When you spend time outdoors, it’s normal to work up a sweat, which can cause your clothes to get damp and stinky. That’s when you need a breathable garment that can absorb and desorb moisture quickly without losing its temperature control, regulating your body’s natural heat and sweat.
Merino wool has unique properties that make it the perfect material for wicking away your sweat, keeping you cool and dry on even the hottest of days. Unlike other synthetic and blended fabrics, it absorbs up to a third of its weight in moisture before it feels wet or smelly. That’s a big difference in how you feel, especially when the weather isn’t hospitable to a traditional cotton or polyester t-shirt or pants.
You’ll want to take a few extra minutes to care for your merino clothes so that they last longer and keep you fresh and smelling great. That’s why merino fabric is designed to be machine-washable or hand-washable on a low or gentle cycle using a non-softening detergent that doesn’t contain any soap.
It can help to remove stains and spots from your merino clothing with a mild spot treatment before you start the washing process. If you’re washing more structured pieces like blazers or outerwear, it’s best to hand-wash them in a sink full of cool water and then air-dry on the line or hang them in a tumble dryer for a few minutes before removing from the line.
Because a single merino fiber is about one-third the size of a human hair, it’s extremely fine and soft, making it ideal for insulating against the elements. The natural crimp in the fibres also allows them to breathe.
A strand of wool from a merino sheep contains lanolin, a naturally occurring wax-like coating that helps repel water, fights bacteria and guards against infections. When the wool is sheared, traces of this wax-like substance remain in the resulting yarn, allowing it to be used to create apparel that keeps you clean and odor free even after repeated use.
In the end, it’s these characteristics that have made merino wool naked so popular with athletes and outdoor enthusiasts. It’s incredibly versatile, easy to care for and can handle pretty much anything you put it through, from rain to snow.
Compared to polyester, it’s super durable and will break after just about 3,000 bends (compared to more than 20,000 for polyester). The natural antimicrobial goodness means that your merino wool won’t have any problems with odor-causing bacteria, which makes your outfit smell nice and fresh every time you wear it.
It’s a super-fine wool that is softer than other wool types. It’s also naturally hypoallergenic and can be worn by anyone with sensitive skin.
The natural crimp in the fibres of a merino wool jersey or pant traps air to provide a comfortable and warm insulating layer that’s easy on the skin. It also has an antimicrobial and moisture-wicking property that draws sweat away from the skin, keeping you cool and dry in hot weather, preventing it from sticking to your clothing.