In fact, Merino wool is so warm that it’s often used in high-performance outdoor clothing for mountaineering, skiing, and other cold-weather activities. But it’s not just for extreme sports enthusiasts. Merino wool can also be an excellent choice for everyday wear, especially in cold climates.

And today, you’ll find out why Merino wool is one of the warmest fabrics. So, without further ado, let’s dig deep to answer the question: Is Merino wool warm?

Disclosure: Merino Wool Gear DOES NOT sponsor products to maintain our genuineness and authenticity. However, as an affiliate member, we may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.

How Does Merino Wool Keep You Warm?

You have to understand that Merino sheep live outside all year round. So, their fleeces protect them from harsh conditions when wintertime rolls around. And in the spring, when their wool is shorn and eventually processed into clothing, you get all the same benefits.

Let’s look closer into why Merino wool is so warm.

Heat of Sorption

In the case of Merino wool, the heat of sorption is positive, meaning that heat is released when the wool absorbs moisture. This is due to the chemical structure of wool, which contains amino acids that form hydrogen bonds with water molecules. When the wool absorbs moisture, these hydrogen bonds break, releasing heat.

So, in the winter, Merino wool will keep you warm even if you’re sweating. It’s one of its many natural properties, which we absolutely love. 

Fine Fibers

Merino wool fibers are super fine, with an average diameter of about 17 micrometers or microns. This means they have a high surface area to volume ratio, which allows them to trap more air. Air is a good insulator, so this helps to keep you warm.

And it’s easier to gauge how fine these fibers are if you have something to compare them to. As you can see from the above comparison, Merino wool is much thinner than regular wool, and it’s almost four times finer than human hair.

Now that’s a fine, fine fiber.

Natural Crimp & Elasticity

If you took a magnifying glass to Merino wool fibers, you’d see a wavy, curly shape that is not smooth. This natural spring-like crimp helps trap warm air pockets in the material, insulating you from the outside conditions.

In other words, Merino wool’s structure makes you warm!

Due to this crimp, wool fibers are naturally elastic; they can stretch and contract without breaking. This is important because it helps to keep the fibers from bunching up, which would trap less air and make you less warm.

Hollow Core

Compared to solid fibers like synthetics, Merino wool fibers are hollow, which can trap even more air. In fact, Merino wool can trap up to 80% of its weight in air. And this allows for a fantastic warmth-to-weight ratio.

Combining fine fibers, natural crimp, hollow core, and elastic fibers gives Merino wool superior warmth retention properties. The fine fibers trap air, the crimp creates tiny air pockets, the hollow body further increases the amount of air that can be trapped, and the elastic fibers help to keep the air evenly distributed. This air acts as an insulator, preventing heat from escaping from your body.

So, is Merino wool warm? The answer is simple: you’re damn right it is!

How Does Merino Wool Keep You Cool?

I told you you didn’t know the half of it!

In addition to keeping you warm in the chilly months, Merino wool does an excellent job keeping you cool in the summer. Again, the sheep have to stay cool in the sun somehow!

And this isn’t just hearsay because I’m a Merino wool lover – it’s the truth! Merino wool has many natural properties – like breathability, moisture management, and odor resistance – making it one of the best summer fabrics.

Let’s examine why Merino wool is excellent at regulating your body temperature.

Moisture Management

Due to their hollow structure, Merino wool fibers absorb and transport moisture away from your skin. Not only does it help draw sweat beads away from your skin, but it also moves water vapor away from your skin as sweat evaporates. Therefore, your next-to-skin microclimate always stays dry.

So, if you’re rocking your Merino clothing in hot weather, you shouldn’t feel hot or clammy!

Breathability

Breathability is often just a buzzword in the athletic wear world, but with Merino wool, it’s actually a thing. You get tons of airflow through the material, preventing your body temperature – especially around your core – from overheating.

Here is a more scientific explanation of how Merino wool is breathable:

• The hollow fibers of Merino wool are about the same size as a water vapor molecule. This allows water vapor to move quickly through the fabric, wicking away moisture from the skin.
• Merino Wool’s Crimp is the natural wave-like pattern of the fibers. This crimp creates tiny air pockets between the fibers, which further helps to trap air and wick away moisture.
• The scales on Merino wool fibers are microscopic projections overlapping like fish scales. These scales help to keep the threads from felting together, which would block the airflow.

Natural Odor Resistance

Merino wool is naturally odor-resistant, meaning you can wear it for days without it getting smelly. This is great for hot weather when you might not be able to wash your clothes as often and contributes to Merino wool’s industry-leading sustainability. Less washing, less water, less microplastics, and better for the environment!

In addition to these properties, Merino wool has a unique ability to absorb and release heat slowly (part of what we discussed with Heat of Sorption).

So, if you’re looking for a fabric that can keep you warm in cold weather and cool in hot weather, merino wool is a great choice. It’s no wonder why Merino wool is so desired by outdoor enthusiasts and everyday wearers alike.

