Merino wool fabric is a versatile, natural, and warm fabric created from Merino sheep's wool. This wonderful evolution and selective breeding outcome are exquisitely silky, skin-friendly, and ideal for every endeavor. This is the heart of this popular global fiber, used to make a wide range of things, from soft blankets to lace made of fine wool.

Merino wool fabrics were once reserved for royalty but are now widely available. In terms of the number of benefits and advantages, they are unparalleled compared to the vast majority of wool textiles available online today.

Merino's Moisture Management

Merino's innate ability to regulate moisture is remarkable. It is entirely organic and sustainable. Merino is unlike synthetic fabrics such as poly-fibers, which absorb less water and trap perspiration against the skin, reducing comfort. Synthetic clothing is unpleasant and irritating to wear. Compared to synthetic materials, fine merino with a micron size of 21 or less always has a luxurious feel.

Merino wool cools the body in warm climates. When it is cold, it retains heat. It does not irritate the skin. Merino wool is a truly versatile fabric. You are purchasing something that will provide you with comfort at all times. Whether day or night, Whether it be summer, winter, fall, or spring.

Moisture Wicking

Moisture wicking relies on capillary action, which is the passage of a liquid (sweat, in this case) through small holes inside a fabric due to molecular interactions between the liquid and the internal surfaces of the fabric. Brands refine this process by meticulously engineering the structure of the yarns in their fabrics and applying various surface treatments to the yarns' surfaces.

Don't worry about the science, however. Simply search for the keyword "moisture wicking." And don't be fooled by testing claims, as different brands employ different techniques to assess moisture wicking, and there is no standard test you can use for comparison.

Which Fabrics Absorb Moisture?

Most moisture-wicking fabrics are synthetic; when moisture is absorbed into a fabric's threads, it becomes retained rather than passing through the cloth. That is a recipe for poor performance in terms of moisture wicking.

Synthetic textiles are hydrophobic, meaning they are resistant to water penetration. Because of this, synthetic materials like polyester and nylon are very good at wicking moisture away from the body.

Moisture-wicking in Wool

Wool is from a distinct animal species. It absorbs a small quantity of liquid into the core of its fibers, but it also wicks moisture out of the fabric through tiny perforations. As a consequence, the surface of wool yarn remains dry to the touch.

Cotton is a "moisture-wicking" material.

Cotton is a classic example of a non-wicking fabric since it absorbs perspiration entirely and takes forever to dry. It makes you feel hot and sticky initially, but it makes you feel cold and damp. Some cotton fabrics have been treated to get rid of moisture, but they don't work as well as wool or synthetics.

Why Do You Choose Fabric That Wicks Away Moisture?

When you perspire heavily, your perspiration evaporates and generates a cooling effect. After the skin's temperature has returned to a comfortable level, perspiration ceases. It's a very effective method that will be made even better by a good cloth that pulls moisture away from the skin.

Generally, you want moisture-wicking material on any clothing that touches your skin, such as your base layer. You should also have it on the clothes you intend to wear during aerobic (sweat-producing) activities such as hiking and running.

Various Types of Merino Wool Fibers

Merino wool is separated into various grades. The higher the grade, the finer the micron width of the merino wool fibers used to manufacture the cloth. Here are some common examples of merino wool grades:

Merino wool has a large fiber diameter (23-24.5 microns).

Broad merino wool, also known as strong merino wool, is the coarsest and most durable variety of merino fabric. Broad merino wool cannot be blended with finer materials like cotton or silk, as it is often reserved for outerwear and other textile applications that do not come into contact with the skin.

Medium merino wool (19.6–22.9 microns)

Medium merino wool can sometimes be used for next-to-skin clothing, but it is usually only used for blazers, blankets, and other things where a certain amount of coarseness is okay.

Fine merino wool (18.6–19.5 microns)

The majority of merino clothes on the market are crafted from fine merino wool. Even though fine merino wool is cheap, it is almost as soft and luxurious as cashmere or angora wool.

Ultra-fine merino wool (15–18.5 microns)

At this grade, merino wool competes with cashmere and other exceptionally fine wools. Only very small amounts of superfine merino wool can be made, which drives up the price of this wool grade.

