Unlike other textiles, Merino wool is a reactive material that adapts to your body's temperature. It regulates itself so that you are never too hot or cold no matter the weather.
Originating from Merino sheep from Australia that endure temperatures as low as 5 degrees, Merino wool is a lightweight and naturally warm fiber.
Merino wool is a moisture-wicking material that gradually expels sweat and odor from the body and lets it evaporate from the material, leaving you odor-free.
Merino wool's wicking property also keeps your body dry by absorbing your sweat throughout the day. It’s perfect for vigorous outdoor activities that require you to stay cool and comfortable.
Is Merino wool itchy? Unlike regular wool fiber that is heavy, coarse, and itchy, Merino wool actually has thinner, finer fibers that make it soft to the touch and won’t irritate even sensitive skin.
Feel good knowing that what you are wearing is beneficial to you and also good for the Earth: Merino sheep shed and regrow new ultra-downy coats every year, making their wool a highly renewable resource.
Merino wool naturally provides UV (Ultraviolet) protection with an UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) of 40+. Depending on the weight of Merino you wear, the UPF may vary.
Fine fibers and a natural curl make Merino wool incredibly elastic. Regardless of how you move, Merino has the ability to stretch with you and bounce back to its original shape.
Merino fibers are much smaller in diameter than other wool which gives it the ability to bend softly with increased flexibility. The result? A material that is super soft to the touch.
Lighter than cotton, Merino wool’s fine fibers allow air to easily pass through it, allowing you to move more freely and comfortably. Merino garments are the opposite of typical bulky sweaters.
Whether you run, jump, climb, or ride, Merino wool is anti-wrinkle, anti-static, flameproof, biodegradable, durable, and quick-drying. It is a material that’s designed for performance.
Unlike synthetic material, Merino wool resists odor, bacteria, and stains, allowing you to get more use between washes. Its high-density knit pattern also equates to less wear and tear.
(WARM-COOL WEATHER)
At a range of 120-200g, these layers are built to conform to a person's body shape, making this light material perfect for layering. Lightweight layers work particularly well for outdoor activities such as running and day hikes.
(COOL-COLD WEATHER)
Thicker than its lightweight counterpart, these layers range from 200-300g and are light enough to be worn as a base layer or used as a second layer. Due to their thick yet light design, midweight layers are great for chilly morning and evening adventures or for exploring cooler climates.
(COLD-FREEZING WEATHER)
With the thickest weight of +300g, heavyweight layers are the warmest and are worn as an outer layer. Heavyweight layers are best for trips and travels to the snow and mountains during winter time.
You might be wondering just what makes merino wool different from regular wool. The term wool refers to a fiber produced from the hide of an animal. The most common sources of wool are goats, alpacas, and sheep. Merino wool is named for the animal this particular kind of wool is harvested from, Merino sheep.
Wool has a reputation for being itchy and uncomfortable as a clothing fiber, however, this simply isn't true for all wool. Why is some wool itchy? The itchy feeling a lot of wool has is due to its quality and the strength of its fibers. Wool fibers have a scaly surface which causes irritation when it comes into contact with the skin. These thick, stiff fibers do not bend and are not conducive to comfortable clothing. To put it in a numerical perspective, human sensitivity to fibers has a threshold of about 25 to 30 micrometers; regular virgin wool has a thickness of 37 to 40 micrometers. While a person’s sensitivity can and does vary, most people find virgin wool scratchy and uncomfortable on their skin.
It’s essential to note, however, that not all wools are itchy. In fact, Merino wool is one of the most comfortable fibers on the market.
Merino sheep create fine wool that is much thinner than standard sheep’s wool, which makes it much softer and more flexible than other wools. This wool has the perfect fiber length to create a soft, comfortable merino wool garment. All of these factors lead to the lack of itchiness in merino wool base layers. While the softness certainly sets Merino wool apart from other natural fibers, it isn’t the only reason this fleece stands out; It's lightweight for the amount of warmth it gives and is water resistance with sweat-wicking technology, making it perfect for base layers. The comfortability, warmth, and durability of merino wool put it levels above any competition made from synthetic fibers.