Is Merino Wool Warm? Scientific Evidence

It may sound more subjective coming from a guy who eats, sleeps, and breathes Merino wool gear, but there is hard scientific evidence from people much smarter than me that gives the overwhelming answer of “Yes. Merino wool is warm!“

In one study, researchers found that Merino wool could keep people warm in temperatures as low as -20 °C. In another study, researchers found that Merino wool could wick away moisture twice as fast as cotton.

And, while I could sit here and science nerd out all day, I decided to give you the Cliff notes of some other fascinating studies pondering the warmth of Merino wool.

• The impact of sleepwear fiber type on sleep quality under warm ambient conditions
• Effects of Merino Wool on Atopic Dermatitis Using Clinical, Quality of Life, and Physiological Outcome Measures
• Improving thermal conductivities of textile materials by nanohybrid approaches
• Effect of local cooling on sweating rate and cold sensation
• Effects of two different battings (sheep wool versus polyester microfiber) in an outdoor jacket on the heat and moisture management and comfort sensation in the cold

Merino Wool Vs. Other Natural Fibers

I’ll always choose Merino wool over other natural fibers, such as cotton, silk, and linen. However,. All these fibers have unique properties, and the best fiber for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.

Merino wool is warm, comfortable, wicks away moisture, and is naturally odor-resistant. It is also soft and gentle on the skin, durable, long-lasting, and sustainable. However, it can be itchy for some people and not as wrinkle-resistant as other fibers.

Cotton is affordable, soft, comfortable, breathable, and absorbent. However, it is not as warm as Merino wool, can get clammy when wet, and is not as odor-resistant.

Silk is soft, luxurious, relaxed, comfortable, moisture-wicking, and naturally wrinkle-resistant. However, it is expensive, less durable than merino wool, and can be damaged by heat and sunlight.

Linen is cool and comfortable, breathable, and absorbent. However, it is heavier than Merino wool, can wrinkle easily, and is less soft than other fibers.

Cashmere, alpaca, and other animal-based fibers often compete with Merino wool clothing. Cashmere is a little more luxurious but not as durable, and alpaca fibers are super warm but – at least from my experience – not as soft.

Ultimately, the best fiber for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Merino wool is an excellent option if you are looking for a warm, comfortable, and versatile fabric that can be worn in various climates. For something ultra-luxurious, why not cashmere or alpaca. However, if you are on a budget or looking for a more wrinkle-resistant fiber, cotton or linen may be a better choice.

Final Note: Is Merino Wool Warm?

Merino wool is a remarkable fabric with many benefits, making it an excellent choice for cold-weather clothing. It is warm, comfortable, wicks away moisture, and is naturally odor-resistant. It is also soft and gentle on the skin, durable, long-lasting, and sustainable.

So next time you are looking for a new winter jacket or sweater, consider Merino wool. You won’t be disappointed!

Here are some additional things to keep in mind when choosing Merino wool clothing:

Quality: As a natural fiber, fabric quality will vary depending on the brand and the price. Buying Merino wool clothing from a reputable brand that uses high-quality wool is essential.

Thickness: Merino wool comes in different thicknesses, so choosing the right consistency for your climate is necessary. You will want thicker merino wool clothing (200+ gsm) for cold weather. You can choose a lighter weight (<150 gsm) for warmer weather.

Care instructions: Merino wool is easy to care for. It can be machine-washed and dried on a low setting. However, following the care instructions on the garment tag is vital to avoid shrinking or fading.

I hope this helps you to choose the perfect Merino wool clothing for your needs! And if you want to learn more about our favorite fabric, follow us on the socials below, or sign up for our newsletter.

We’re always looking for new Merino lovers to join our flock!

The post Is Merino Wool Warm? You Don’t Know The Half Of It! appeared first on Merino Wool Gear.

Still, you may be thinking, “how can something so thick and heavy be worn during the hottest time of the year?” Well, here’s the thing: Merino wool clothing comes in all shapes, sizes, thicknesses, and specialties. In fact, it’s probably the best four-season fabric out there.

So today, I’ll walk you through eight reasons why you should be rocking your favorite Merino wool clothing throughout the summer months. With Merino wool gear, you’ll be comfy and relaxed, no matter the season.

Disclosure: Merino Wool Gear DOES NOT sponsor products to maintain our genuineness and authenticity. However, as an affiliate member, we may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.

Hot or Cold, Wool Regulates Your Body Temperature

Due to Merino wool’s natural crimp, tiny air pockets form next to your skin. These air pockets act as an insulator against the cold air in the winter months and as a buffer against the heat during the year’s hottest months. In other words, Merino wool’s natural properties keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Pretty neat, right?

But there’s more to it. As you sweat, the superfine Merino fibers wick moisture away from your skin, so you don’t get all hot and soggy. Then, it transfers that moisture back into the atmosphere, so your next-to-skin microclimate remains dry. According to Temperature Master, this process is similar to the body’s natural cooling mechanism: sweat evaporation. But, instead of evaporation, the Merino wool rids the moisture from your skin.