Merino wool ultrafine (11.5-15 m microns)

As the rarest and opulent variety of merino wool, ultrafine merino commands exorbitant pricing. This grade of merino wool is as soft as cashmere, angora, and other kinds of wool that are highly sought after.

The Benefits of Merino Wool

The benefits of using merino wool are numerous, and they include:

Soft

Due to its fineness, merino wool is incredibly comfortable. It ranges from 14.5 to 23.5 microns, but the thickness of human hair is 30 microns! Fine Merino wool fiber is significantly more flexible than coarser wool fibers. A high-quality Merino wool fabric requires neither softener nor conditioner. It is three times as soft as real silk.

Elastic

Due to their molecular composition, Merino wool fabrics allow for uninhibited bodily movement. The fiber can be safely stretched to 25 to 30% of its original length. When wet, it will return to its original shape after lengthening by up to 50%! The fact that merino wool is five times more elastic than cotton will surprise you.

Absorbent

Merino is known for its ability to wick away moisture and water-repellent. The structure of the fiber scales allows it to absorb up to 30% of its weight without feeling wet. Wool is great for all climates and weather conditions because it can take in and let go of moisture from humid places.

Warm And Cool

Due to the limited heat conductivity of Merino wool materials, they appear to have built-in climate control. The tiny scales on the fiber's surface and the fiber's crimp generate "air pockets" that keep you warm in cold and cool in hot weather. Wool, a natural insulator, is worn by Bedouins in the Sahara Desert and used to make mattresses for the same purpose—regulating body temperature.

Hypoallergenic

Merino wool is believed to be good for allergy and asthma sufferers. A recent medical study indicates that wearing fine Merino wool clothes adjacent to the skin is a natural treatment for eczema. They operate as a "second skin" and maintain the microclimate and humidity level of the skin's surface. They alleviate symptoms such as itching, skin redness, and rash, particularly in youngsters and individuals with dermatological issues.

Anti-microbial

Merino is naturally resistant to odors and microorganisms. This allows you to wear it longer without worrying about undesirable odors. Poly-based fabrics require unpleasant antibacterial treatments, whereas merino is naturally antimicrobial. Studies indicate a decrease in concerns such as skin irritation due to the inability of bacteria to thrive on merino.

Merino is hypoallergenic for the majority of individuals, including those who are ordinarily allergic to wool. Merino will leave you feeling refreshed and rested. As merino fiber provides an antimicrobial environment, it is not susceptible to emitting foul odors.

Fire resistant

Merino wool does not ignite easily. If merino wool clothing catches fire, it may extinguish it on its own (self-extinguish). It has the potential to insulate naturally against high temperatures. Firefighters, police officers, military personnel, and rescue teams are known to use Merino wool apparel due to its inherent fire resistance.

Biodegradable And Regenerable

After a merino sheep is sheared, it returns to grazing on the grass almost immediately. Merino wool is entirely renewable. Because merino is natural, fine wool, it is 100% biodegradable and will decompose in a fraction of the time required by other textiles. The landfills are stuffed with non-biodegradable clothing and trash. Merino365 does not like to generate more waste than is necessary.

Felting

Merino wool undergoes a felting process that is entirely controlled by natural forces. This process strengthens merino wool, improves its thickness, and restricts airflow through merino clothing. Due to the decreased airflow, you will feel warmer for longer.

UV resistant

The 190gsm Merino365 layers have a UPF rating of 25. Merino midweight and expedition layers have a UPF rating of 50+. On a sunny day when trekking, you need not worry about getting a sunburn if you are wearing our merino wool clothes.

Sheathing

Merino wool clothing has a greater natural ability to insulate when wet than synthetic or cotton clothes. It is capable of absorbing 40% of its weight in water without feeling wet. This will allow you to feel warm and dry while wearing our merino wool clothing, even if you are technically "wet."

Wicks Moisture

Merino wool absorbs your body's perspiration or moisture, thereby regulating the amount of moisture on your skin. Then it releases moisture into the atmosphere. It considerably aids in the prevention of hypothermia.

Odor Resistant

Since merino wool absorbs moisture and releases it into the air, you will experience less sweating. We all know that the longer perspiration lingers, the less likely it is that your friends and partners will want to spend time with you. Merino wool naturally repels pathogens.

