Marco Polo

• Lightwave™ hi-performance knit combines a merino inner layer with a fast-drying polyester outer.
• 'Stiff upper lip' collar deflects UV's and upholds dress codes.
• Hi-Impact nylon reinforcing on shoulders for portaging your bike.
• Designed & made by us in Aotearoa | New Zealand.

  Weight: 200 gm

+Lightwave™ Merino

A bi-component thermal fabric combining merino and polyester yarns. Superfine 19.5 micron merino wicks sweat away from your skin while the polyester provides a durable, non-pill outer. Lightweight and machine washable.

• Composition: 46% merino; 54% polyester.
• Weight: 150 gsm.

+Man vs Wild

• Merino is unrivalled for comfort as a body layer.
• Its natural fibres help fend off the big stink on multi-day epics.
• Merino absorbs more moisture than synthetic fibres, mopping up excess sweat rather than letting it settle on your skin.
• However high-aerobic activities like cycling will often overload ordinary merino. Lightwave's polyester component repels moisture to reduce total saturation of the fabric - so it dries faster to help keep your cool. Ideal for going hard 'n' fast, and for wearing under your rain jacket.

+Hot 'n' Cold

Lightwave™ Merino regulates your temperature through a wide range of conditions. Delivering comfort in all but the hottest climes, as well as a thermal layer under a WindFoil™, microFoil™ or HydroFoil™ shell in winter.

+UPF 50

UPF 50+ rating extends your no-burn time by 50 times over bare skin. Designs with a stand-up collar and long sleeves maximise protection from the sun's UV rays. Yank 'em up if it gets too stifling.

+More than Kiwi Made

Ground Effect clothing is crafted right here in Aotearoa | New Zealand. Has been ever since we started back in 1994. Manufacturing locally works for us. We operate a quick-response system - holding minimal stock of any one item, but churning out a few more quick-smart when the pile gets low. The upshot is that we are seldom caught with our shelves empty, so orders get despatched the same day you place them.

▸ Why is Lightwave™ Merino so comfortable next-to-skin?

• Lightwave™ Merino combines the comfort, warmth and low-odour properties of merino wool with the durability of polyester. Merino wool absorbs more moisture than synthetic fibres like polyester or polypropylene. This makes it very effective in dealing with excess sweat - it is absorbed into the fabric rather than settling (and cooling) on your skin. The polyester component repels moisture which avoids total saturation of the fabric - helping it to dry faster. The strength of the polyester also maintains the shape of the garment and minimises wear 'n' tear and pilling.
• The Baked Alaska, Popsicle and Hot Toddy are intended to be used as a stand alone cycle top in cool, as opposed to cold, conditions.
• The Thermos, Isotherm, Ristretto, Submerino and Inferno are all base layers - best worn directly against your skin.
• The Berglar, Flying Nun, Median Strip, Hula, Neopolitan and Lozenge are riding jerseys, with additional features including rear or hipster pockets. For use in both hot and cold climes and versatile enough to wear as an insulation layer in winter.

• All Ground Effect clothing enjoys a warm 40ºC machine wash. Try to avoid cold-water detergents and those with bleach, 'oxygen whitener' or fabric softener.
• The cold-water varieties have little enzymes that are super-charged to brave the cold but can damage technical fabrics and cause skin irritation.
• Bleach rots natural fibres like merino, strips the dye, attacks laminates of waterproof fabrics and can also cause skin irritation.
• Sodium Percarbonate (the main ingredient in oxygen whitener) can make colours run.
• Fabric softener and stuff containing it like wool wash destroys the water repellent finish on waterproof and water resistant fabrics, and can cause colours to run.
• As a rule of thumb, a product that is easy on the planet is also easy on your body. Select a mild plant-based soap like Ecostore, Earthwise or Aware.
• Hand washing is sometimes the only option on tour, but a washing machine rinses more thoroughly and is preferable if you have the choice.
• Most Ground Effect gear dries super-fast so hanging on the line or drooping over the bedpost is generally the best option. High heat can damage some fabrics so if you do take your threads for a spin, set the device on 'medium' or 'warm' rather than hot. A lap in the dryer is recommended for your rain jacket, after it has dried on the line, as it helps recharge its water repellant finish.

• Wash colours separately.

• Items are generally packed and sent the same day your order is received.
• Costs $9 by overnight courier within New Zealand.
• NZ$12 by tracked airmail to Australia.
• Around NZ$15-25 by tracked airmail to destinations elsewhere in the world - calculated in our shipping cart as you check out. 
• More shipping and tax details in our FAQ.