Everything you wanted to know about merino wool

You have certainly heard about this miraculous wool that works perfectly in various circumstances and is worth attention in every available form. Has any of you ever come across a negative opinion about this fabric? The issue of merino wool is raised not only during discussions on mountains and trekking, but also while chit-chatting about running, cycling, or generally about active lifestyle. Why is natural merino wool so popular in the era of technology and multifunctional synthetic fabrics? Let’s check what we know about it.

Where does merino wool come from?

Who do we really owe this natural fabric with such astounding properties? The famous merino wool is obtained from fleece of unique sheep breed from Asia that belong to world’s oldest and largest sheep species. Initially kept by nomadic tribes, in the course of evolution merino sheep managed to extraordinarily adjust to changeable atmospheric conditions. Currently, the Merino is most often found in the hilly terrains of New Zealand and Australia.

In New Zealand, the temperature in the summer exceeds 40°C, while in the winter it can drop to -20°C. In the summer the fleece, so sheep’s coat, protects the animals against overheating, while in the winter it keeps them safe from low temperatures and cold wind, rain, and snow. Australian merino wool symbolises the highest quality - Australia is currently the world’s largest producer of raw merino wool. This breed comprises 75% of the entire sheep population in Australia. Merino sheep’s wool does never stop growing. That's why it’s necessary to shear them twice a year - usually at the turn of February and March and September and October. An adult Merino sheep can produce even up to 5-6 kilograms of wool per year.

What is merino wool characterised by?

Merino wool characteristics are definitely the most important issue raised in this article. Turns out that (and it’s not the first time it happens!), the nature created a material with unique properties that can be perfectly used in the production of all types of clothing. One that in many ways surpasses the most frequently used synthetic materials. These properties are exactly the reason why merino wool has no equal!

The diameter of a human hair is 60-120 μm, while fibres obtained from the fleece of ordinary sheep have the thickness from 27 to 50 μm (1 μm equals 0.001 mm). Merino fleece allows to obtain fibres with a diameter of 11-24 μm. The thinner the fibres, the gentler, less itchy and better insulating the fabric. Each fibre of Merino wool contains air bubbles; the fabric owes to them superior thermal regulation even in the most demanding weather, also during exercise. That's why this raw material is also perfect for the production of outdoor clothing!

Benefits of Merino wool

We know that there’s nothing that can compare to merino wool - it is used for production of both specialised outdoor clothing and the highest quality suits by famous global brands. What are the most important benefits of this fabric?

Thermoregulation abilities

Merino wool fibres accumulate air particles, thus ensuring effective protection against inclement weather. On hot days, they protect the organism against overheating, while in autumn and winter they perfectly insulate against low temperature.

Breathability

Among others, due to exceptionally small fibre diameter, Merino wool absorbs moisture produced by our body and immediately wicks it away. With this benefit, you can forget about damp clothes that stick to your body during exercise. Though Merino wool clothes may not dry as fast as synthetic fabrics, they dry much quicker than popular cotton - and even slightly wet, the fibres are still pleasant to touch.

Antibacterial action

Usually, we associate intense workout with unpleasant sweat odour. Thanks to natural antibacterial properties, Merino wool is resistant to absorbing unpleasant odours, both those emerging as a result of exercise, as well as those from the environment. Thanks to that, you don’t have to wash it as often as synthetic or cotton counterparts.

Softness

When you choose Merino wool, you can forget about itchy fabrics and irritations on your skin. Thanks to small fibre diameter, fabrics with Merino wool are exceptionally soft and pleasant to touch.

Lightness

Especially when planning to set out for a long journey, you will definitely appreciate the low weight of clothes made of Merino wool and the thermal comfort they can provide. Just a few grams less in your rucksack can make a significant journey when walking or cycling for kilometres.

Environmentally friendly

Merino wool, contrary to synthetics most frequently used in the production of sports clothing, is a fabric sourced from nature - and returning to earth once used. The higher percentage of Merino wool in a given garment, the more biodegradable it is. Choose Merino and get involved, even to a small extent, in protecting the environment.

Does Merino wool have any weaknesses?

We shouldn’t have any doubts that it’s worth giving this natural fabric a try in practice. There’s no fabric that has at least a few weaknesses accompanying a particularly long list of advantages. Let us forget for a second about all the strengths of this fabric, take an objective look at it and wonder what weaknesses should we take into account.

In this case, the price would be the main disadvantage. Starting from the high quality of the fabric - Merino wool - itself, through sourcing the raw material, up until producing the fabric, particular stages of the production process are usually more costly than it is with synthetics or ordinary woolen or cotton fabrics. No wonder, then, the ultimate price of a shirt or Merino underwear may differ from the competition. Average fabric durability might emerge as another disadvantage. Merino wool fibres themselves are slightly more prone to mechanical damage. That’s why producers often decide to blend wool and synthetics to strengthen the fabric structure.

Merino wool and outdoor clothing

With its multiple advantages, Merino wool is perfect for the production of outdoor clothing. A dozen or so minutes of intense exercise is enough to feel the high quality of this fabric and experience first-hand the fact that nature is an unparalleled ideal! Low weight of the fabric, high breathability, efficient moisture absorption, thermal regulation and resistance to odours are all features that will be appreciated by both admirers of active lifestyle and more advanced athletes. Merino wool is most frequently used for the production of the so-called second skin, which plays a key role while exercising in the outdoors. Women’s seamless thermal underwear and men’s seamless thermal underwear are great examples of products found in the 4F collection that contain a Merino wool admixture. A non-itchy and elastic material, as well as excellent thermal regulation are their key features that will work perfectly, especially during autumn and winter. Merino wool is also great as a component of a fabric used to make specialist garments, such as a ski mask worn under a helmet. The fabric is also used in the production of hats, T-shirts, sweaters, and also as fill for autumn and winter jackets.

How to care for merino wool?

It’s been known for quite a while that taking regular and proper care of outdoor clothes will fully prolong its longevity and functionality. Easy care is one of the many pros of Merino wool. The fabric is characterised by natural self-cleaning and antibacterial properties. That’s why it might turn out that despite frequent use, products with the admixture of Merino wool will end up in the laundry much less often than, let’s say, popular cotton. Instead of frequent washing, it is much better to regularly air clothes made of Merino wool.

How to wash it?

Let’s remember to read the information on the label and manufacturer’s recommendations regarding washing. Though people are usually not advised against washing Merino wool in the washing machine, let’s remember that hand wash allows for maintaining better control and limiting mechanical damage - as well as fabric wear. Still, if you choose to use a washing machine, choose special formulations for washing Merino wool and wash the clothes at 30°C.

How to dry it?

Tumble drying affects negatively the structure of all garments, especially those made of natural materials. After washing, it’s best to air dry the clothes in a drafty place and leave it to dry completely. Remember that fabrics with Merino admixture dry out much quicker than cotton!

Should it be ironed?

If you don't have to iron clothes with Merino wool admixture, don’t do it. Wool isn't particularly fond of such high temperatures. But if you decide to iron it anyway, make sure the clothes are made of 100% natural materials.