Breathability

Breathability is the capacity of a fabric or fiber to move vaporized moisture from an area of greater humidity to one of lower humidity. In other words, the greater a product's breathability, the more effectively it removes moisture from the microclimate (the space between your skin and the garment).

As your body temperature rises, the wool fibers will soak up the moisture vapors and release them into the dryer air outside the fabric. This gives off heat and keeps the wearer dry and comfortable. Merino fibers can absorb and retain up to 30% of their weight in moisture while remaining dry to the touch.

Moisture Absorption and Desorption

Absorption

Merino wool simultaneously absorbs and releases moisture. This material has hydrophilic properties. The building components of merino wool, amino acids, incorporate water molecules into their structure. This protects the wearer of merino garments from feeling damp. This is the portion that absorbs moisture.

Desorption

After absorbing moisture, merino releases it from its micropores. The process of releasing moisture is known as desorption. Merino wool absorbs heat upon evaporation of the moisture it has absorbed.

These moisture absorption and desorption mechanisms provide functional benefits to merino wool apparel. Suppose you are engaged in intense physical activity, such as climbing or running, and you perspire heavily.

In this situation, merino wool serves as a buffer. It rapidly absorbs the excess moisture and eventually releases it. Merino clothing allows for easy ventilation. You do not feel at all wet and sticky. Instead, it will leave you feeling revitalized and refreshed.

How are Fabrics Made From Merino Wool?

The production of merino wool can be separated into several distinct stages:

Trimming

Merino breeds become ready for shearing at different speeds. Some Merinos are sheared every two to three months, while others are sheared every six months. Merino sheep can generate between 3 and 18 kilograms of wool annually, and freshly-shorn wool is typically referred to as "greasy" due to sheep skin oils.

Scrubbing and cleaning

The wool is then washed, graded, and carded into long, thin threads. These carded fibers are now prepared for spinning.

Spinning

After being spun separately, different grades of merino wool are put on reels to get ready for weaving.

Weaving versus knitting.

Although most merino fabrics contain either plain or twill weaves, it is feasible to knit merino wool yarn using industrial knitting machines. Before weaving or knitting, each yarn is dyed to make a fabric with more than one color.

Dying and subsequent treatment

If a single-colored merino fabric is desired, it is occasionally dyed after the yarn has been woven or knit into a fabric. Merino wool is occasionally subjected to water-proofing or other chemical treatments. Merino wool is naturally flame-resistant, so it is uncommon for this material to be chemically treated.

How do you utilize merino wool fabric?

Textile makers usually use merino wool to make clothes, and this fabric isn't often used to make home décor.

Used in clothing

Sweaters are the most popular application of merino wool. This material is perfect for lightweight sweaters worn directly against the skin since some kinds of merino wool with fine fibers are as soft as or even softer than cotton. Shirts, blouses, and even tank tops can be created using Merino wool.

Typically, coarser types of wool are used for this purpose, but merino wool can also be used to create blazers. Merino wool is perfect for long underwear or base layers due to its resilience, softness, and heat retention. Merino wool can be used to make almost any insulating clothing. Still, it is usually only used for casual or athletic wear and is rarely used for formal or dressy clothes.

Used in household items

Merino wool is frequently used in the production of blankets. Due to its outstanding insulating capabilities, Merino wool is often used as a mid-layer between sheets and comforters. Due to its opulent softness and exceptional heat retention, merino wool is a popular material for throw blankets.

How to Maintain Moisture-Repellent Clothing

The washing instructions for the majority of moisture-wicking clothes prohibit the use of liquid or dryer sheet fabric softeners. Fabric softeners leave a waxy residue that interferes with the carefully crafted finish of a fabric. When using fabric softener, you sacrifice moisture-wicking effectiveness for a softer feel.

Conclusion

Merino wool fabric is a versatile, natural, and warm fabric created from Merino sheep's wool. Merino wool, a wonderful outcome of evolution and selective breeding, is exquisitely silky, skin-friendly, and ideal for every endeavor. Merino wool clothing is flexible, elastic, durable, resists creases, and drapes well. Merino wool absorbs vaporized moisture. This is why it is resistant to static electricity and flame retardant. Merino is an entirely renewable and natural resource. Additionally, it is biodegradable, organic, and eco-friendly.

Why Merino is the Perfect Fiber for Managing Moisture