If you’re still confused about why wool makes you feel cooler, think of the difference between 95℉ (35°C) in Arizona and the same temperature in Florida. The lower humidity in the air makes it feel less hot. And as anyone who has been to Phoenix in the summer will tell you, “yeah, it’s hot, but it’s a dry heat.

Merino wool works in the same way.

Merino Wool Is Extremely Breathable & Ultralight

Breathability is based on how well moisture flows through the fabric. Wool, in general, has excellent breathability properties, which aid in the cooling process we’ve previously mentioned. Yet we don’t wear traditional wool in the summer because the thicker material tends to hold more moisture, and your extra sweat has nowhere to go.

However, Merino wool has much finer fibers than traditional wool. Companies use it to create thinner, ultralight apparel, speeding up the cooling process.

And when we say ultralight, we genuinely mean ultralight.

Many clothing brands offer Merino wool gear that’s 150 gm² or less. For reference, that’s the same thickness as two pieces of standard copier paper. How crazy is that?

And while the ultralight fabric is not as durable as some of the heavier knits, many brands tend to blend in a strong nylon core for additional strength. Therefore, you shouldn’t worry about your clothing ripping or tearing.

Wool Doesn’t Stink!

If you’re a person who tends to sweat excessively (like myself), you need to change your wardrobe over to Merino wool. Like now. 

Believe it or not, wool doesn’t retain odors, meaning that you can wear it multiple times and not have to check your pits constantly. It just doesn’t stink. However, that doesn’t mean that you don’t – and the science behind this odor resistance is interesting, to say the least. 

Basically, you stink when you sweat because the bacteria on your skin digest the nutrients in sweat and excrete a volatile odor. That’s right: you stink because germs on your skin are snacking on your sweat and farting out nasty gas.

Many believe wool has anti-bacterial properties, but that’s a myth. Unlike synthetics made from oil-based polymers, wool is composed of keratin (like your hair), which is water-based. Thus, the oil-based odors from your skin don’t ‘stick’ to the fabric like they do with synthetics. They simply become trapped in the moisture and move freely into the atmosphere without embedding themselves in the fibers. Ipso facto, your shirt doesn’t stink.

Personally, I’ve worn Merino wool t-shirts for up to two weeks without any significant funk. You only have to give the tee some time to air out (usually while sleeping or showering), and the fabric should be odor-free. That means less washing, more wearing, and more time to enjoy the summer sun!

Merino Wool Has a High UPF Rating

Suppose you spend your summers outdoors exposed to the sun’s radiation. In that case, the sad truth is that you’re at a higher risk of developing skin cancer. And while sunscreen is necessary, many experts believe it’s only effective for two hours per application (and even sooner with increased activity). So, your clothing may be your only protection from UV radiation.

And that’s where Merino wool comes in handy.

Compared to other performance fabrics, Merino wool has a much higher UPF rating, meaning it protects better against ultraviolet radiation. For example, synthetic materials tend to have a UPF rating of 20 or less, meaning they only block out 95%of UV radiation or less. On the other hand, Merino wool clothing tends to have a UPF rating of 50 or more, meaning that it blocks out at least 98% of UV radiation. This enhanced protection is caused by the crimp of the Merino fibers, allowing for better light absorption.

How else do you think sheep can spend all day in the sun without getting burned?

Merino Wool Gear is Perfect for Traveling

Alright, I know this sounds like a general statement, but it’s the truth: Merino wool is the best fabric for travel clothing! Since it’s odor-resistant, you don’t have to pack as many clothes in your suitcase (or hiking backpack). Plus, it’s relatively quick-drying, so if for some reason you have to do laundry while on vacation, you can let it dry overnight. It will be ready to wear (or pack) in the morning!

Oh yeah, Merino wool is wrinkle-resistant, too! Well, sort of. While this benefit has been debated among avid travelers, the overall consensus is that wool wrinkles less than fabrics like cotton. This is because the spring-like fiber structure prevents them from becoming misaligned.

Although, much of today’s Merino wool clothing is blended with a low percentage of synthetics to improve overall strength. So, you may get a few wrinkles here and there. To avoid this, try using the “burrito roll” while packing. The fewer hard creases in the fabric, the better! And, it will help you to save space in your suitcase. It’s a win-win!

Wearing Merino Wool in Summer is Fashionable

When many people think of Merino wool gear, they think of outdoor performance clothing. Although, it’s not just for the trail. Recently, there has been a big push to use Merino wool in the fashion industry. Companies like Woolmark have been partnering with fashion designers across the globe to bring Merino wool to the runways and retail shelves. In fact, each year, they award the Woolmark Prize for Merino wool design innovation. You can check out the 2022 finalists here.

Moreover, even your standard Merino wool clothing is making its rounds in the celebrity world. Mila Kunis, Jennifer Garner, and Ashton Kutcher have all been spotted rocking Allbirds, one of the comfiest Merino wool shoes on the market. Moreover, Blake Lively and Rihanna have worn designer Merino wool clothes at various events.

So, if you want to dress like your favorite celebrity this summer, why not go with Merino?