This wool is strong and naturally elastic so the material will keep you comfortable and last through all of your most rugged outdoor adventures.
As previously stated, Merino wool garments are hardy articles of clothing that last. The best way to make sure you continue to wear merino is to take care of it properly. In addition to all of the other benefits of wearing merino, there are also the perks of its low-maintenance care. This fabric is resistant to wrinkles and stains, anti-bacterial, and anti-odor. This means you can wear your favorite merino clothing a number of times before washing it. In fact, it’s best for the longevity of your garments that you don’t wash them after every wear. After engaging in low-impact activities, especially where you don’t sweat much, simply air out your wool by hanging it up for a few hours. Even if your garment ends up with a couple of spot stains, use a mild spot cleaner rather than washing the entire article. The only time you should wash these kinds of clothing is when you have worn it several times or used it during an activity where you sweat heavily. Due to its breathability, ability to manage moisture, and ability to fight odor-causing bacteria, your merino clothing will stay fresh and relatively clean no matter what adventures you put them through. Less washing not only means more time on your favorite trail but also less environmental impact from loads of laundry.
You might wonder does merino wool shrink? Does it need dry cleaning? Wool is often thought of as a rather high-maintenance fabric that has to be hand-washed, but this isn’t always the case. As stated previously, Merino wool specifically is rather low maintenance, requiring less washing than other fibers and doing just fine with machine washing. Just how we wash merino wool can depend on a couple of factors, including the mix of materials in the clothing. Merino wool garments are typically either 100% merino wool or 80% merino wool and 20% polyester. Wool/polyester blends are more common as they are usually softer and more durable than unblended merino, so blends wash better and last longer. Though Merino wool can be machine washed, hand washing is not only better for your clothes, it also helps them last longer and uses less water than a machine or dry cleaning. The reason dry cleaning isn’t a great option is due to the solvents and detergents dry cleaners use that will degrade the fibers in merino clothing.
STEP 1
Gather wool detergent (or a mild detergent with no softener) and a washbasin or sink that holds water.
STEP 2
Fill the washbasin or sink with cold or warm water, add 2 capfuls of detergent to the water and stir.
STEP 3
Turn your wool inside out and submerge it in the water and stir to distribute the soap.
STEP 4
Soak for at least 10 minutes then drain the tub and rinse the item well until the water runs clear.
STEP 5
Press the water out of the wool and hang dry.
• Cold wash on normal cycle, as hot wash causes shrinkage
• Use regular powder liquid or wool detergent that does not contain softeners
• Close all zippers and buttons. Do not wash with other garments with metal zippers and buttons
• Normal wash cycle and wash inside out with like colors
• Cold iron when needed. Do not iron prints or labels
• Tumble dry on low heat. Line dry or lay flat to dry preferred
• Close all zippers and buttons. Do not wash with other garments with metal zippers and buttons
• Use regular powder liquid or wool detergent that does not contain softeners
• Do not use bleach or fabric softeners
• Line dry or lay flat to dry to improve durability
• Machine wash cold inside out
• Use regular powder liquid or wool detergent that does not contain softeners
• Do not use bleach or fabric softeners
• Tumble dry on low heat. Line dry or lay flat to dry preferred
While Merino wool is a durable material, it can tend to shrink if it has been exposed to high temperatures. Instead of tumble drying your garment, we suggest laying it flat as it will usually dry overnight if left in a warm room.
Merino wool will last the longest when machine washed on low or on a special wool or hand wash cycle. If necessary, you can also wash your garment by hand with cool water. Use a regular powder, liquid, or wool detergent that does not contain any softeners.
Merino wool is susceptible to piling, the small pieces of fluff that occur on many types of garments. Piling happens when an item causes friction with wool fibers like the straps of a purse or backpack. To avoid piling, consider wrapping your straps with fabric.
Sometimes piling can also happen during a wash cycle, particularly if the garment instructions are not followed. Make sure to wash your Merino wool on low or a special wool or hand wash cycle. Not only will this reduce the chance of piling but it will help your garment to maintain its shape.