The women's SmartLoft hoody

The women's SmartLoft hoody

SmartWool has expanded its PhD range with the addition of midlayers to complement its baselayers as temperatures head south.

The PhD SmartLoft collection wraps the benefits of the new merino wool insulation in a weather-resistant nylon shell to create a series of products that are fully machine washable and dryable.

One jacket style, the PhD SmartLoft Divide Full Zip in both a women’s and men’s version, features merino wool sleeves, back and chest lining to maximize breathability, temperature regulation, and moisture control benefits, in addition to merino wool insulation for optimal warmth.

Other women’s options are the PhD SmartLoft: Divide Vest and Full Zip, Hoody. Men’s options are the PhD SmartLoft: Divide Vest, Full Zip and Hoody.

SmartWool said: “Designed for bodies in motion, the fit of the new PhD apparel pieces offer smart details for seamless, comfortable layering.”

The SmartLoft PhD Divide Vest costs £129.99, the SmartLoft PhD Divide Full Zip £149.99 with the SmartLoft PhD Full Zip £154.99 with the SmartLoft PhD Hoody retailing at £159.99

The tops are on sale at all well-known outdoor retailers including Ellis Brigham and Snow & Rock

As well as the SmartLoft tops, the company has PhD HyFi midlayers and accessories which use the combination of two fibres with complementing benefits.

The Colorado-based company said: “They offer performance benefits beyond that of 100 per cent merino wool garments such as wind, rain and abrasion resistance without diminishing the inherent properties of the wool.

“Working in tandem with the baselayers, these insulating midlayers provide superior warmth through breathability and moisture management.”

The men's PhD SmartLoft Divide Jacket

The men's PhD SmartLoft Divide Jacket

The men or women’s PhD NTS Light 195 Wind Zip T is a specialised top from the baselayer collection with a windproof front panel that provides warmth and protection from the elements.

The top is designed for high-aerobic activities in cold weather. Lightweight fabric on the back and sleeves and a venting centre front zip allow for efficient cooling. Body-enhancing fit and design lines are seen in the sculpted side panels, eliminating side seams for reduced chafing, and in the contoured sleeve cuff and drop tail bottom hem for increased coverage.

PhD HyFi Collection tops and bottoms are made from a bi-component fabric that put the comfort of merino wool next to your skin, while placing a nylon facing on the exterior for extra abrasion resistance.

The brand said: “Inside it works naturally with bodies managing moisture, fighting odours, and aiding breathability. Outside it’s more durable, providing wind and abrasion resistance.”

Garment options in the PhD HyFi line include men or women’s PhD HyFi: Vest, Half Zip, Full Zip, and Full Zip Hoody.