Merino Wool Clothing Is Sustainable

Merino sheep eat grass, soak up the sun, and live happy lives. Their wool is harvested for clothing once or twice a year (at no harm to them), and the cycle repeats. Merino wool is one of the most sustainable clothing materials on the planet! In fact, wool is even biodegradable, so it can be used in the soil that grows the grass for the sheep to eat. Hence, the cycle of sustainability.

However, many environmental activists are concerned with the popularity of Merino wool gear contributing to increased livestock emissions and desertification of grasslands. And their skepticism is indeed justified. Yet, in recent years, woolgrowers have made it a priority to protect pasturelands. And when you compare the adverse effects of livestock emissions to those of oil-based synthetic clothing, it doesn’t even come close.

And the fashion industry accounts for a staggering amount of space in our landfills. So, it’s imperative that, as consumers, we do our part in purchasing high-quality clothing that will reduce waste.

Merino wool clothing is not the solution to global warming, but it’s a step in the right direction.

Most Importantly, Merino Wool Is Comfy!

And last but not least, the main reason you should wear Merino wool in summer: it’s super comfortable. Whenever I wear Merino, it feels like I’m draped in silk. Like a cloud is giving me a hug. But enough with the subjectivity; there is a science as to why Merino wool is comfy.

Compared with traditional wool fibers (35-40 microns), Merino wool fibers are about half as thick (17-21 microns). This means they feel less scratchy than traditional wool as your skin receptors don’t process Merino fibers as an irritant. Moreover, the finer fiber diameter allows for better weave patterns and flexibility, so the fabric moves with you, not against you.

A good rule of thumb when shopping for Merino wool clothing is that the lower the micron level, the softer the fabric. However, this sometimes comes at the added cost of durability. If you do need some extra fabric strength, look for options corespun with small amounts of synthetics.

All in all, the combination of fiber diameter, uniform fiber length, and material composition makes Merino wool one of the comfiest fabrics on the planet!

Final Note About Wearing Merino Wool In Summer

And there you have it: eight reasons you should definitely wear Merino wool in summer.

It keeps you cool, is super comfy, protects against the sun, and more. Even celebrities are rocking Merino wool, and you should, too!

If you’re looking for the best Merino wool gear this summer, give us a follow on any of our socials or subscribe to our newsletter! We’re always looking for new sheep to join the flock!

Thanks again for reading!

The post 8 Reasons Why You Should Wear Merino Wool In Summer appeared first on Merino Wool Gear.

The short answer is yes.

But that’s not why you’re here, is it? You need hard evidence, scientific data, and proven success stories to help you out. And all those other remedies you’ve tried just haven’t seemed to work (even though you learned them from an article just like this one).

However, I’m not like all the other writers on the internet. I’m you. I suffer from eczema, mostly on my wrists and shins. And I am here to fully answer your question: is Merino wool good for eczema?

Disclaimer: To maintain genuineness and authenticity, Merino Wool Gear DOES NOT sponsor products. However, as an Amazon Associate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.

My Personal Eczema Story

I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t self-conscious about my skin. I was a pimply-faced teenager who looked worse than every before picture on those Proactiv commercials. Even before I hit puberty, I suffered from Impetigo: a volcano-like mass smack dab in the middle of my chin.

But, I never suffered from eczema until about two years ago.

At first, I just thought my skin was irritated from all the typing I was doing. Although soon, those tiny splotches on my wrists spread to my forearms. And then they started popping up on my shins. I’d wake up in the middle of the night to relieve the dreadful itch, but as you already know, it never actually helped.

Yet throughout this initial eczema phase, I didn’t think much of it. Sure it was uncomfortable, but it wasn’t that big of a deal to me. I’d use lotions to control the spread and try my best to resist the itch. That is, until one day, my uncle made a seemingly innocent comment: “what’s wrong with your wrist?” 

It may not seem like much of a remark, but thus began the spiral of self-doubt. Other people were noticing what I’ve been trying to avoid. I started wearing long sleeves and long pants, even in the sweltering heat of summer. And as you may know, this only made my itching problems even worse.

Yet, when I wear my soft Merino wool clothing, some of the itchiness goes away. The skin irritation is kept to a minimum, and honestly, it’s just one less thing that weighs on my mind. 

I’m not saying that your favorite Merino wool gear is going to cure your eczema, but I will say that it doesn’t make it worse. It gives you peace of mind to be your best while protecting your skin from the elements. 

So, enough of my sob story. On to the hard evidence.

A (Sort Of) Scientific Guide To Eczema Relief

Full disclosure: I’m not a dermatologist.

But I’ll do my best to lay out the science behind proven eczema relief.

There are several different types of eczema, and I don’t have the time to analyze each one. I’d much instead just provide you some of the best ways to relieve it since its origins vary from person to person.

Stop Itching 

MUST. ITCH. NOW.

That’s your brain whenever your eczema acts up. And sure, scratching away may relieve the itch for a bit, but it only comes back stronger. But why is that?

Well, it turns out science has an answer for that. When you scratch to relieve that itchy feeling, you’re activating the pain receptors in your skin. These receptors overpower the itch signal in your brain. Thus, you only feel temporary relief.

