THE MIRACLE OF MERINO WOOL

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If we didn’t know any better, we’d say it was impossible that a natural, eco-friendly and luxurious fibre could keep you warm in winter and cool in summer. However, that’s just what merino wool is and does, but its miraculous properties do not end there… Discover the eight benefits of wearing merino wool.

1. IT’S A BREATHABLE AND WICKING, NATURAL FIBRE

Whether you’re layering up to keep warm, or taking off layers to stay cool, your body produces heat which turns to moisture. Merino wool has the ability (and it’s far better at it than any other fibre known to man) to wick this moisture away from the body and release it through the fibres closest to the air. These wicking properties allow the wearer to remain dry and comfortable, whatever the outside conditions.

As the champion of breathability and moisture management, merino wool yarn can withhold about a third of its weight in moisture, yet still feel dry. This is yet another reason why merino clothing is so popular; you can wear it year-round, regardless of the season.

2. IT CAN HEAT YOU AND KEEP YOU COOL

When you think of wearing a woolly item of clothing, it’s natural to associate it with cold weather. However, merino is also just as good at keeping people cool.

The natural properties and make-up of wool allow it to trap heat between its many fibres. Making all wool, but merino especially, perfect for maintaining body heat in cold conditions. Moreover, all without making the wearer feel ‘clammy’ or uncomfortable.

When it’s hot, merino can draw moisture from a warm body and store it in the fibres. This moisture will evaporate and create a cooling effect between the wool and the body. Evaporation rates will match your warmth, so the warmer the wearer, the faster the evaporation and vice versa.

3. MERINO PREVENTS BODY ODOUR AND STALENESS

The moisture-management properties of wool mean that the wearer, regardless of an activity’s intensity, will not smell. The antibacterial and antimicrobial properties of the fibres reduce and remove any odours. Another bonus is that this also means it’s unnecessary to wash merino wool clothing as regularly as you would other garments.

4. IT IS STRONG AND NOT UNLIKE OUR SKIN

Merino is a natural, eco-friendly fibre that shares the same molecules that are in our skin and hair. It’s no surprise then that wool acts similarly to our skin in its ability to keep us cool or warm. Keratin molecules present in both wool fibres and our skin and hair, are particularly malleable and can tolerate being misshaped, folded and bent in many directions and all without causing any damage.

Wool fibres also have a slight wave or curl in their threads which helps to strengthen and prolong their usability.

5. MERINO WOOL IS QUICK DRYING

The amount of moisture held within fabric will affect how long it takes to dry; merino wool yarn is no different. Merino can stand up to most synthetic fabrics regarding drying time (measured thickness for thickness).

6. MERINO IS SUPERFINE AND THEREFORE ITCH-FREE

It’s not uncommon for people to baulk at the idea of wearing wool next to their skin. Some wool products have large, inflexible fibres that can be itchy, but merino is the opposite. It is made up of superfine and flexible fibres that allows it to glide over the skin rather than rub or scratch against it.

7. PROVIDES AN ADDED LAYER OF SUN PROTECTION

As a natural fibre, merino wool has sun resistant qualities which help to protect the wearer. In NZ we take no chances and recommend that you always wear sunscreen. However, if you’re wearing sunscreen and a merino product, you’re doubling your skin protection, and it’ll pay off (if not now, then in years to come).

8. ANTI-STATIC NATURE MEANS NO MORE CLINGY CLOTHES

Lastly, as merino absorbs moisture, the humidity in its fibres prevent any build-up of static electricity. What does this mean? No more little shocks, sparks or clingy clothes.

9. IT BIODEGRADABLE

That means that after 12 months on the ground, merino wool biodegrades. So when you are done wearing your merino product, the Earth will literally take it back and release carbon and nutrients from the wool back into the soil!