Rodd & Gunn Merino Phoenix Knit Sweater

Where I got it

First time visiting the new Manawa Bay outlet near Auckland International Airport, my husband was browsing Rodd & Gunn and was looking for some merino sweaters. We ended up purchasing two wool/cashmere blend round neck sweaters for my husband for $99 each, and a 100% merino v-neck sweater for myself for $119. This merino sweater is originally $179, and it was discounted to $119 at the outlet. On the website it is also $119, but the size and colours are very limited.

What I got

This is the Rodd & Gunn Merino Phoenix Knit Sweater (camel, size S). This 100% traceable garment is crafted from New Zealand grown ZQRX merino, the next generation of ethical, regenerative wool that gives back more than it takes. ZQRX is the perfect fibre for year-round comfort and performance, which is backed by exceptional quality and world-class ethical standards. Each ZQRX garment is helping the planet regenerate, one fibre at a time. True fit.

How I find it

I bought this knowing that it is a men’s style, so the sizing and fit might be a little oversized on me. However, I tried it on at the shop and I thought it looked quite nice, and fits pretty well. Size S is a little relaxed fit on me and I am usually a size 8/10 or size S in most other brands. The shoulders fit well and the most important thing is that it is not too long and baggy.

I absolutely love the camel colour and it just pairs so well with all my other clothes, shoes, and accessories. It has a nice v-neck detail to wear with a shirt underneath, or a white basic t-shirt underneath. I also love wearing this with some vintage wash denim, or some light blue denim.

This piece is hand-wash only so I wash this like I would with my cashmere pieces, and then lay it out to dry in the shade. The garment washed nicely, and when dried, it even more softer and fluffier. You can put this in the washing machine and line dry, but the garment won’t last as long and it will warp and stretch it. I have been purchasing better quality pieces and learning to take better care of them so they look better for longer.

Overall

I have worn this sweater a handful of times now and it is a very comfortable, soft and warm piece. Great for transitional weather like Spring and Autumn, also great for layering under warm coats and or over shirts. I love how the v-neck is not too low so you can wear it alone without feeling too low-cut or you can wear it over a shirt and show some collar. I would go for either a plain white shirt or a blue and white striped shirt. Pair it with some denims or ciagrette pants. The possibilities are endless and the colour is so easy to pair with anything neutral.

One thing I did notice was the smell of the sweater when it is wet or damp. The smell of natural fibre from an animal really comes out. It was a little weird at the start, but as the sweater dries down, the scent disappears.  After wearing the sweater, I spritz it with a cashmere deodouriser to remove any unwanted smell, then I drape it over a coat hanger to air it out. I don’t always have space to lay my sweater out flat, but when I do use a hanger, I just drape it instead of hanging in on the shoulder of the sweater if you understand what I mean. Once the sweater hair aired out for at least 24 hours, I will neatly fold it and put it away.