But when that pain signal calms down, the “itch signal” comes back even more robust. So, no matter how good scratching away may feel, it’s not going to help your eczema.

The best method to reduce the spread of any dermatitis is to hunker down and mentally fight through that itchy feeling.

Pro Tip: Instead of relieving your itchiness through scratching, try temperature relief. Use a cold pack, or hot pack, to trick the signal in your brain that causes you to feel itchy.

Reduce Excess Irritation

Aside from itching, one of the best ways to relieve eczema is to eliminate excess irritation. This includes any rubbing, scratching, or accidental bumping.

It may sound simple, but it’s an aggravating sensation when one untimely movement causes your eczema to resurface. Especially when you thought you had it under control in the first place.

Many people choose to cover up their eczema with medicated bandages or gauze to lessen the chance of irritation. Still, it can be both cumbersome and expensive to do so. In my opinion, the best way to control excess rubbage is to wear clothing that protects your skin.

Now, I don’t want to get too ahead of myself, but hint-hint, Merino wool is an excellent choice. But we’ll get into the specifics in a bit.

Rehydrate Your Skin

Lotions. Oils. Creams. Ointments. Baths. There is a surplus of medical information and home remedies about keeping those dry eczema blotches from cracking over. Yet, it seems that no matter which home remedy you swear by, the overwhelming goal is to keep your skin hydrated.

Certain natural compounds, like colloidal oatmeal, coconut oil, and calendula cream have been shown to soften skin, reduce irritation, and provide sensory relief. If your eczema is severe, you should go see your doctor about getting a topical steroid cream for ultimate ease.

Side Note: Other than Merino wool, the only thing I use to control my eczema spread is this Eczema honey. This honey cream is packed with colloidal oatmeal, which provides a cooling effect. It’s a bit on the expensive side, but so far, it’s the only ointment that genuinely brings me any relief.

Take Allergy Medication

If topical treatments don’t control the itch, you may have to turn to oral remedies. Now, I highly suggest you first go to the doctor before ingesting any medicine. Still, one success I’ve had is using antihistamines, like Benadryl or Claritin to control eczema’s itchiness.

Basically, these drugs help to control your brain’s response to itchiness. Although, they do not reduce eczema’s spread or regularity, according to Everyday Health. Moreover, many allergy medications have a drowsy effect. So, it may not be best to take during the day.

If it sounds like I’m just scratching the surface here (no pun intended), I actually am. I don’t want to get too deep into the science of antihistamines and eczema, as it’s really not my background. All I know is that when I take Benadryl before bed, I wake up less often in an itching frenzy.

Reduce Stress

If that were as simple as it sounds, right? Unfortunately, stress is one of the significant causes of eczema, as it’s the body’s physiological response to fight off unwanted thoughts. That may seem like a bit of a stretch, but there’s some science to prove it.

According to Healthline, when you are stressed, your body produces more cortisol. This stress hormone causes your skin to become more oily. Thus, triggering an outbreak. Also, scientific studies show that higher stress levels slow the bodies’ recovery from eczema, prolonging flare-ups. These two factors worsen eczema symptoms and cause you to fall into a vicious, itchy cycle.

Another way to imagine these stress levels is like a tank with a limited capacity. The more stress you pour into it, the more likely it is to overflow. And in this metaphor, your body is the “empty” valve. It’s doing everything it can to empty your stress tank, fighting off the excess burden. Eczema is a side effect of the emptying process.

Now, simply relaxing is not as easy as it sounds. But, to keep your stress levels low, it’s best to practice mindfulness, meditation, and breathing techniques.

So, Why Is Merino Wool Good For Eczema Relief?

I’ll be 100% genuine with you: Merino wool clothing is not the end-all, be-all in eczema relief. Sure, I like to think of it as a magical fabric with superpowers, but it’s not exactly the case.

However, Merino wool will help alleviate some of your eczema symptoms in both my personal and professional opinion. Let’s take a look at why this may be.

Merino Wool Does Not Itch

I’ve written about this one too often (and have gotten into too many Twitter battles with haters), but natural Merino wool should never itch. It’s much more refined than traditional wool, providing a silky smooth next-to-skin feel.

If you think your Merino wool clothing is the root cause of your itchiness, then you most likely have low-quality apparel. Any of the reputable name brands won’t cause you to itch. I won’t go into too much detail about the Merino companies that we recommend, but you can see a complete list here.

Merino Wool Is Soft and Non-Irritating

As we just said, Merino wool is not like your grandma’s wool sweater. It’s a high-performance fabric used by adventure athletes, digital nomads, backpackers, and even fashionistas. And the main reason is that it’s super soft.

Usually, the fiber diameter is between 15.5-20.5 microns, which is similar to cotton clothing. However, Merino wool has a natural crimp which allows for elasticity. Thus, the fabric moves WITH YOU, not against you.

Suppose you do have some sensitivity to Merino wool clothing. In that case, it’s most likely due to poor seam construction or a higher fiber diameter (19 microns +). The former can be fixed by doing a bit of research based on your apparel needs. At the same time, the latter can be solved by simply purchasing lower-diameter clothing. 

