The Betty is 50cm long, which either gives a full ruched neckwarmer, or, if you hate cold ears, decent neck coverage and enough material to mimic a balaclava if needed. Being wool, the Betty doesn't get too damp if you do pull it up over your mouth.
The diameter is 46cm which I found to be snug enough to keep the chills out without being too tight. The ends are a little elasticated to ensure a good fit. The weave is thin enough to make putting a helmet over the top a realistic option.
The seamless construction is comfortable to wear, and the merino sportswool is soft and great for regulating temperature and wicking away moisture.
It washes well at 30 degrees and hasn't bobbled at all.
It does come at a price, though – about 50% more than other merino snood-type garments. It is made in the UK, though, so perhaps not that outrageous.
The Betty neckwarmer is cosy and, treated well, should last you through a few winters. I tested the grey and yellow striped combo shown (called 'Charcoal and pollen'), and there are both striped and plain options to choose from, so you're bound to find one that suits your style.
Snazzy and soft, the Betty neckwarmer is a great, if a little expensive, winter staple
Make and model: Findra Women's Betty Neck Warmer
Tell us what the product is for
Findra says: 'The Betty merino neck warmer is an absolute wardrobe staple, keeping you warm and comfortable when the temperature drops as well as looking stylish and neat. This colourful and versatile item will go everywhere you go, slipping into a bag, a pocket or staying snuggly around your neck where it belongs. Available in 20 colour options, there is a Betty merino wool neck warmer to go with every outfit. Whether you're cycling, walking, running, kayaking or just catching the bus to work, the Betty will make sure you're the right temperature. Once it's on you won't want to take it off.
Made from the highest quality merino from ethically produced New Zealand wool, the Betty neck warmer won't smell like non-merino neck warmers. The natural wool will wick away sweat rather than hold it against your skin.
Our merino is produced in New Zealand and spun in Italy, all our products are designed in Scotland and knitted in the UK to the highest specifications.'
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
From Findra:
Completely Seamless neck warmer to eliminate abrasion and potential weaknesses
100% merino product aids temperature regulation and wicks away sweat keeping you comfortable.
Mid-weight merino offering maximum warmth for the 65g weight
Long length for styling versatility
Available in 20 colour options, you'll find one to work with every outfit.
Machine washable
Designed in Scotland, made in the UK
100% New Zealand merino wool, spun in Italy.
Rate the product for quality of construction:
8/10
The Betty is knitted in the UK and is made with a seamless manufacture process.
Rate the product for performance:
8/10
The long length meant that I could cover all of my neck and head on chilly days and the close knit provided adequate protection against the wind.
Rate the product for durability:
8/10
The neckwarmer didn't snag or bobble in use or while washing. The elasticated endpieces have kept their stretch through wear.
Rate the product for fit:
8/10
An excellent length and pulled tight enough to keep out the draughts without pinching.
Rate the product for sizing:
8/10
One size fits all, and fitted me and my partner fine.
Rate the product for weight:
9/10
Great lightweight product, easy to stuff in a pocket when not in use.
Rate the product for comfort:
9/10
Rate the product for value:
4/10
It's half the price again if not double the average merino Buff-like-product-not-necessarily-made-by-Buff, but it is knitted in the UK.
How easy is the product to care for? How did it respond to being washed?
Washing at the approved 30 degrees on a short wash wasn't a problem, and there wasn't any bobbling afterwards.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
It kept me snug and warm on cold winter rides.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
The many colours to choose from.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
I'd prefer a non-fabric label, printed directly onto the fabric, to prevent any potential chafing – not that there was any.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? Yes
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes
Use this box to explain your overall score
It's well made and robust, as well as being soft and long (sounds a bit like an Andrex advert!). I would give it an 8, but it's a bit pricey so I'm giving it 7.
Age: 38 Height: 5'7 Weight: size 16
I usually ride: Trek 7.5 WSD My best bike is: Turquoise Cruiser
I've been riding for: Under 5 years I ride: Most days I would class myself as: Experienced
I regularly do the following types of riding: commuting, general fitness riding, leisure
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3 comments
I've just had a look at the website, cannot justify buying another neckwarmer as I only really put it on if waiting on a cold train platform, but I do hope they might bring out a limited mens range. I like a lot of their style.
£28! Ridiculous.
I'll buy one for my gal but there are plenty on their website that I myself would wear. Think there will be two in the post.