When my dad was a young guy he wore heavy wool union suits. Then "thermal" cotton pretty much replaced wool and damp weather was a killer. Compared to the bad old days, everything we have now is great. I prefer silk close to my skin but Merino, polypro, polyester, and the proprietary materials all work. I have some off brand stuff and it is great too. I haven't had odor problems with anything. If I was a world class cross-country ski racer I would be picky but for recreation there are a lot of good options at a wide price range. Chalk one up for free market enterprise.
