Smartwool Cottonwood Jersey and Betasso Jersey Review

By Shannon on May 17, 2010 in Clothing, Men's, Men's Running Apparel, Performance Apparel, Women's

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When you mention the company SmartWool, most people would say, “Yeah, that sock company!” Fortunately, SmartWool makes more than just socks these days. This spring, Smartwool updated their women’s Cottonwood Jersey, and I got a chance to test it out.

The Cottonwood Jersey features Technical Knit Merino fabric in the body and polyester mesh panels under the arms and in the flank area. The merino wool is super soft, hasn’t pilled yet after 15 plus washings, and is pretty breathable with moderate intensity exercises. The jersey features flattened seams at the shoulders and across the lower hem, which was great for wearing a pack while riding. The left hip has a zippered stash pocket that features a circle opening to easily run headphones under the top and to your ears. I didn’t use the stash pocket much while riding because of the location in relation to where my hip-belt lands.

The jersey has a bit of a boyish look to it, including the dark blue body coloring and granite side panels that I tested, and the alternate color combo of dark green/yellow. I would have preferred other color options that are available in many other SmartWool baselayers. The cut of the top is flattering, yet another inch in length would have been nice while wearing a pack. The arm holes are roomy and I liked the 1/4 zip feature to help cool down while pedaling uphill.

I also wore the Cottonwood Jersey while running in temps around 50 degrees or so. The jersey weighs a tad more than most tech tee’s, making it a good choice for cooler days. The jersey features a small reflective logo at the left hip to help slightly with visibility if you aren’t covering it with a pack. Merino wool unfortunately carries a higher price tag, with the Cottonwood Jersey coming in with a MSRP of $95. With that said, merino wool is a luxurious natural fiber that feels great against the skin. The Cottonwood Jersey is worth a look or two!

For any guys reading this review and getting a little jealous, rest assured, there is a great merino jersey just for you. The Betasso Jersey, by SmartWool, utilizes the same Technical Knit merino fabric in the body and strategically placed polyester side panels to keep you cool. The Betasso, however, does not have a quarter zip, which our guy didn’t mind. The jersey features a slightly more relaxed fit, as compared to traditional cycling jerseys. Our male tester wore the Betasso on and off the trail because of its’ comfy soft finish, performance ability, and fun coloring (he tested the orange/granite colors).

For more information on the Cottonwood or Betasso, please visit Smartwool.com

Brands: SmartWool

About the Author

Shannon, our fabulous female tester, takes gear testing to a new level for women. When not at work or school, she is most likely training for a marathon, climbing one of Colorado’s tallest peaks, riding her road bike, or skiing down a mountain slope. Like many women, Shannon gets cold easily, therefore, we try to test the best all weather gear to help her stay warm and dry during all day outdoor pursuits. In the warmer months, Shannon enjoys exploring the Colorado backcountry with her friends and dogs and attempts to escape for as many trail runs as her schedule allows. Shannon is a great women’s tester because she gives readers true insight into how a product may perform for an active woman.