Merino wool is highly suitable for winter sports and outdoor clothing due to its unique qualities. You can find this natural material in our base layers, midlayers, hardshells, socks, and gloves. But what is Merino wool? And what makes this material so special?
Merino wool comes from Merino sheep, a breed primarily found in Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. It is remarkably soft with a very fine texture. On the skin, the wool feels silky, but there are many other characteristics that make Merino sheep wool unique.
The breathability of Merino wool is unparalleled. But what does breathability mean? And why is it important in winter sports and outdoor clothing? Breathability refers to moisture regulation. Clothing with high breathability efficiently transports sweat through the material, keeping you dry. During active exertion, breathability ensures you stay dry.
Merino wool naturally provides insulation, much like a thermos. This means it keeps you warm when it's cold and cool when it's warm. Clothing made from Merino wool is suitable for year-round wear. It's important to note that the more grams of Merino wool per square meter, the warmer the clothing, making it better suited for colder conditions.
Merino wool contains lanolin, a natural substance with antibacterial properties that naturally breaks down odors. This means you don't have to wash clothing with merino wool after every use to keep it fresh. Simply airing it out is often sufficient. This is ideal for multi-day trekking or touring trips!
People often worry that wool will itch or irritate the skin. Merino wool has a finer and softer texture than wool from other sheep breeds, providing a high level of comfort without itching or irritation, even for those with sensitive skin.
The qualities of Merino wool make it highly versatile. It's used not only for technical outdoor clothing but also for more luxurious casual wear. Merino combines functionality and style.
Although Merino wool naturally breaks down odors, it's still advisable to wash clothing after wearing it several times. If you have clothing containing merino wool, here are some tips for washing it:
