Air, 40% merino, no synthetics | Icebreaker's Cool-Lite adds nylon and Lycra |
| Wool certification | RWS certified, no mulesing | Icebreaker states 93% of its merino is ZQ certified |
| Guarantee | 99 days | Icebreaker gives 30 days |
Icebreaker 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!