Merino Wool Regulates Your Microclimate

We’ve talked about Merino wool being one of the warmest fabrics by weight, but it’s much more than that. Not only does it keep you toasty in the winter months, but it can keep you cool in the summer too. 

And why is that? Well, it regulates your microclimate through moisture management.

Unlike synthetics, Merino wool is hydrophilic, meaning it is attracted to water. It absorbs humidity from the atmosphere and from your skin, thus creating a humidity-controlled environment that aids in reducing eczema symptoms.

The complete science can be a bit on the dull side, but you can read our full write-up about the science behind Merino wool if you’d like more technical evidence.

Merino Wool is Hypoallergenic

People think they are allergic to traditional wool because it feels scratchy. But in fact, wool fibers are composed of the same molecules as our hair – keratin. The scratchiness comes from the large fiber diameter. However, as we already mentioned, Merino wool is much more refined than traditional wool, and any supposed allergy is simply not true.

According to Woolmark, there is absolutely no scientific evidence that wool is a known allergen. Again, that would be like being allergic to your own hair – it’s just not possible.

The hypoallergenic properties of Merino wool are one of the main reasons it’s a go-to fabric for baby clothes. As newborns’ skin is sensitive and prone to rash, the silky smooth feeling of Merino provides them with a comfortable and protective barrier from this allergy-filled world.

Merino Wool Can Reduce Excess Stress (Kind of)

I’m not going to sit here and tell you that Merino wool is the key to stress relief. If so, the whole world would be worshipping sheep.

But, I am here to tell you that it can help. Remember the “stress tank” we talked about previously? Well, since Merino wool is so comfortable and luxurious, it’s one less thing that offers an opportunity to give you stress. 

Moreover, there are secondary stress relief benefits of Merino wool. Um, ever heard of the phrase look good, feel good? Well, you’ll not only be fashionable, but you will feel even better knowing that your skin is protected. The improved self-confidence may lead to better performance at work, improved relationships, etc. 

Again, this isn’t always the case. However, I’ve seen my confidence soar while rocking Merino wool apparel. For lack of a better term, Merino wool makes my skin feel comfortable in my own skin.

Final Note About The Question: Is Merino Wool Good For Eczema?

Merino wool is not some magical cure-all for eczema, and any site that tells you otherwise is plain lying. But, it does help at reducing the negative symptoms that come with this pesky ailment.

Not only does the soft, luxurious feel of low-micron fibers reduce irritation, but the molecular composition itself is hypoallergenic. The excellent temperature regulation properties create microclimate conditions that reduce eczema symptoms. And finally, I wholeheartedly believe that wearing Merino wool puts me in a better state of mind and helps to reduce the liquid in my “stress tank.”

So, honestly, if I can’t convince you that Merino wool works well for eczema sufferers, well, I don’t know who you will believe! 

If you want to learn more about Merino wool gear and the brands behind the fabric, check out our Instagram or follow us on Twitter. In the meantime, continue reading about the best of the best Merino wool apparel that we could find. 

Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions, concerns, or corrections regarding any of our reviews. We take your input seriously, as it’s informed customers that ultimately drive industry innovation.

The post Is Merino Wool Good For Eczema? A Personal View appeared first on Merino Wool Gear.

It’s imperative as an ethical consumer that you understand precisely what mulesing is, where it originated from, and how it can affect you. We’ll dive into this highly-debated practice, the process, the ethics, and much more.

But first, we need to take to a brief history lesson.

A Brief Origin of Mulesing & Flystrike

In the later 19th-century, several Merino rams from Vermont were imported into Australia to increase clean wool yield. These studs rapidly spread throughout Australia as woolgrowers hoped to maximize their profits.

At first, the new breeding tactic seemed to work as the crossbred lambs yield weight was high, but it was primarily due to grease weight, not clean weight. On top of that, the wool quality was inconsistent, and the new Merino ewes had much lower lambing percentages. That still wasn’t the worst part; the higher greasy wool content led to a higher rate of parasitic infections like myiasis, also known as flystrike.

In other terms, flies lay larvae in the sheep’s wrinkly skin folds around the breech. The organic excrement – also called dag – provides food for the larvae, and they begin to eat away at the sheep’s flesh. More flies eventually lay more eggs on already-infected sheep. Thus, the slow and painful process continues.

The sheep themselves typically die from ammonia secretions caused by the larvae. According to Vet-Ent New Zealand…

“Once flystrike has been initiated, further flies are attracted to the site, and the sheep can die from ammonia poisoning 3–6 days from the onset of the first strike.”

The Accidental Discovery of Mulesing

Now, as you can imagine, a century ago, with minimal technology, the rampant spread of newly-susceptible Merino strains devastated Australia. There was really nothing that could be done about it, and it was a significant problem for farmers’ well-being. That was until, in the early 20th-century, a farmer by the name of John Mules accidentally cut the skin off his sheep’s rear end while shearing it. The resulting scar tissue from the would made the sheep less susceptible to flystrike. Thus, the new process of mulesing was born.

