Merino clothing
FAQ – frequently asked questions about merino wool
Merino wool is wool from the merino sheep, one of the oldest and strongest breeds of sheep in the world. You won’t find these sheep just anywhere. Their home is New Zealand’s rugged Southern Alps: where the summer sun burns and the winters are freezing.
Merino sheep can survive in those extreme conditions thanks to their fur, which regulates their temperature. Their summer coat is super light and breathable and keeps them cool in temperatures up to 35°C. In winter, an extra layer is added on top, so that even -10°C still feels comfortable for them.
Why wouldn’t you choose merino wool? The material is more expensive than regular wool or synthetic thermal underwear, but you really get good value for money.
Merino wool is indeed more expensive than other types of wool. But that price tag is easily explained. Merino wool is pure slow fashion. The wool grows very slowly and the sheep are sheared only twice a year. But the costs for the sheep (food, shelter, etc.) run throughout the entire year. Merino wool also has a finer texture than other wools. As a result, it isn’t scratchy and feels super soft on the skin, but you do need more fibres per garment.
If you maintain your merino garments properly, they really will last for years. They last five times longer than clothing made from other types of wool on average. So if you look at it as a longer-term ‘investment’, the cost per wear is a lot better.
Still think it’s too expensive? Then look at a merino wool blend, with cotton or viscose, for example. It still feels luxurious, but doesn’t irritate your wallet as much!
Merino wool is a breathable material that is naturally antibacterial. So you don’t have to wash merino clothing every time you wear it; airing it well is sufficient. But after a while, merino wool also deserves a spin in the washing machine.
Always wash merino wool at low temperature on a delicate or wool setting. Choose a detergent that reactivates breathability, such as Nikwax Wool Wash. Then lay your garment flat to dry so that the fit remains optimal. To speed up the drying process, you can roll it in a dry towel first and let it dry further that way.
The benefits of merino wool
Whether you’re really sensitive to the cold, a ‘mountain goat’, or an active outdoor enthusiast, everyone benefits from merino’s many advantages. We’ve listed them for you, so you can immediately see why you should choose merino wool:
- Self-cleaning and antibacterial: the fabric contains lanolin, a type of wax layer that prevents odours from penetrating it. You don’t have to wash merino clothing each time you wear it; airing it well is sufficient.
- Easy care and hard-wearing: because you don’t have to wash merino wool as often, wear and tear is much less likely to occur. This way, you can enjoy it longer!
- Temperature-regulating: you can wear the same base layer in summer and winter. You’ll be nice and warm in the winter and stay cool in the winter.
- Does not itch: other types of wool can be scratchy. Merino wool isn’t! The fabric has a very fine texture, making it wonderfully soft to the touch.
Do you still have questions about Merino? Our customer service is at your disposal every day.
