Hailing from an island of four million sheep, wool fabrics reign supreme over synthetics in New Zealand. Mons uses merino from Australian and New Zealand sheep farms. This type of wool, derived from merino sheep, essentially makes each Mons product a softer, less stinky version of the standard polypropylene or regular wool base layer options. Add vibrant colors, alluriing cuts, and an emphasis on style, and Mons is attracting a base-layer niche in ski and snowboard communities around the worlda group that Acland claims his competitors, like Icebreaker and Smart Wool, aren't targeting.

"Mons has opened up to the younger, more fashion-conscious generation of skiers and boarders," said Neil Kerr of NZ Skier Magazine. "The brand presents merino as both a technical garment and as something hip to wear to the pub."

The women's standard legging and original long sleeve come in a fuchsia, turquoise, and a few earthy tones, like black and olive. With a company catchphrase like "First On, Last Off," I am probably not the only one sporting my Mons leggings in the morning at yoga and at the bar after skiing. In fact, that is exactly what Acland was hoping: long underwear that people want to wear all the time.

"Our concept is to develop and design products for the riders lifestyle," said Acland. "We are making gear for on and off the mountain."