The practice quickly caught on as farmers could better control the prevalence of flystrike among their flocks. Australia adopted the approach in the 1930s as their global wool exports continued to boom.

Although, there is much controversy surrounding mulesing today. We’ll get more into that later. But first, you need to understand the actual procedure of mulesing to form a more educated opinion.

So, Exactly What Is Mulesing?

Mulesing is the removal of skin around a sheep’s buttocks, which in turn forms scar tissue where wool does not grow. Once scarred over, that area does not produce fleece. Thus, it is less likely to hold feces and other organic matter which attract fly larvae that carry the parasitic infection of flystrike.

The process itself is a little gruesome – which is why it’s a controversial agricultural practice. But, you should still understand how it works.

Mulesing Shears. Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons

A sheep is mulesed typically before six months of age. Loose skin around the buttocks is cut around the lamb’s anus with a sharp pair of scissors. Also, the tail is ‘docked’ to a stump to avoid organic matter from becoming stuck in the future. The person administering the treatment (typically a mulesing contractor) then applies a topical painkiller to the surgically removed area.

Sounds painful, right? Well, it gets a bit worse when you find out that no local anesthetic is involved before surgery. Farmers themselves don’t need to visit a licensed veterinarian to perform this procedure. Plus, they typically don’t have deep pockets to shell out money for a medical-grade numbing agent.

If you want to see the process of mulesing in action, you can check the video here. Warning, this video may be troublesome and graphic to some. So, please watch at your own risk.

Mulesing Controversy and Ethics

“Once the sheep have mulesed and let out of the shed and going back to their mothers, they are very stiff. When their wound starts to heal, it gets very sore and they don’t move around very much. You know, they’ve been – they’ve been skinned alive virtually. And, of course they’re in pain.”

Michael Day, Australian Wool Producer

Of course, mulesing’s bloody and outdated practice stirs up controversy in the Merino wool industry. Yet, it’s essential to look at sheep’s welfare from every perspective before jumping to any conclusions.

So, we’ve done our due diligence in providing four different perspectives of the controversial mulesing practice: farmers, animal rights organizations, governments, and you as the end consumer.

The Farmer’s Perspective

Mulesing has often been viewed as a necessary evil within the wool harvesting community. Farmers understand that the process is painful to a lamb, but they also know that a ewe dying from flystrike is painful. However, they aren’t ready to abandon the practice just yet.

“It is quite a blood procedure if you’re not familiar with it, but so are surgical wards.”

David Young, Australian Wool Farmer

Even with animal rights organizations heavily advocating against mulesing, most Australian farmers (70%) are still using the practice. A recent mulesing ban introduced in the NSW state of Australia was met with staunch opposition from NSW Farmers Association. They believe that more sheep will die due to the ban than continuing their current practices.

The other argument for pro-mulesing farmers is that there are not many viable alternatives to mulesing. We’ll get into the specifics in a later section. Still, it’s important to note that this viability is more about money. Other techniques like breeding programs take time and can be expensive.

So, while we may see mulesing reduction with better Merino bloodlines in the future, that’s not exactly the case right now.

Animal Right’s Perspective

As you can imagine, mulesing is heavenly frowned against by animal rights organizations. PETA has put out full ad campaigns against the practice and publicly pressured companies to boycott suppliers who mules sheep. Austrian-based animal rights group Four Paws has recently put out a complete list of companies that don’t source mulesed wool. Even the singer Pink got in the action, speaking on behalf of the sheep.

These organizations have been pushing companies and organizations to boycott farmers and suppliers who still mules their sheep. While we feel that some of their smear tactics go a bit far, their message is sound. Here are just a couple of instances in which animal rights groups have successfully pressure companies to stop sourcing wool from mulesed sheep.

• In 2004, PETA pressured retailer Abercrombie & Fitch to stop sourcing Merino wool from farmers who mules.
• In 2008-2009, fashion companies like Liz Claiborne & John Lewis joined the movement against mulesing.
• Most Swedish retail companies refused to purchase Australian mulesed-wool after a lobbyist was exposed back in 2010.

The Government Perspective

Several countries have taken steps to curb the practice of mulesing in recent years. New Zealand has slowly made mulesing illegal, phasing it out until the law become official in 2018. The United Kingdom also bans mulesing (although most it’s not as popular of a practice due to the low occurrence of flystrike).

These country-wide bans on mulesing have been effective, but again, most global Merino wool is sourced from Australia. And, they don’t have any ban on mulesing. In the early 2000s, Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) pledged to phase out mulesing by 2010, but that was soon dropped after an outcry from farmers.

In New South Wales, the Animal Justice Party introduced legislation to ban mulesing even more recently. Unfortunately, the law was met with heavy opposition from local farmers and has since been tabled.

Overall, for an Australian mulesing ban to actually take place, it’s going to come down to money. It will be about the companies who purchase the wool and the consumers who buy the clothing.

The Consumer Perspective

At the end of the day, consumers have the power to change the practice of Mulesing. For example, if you refuse to buy wool from companies that source their raw material from farmers who mules, then eventually, they’ll have to stop mulesing. It’s simple, really.

As a consumer, you should keep an eye out for one of the three industry organizations that have plead to only use non-mulesed wool.

ZQ Merino: An industry-leading Merino wool supplier in New Zealand focused on the ethical treatment of animals.

Woolmark Certification: While this industry certification does not outright ban mulesing, they have invested heavily in finding safe alternatives to the controversial practice.

The Responsible Wool Standard: This farm-to-fashion standard banned the use of mulesed wool in 2016.

Common Mulesing Alternatives

Suppose you see the words’ mulesing-free or ‘non-mulesed as you’re shopping for Merino wool apparel. In that case, you can usually be assured that the wool was sourced from a pain-free process. But, there will always be issues with parasitic infections like flystrike.

So, apart from round-the-clock monitoring of the sheep herd – which farmers can perform with expensive drones – we need to explore some less controversial alternatives.

Biological Engineering & Breeding Programs

“Selective breeding for sheep with a naturally bare and wrinkle-free breech area, resistant to flystrike, is widely considered the best long-term alternative to mulesing.”

– The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization

As with any livestock, Merino sheep are selectively bred to improve specific characteristics across generations. For instance, a ram with a higher fleece weight may be used to create a new bloodline of Merino sheep that produce more fleece.

In other words, think of it like growing vegetables in your garden. You should be planting the seeds from the previous year’s highest-producing plant, as that plant is most likely to produce more giant vegetables again. The same ideology has been used in the selective breeding of livestock for generations.

When it comes to Merino sheep, farmers are selectively breeding rams and ewes that seem to be less susceptible to flystrike. Thus, passing this coveted trait onto future generations. Research has even shown that classifying and breeding sheep based on “wrinkliness” can reduce fly strikes within five years within a single flock.

However, as technology has evolved within the animal husbandry world, scientists can pinpoint genes within DNA, speeding up the selective breeding process.

Topical Protein Treatments

Also known as intradermal injections, topical protein treatments remove wool follicles from a sheep’s backside. A portion of the perineal skin dies, scabs, and falls off. Thus, providing a similar end result to mulesing.

Early scientific research has shown that these treatments, in combination with anesthetic, are less painful to a sheep. There is a needleless application, and it’s basically a similar chemical to botox. However, the main obstacle of these treatments is that there needs to be pharmaceutical approval. Unfortunately to farmers, this is more expensive than established mulesing procedures.

At Merino Wool Gear, we would rather see more money and effort be put into breeding programs to curb flystrike at the source. It’s not about intradermal injection’s effectiveness but more about a long-term solution to avoid physically altering sheep while they are alive.

Crutching

As fly larvae thrive in the wrinkly portions of a sheep’s behind, some farmers choose to regularly shave the wool around this area. This is the process of crutching. While it’s not as effective as mulesing in reducing flystrike, it’s much more ethical for the sheep.

Although, looking at it from a woolgrower’s perspective, having to corral and shave a sheep multiple times a year is not easy. It can be highly time-consuming and expensive.

Steining

The wool industry has developed a steining technique to obtain the same results as mulesing – less fleece around the buttocks. Basically, they use a machine that delivers liquid nitrogen to a sheep’s rear end. The liquid nitrogen’s frigid temperatures freeze off the skin, which scars over and reduces the likelihood of flystrike.

A trained specialist uses an applicator to stretch the sheep’s skin on their breech and quickly applies the liquid nitrogen. Although, early studies have found that steining still may be painful to the sheep, and thus, we can’t put our full support behind the practice. Check out this steining demonstration video for more information

Insecticides

Instead of mulesing the flystrike victims, some experts believe it’s better to control the perpetrators themselves. The use of insecticides has its own ethical and environmental issues, but preliminary research has some promise. Studies have shown that using chemicals to control the fly population reduces Merino sheep’s likelihood of dying from flystrike.

The process itself is called dipping and is recognized in Australia as an alternative to mulesing. The active ingredient in the dip – Cyromazine – is only suited for preventive measures and not as a treatment for flystrike. There are three main dipping methods farmers can use: shower dipping, plunge dipping, and cage dipping.

In the spirit of honesty, we must say that we are not as familiar with the exact process of dipping as with some of the other mulesing alternatives. Therefore, if you would like to learn more, we suggest you check out these dipping best practices from Fly Boss.

Breech Clips

Breech Clips. Image Credit: stockandland.com.au

One way to remove the wool from a Merino’s breach is by using breech clips. These plastic clips are tightly applied to the lamb’s skin, thus cutting off blood flow to the area. Eventually, the skin and the clips fall off, reducing the chance of flystrike.

“The beauty of the clips is what you see is what you get. You can look at the area you’ve applied the clips to and change it if you want, before letting the lamb go.”

Jules Dorrian – AWI Project Manager

The issue with breech clips is that squeezing the skin off of a lamb can still be painful. Early results in the mid-2000s showed some promise of the use of clips. But, we still feel more research needs to be done before calling this process a safe mulesing alternative.

Final Note About Mulesing

At Merino Wool Gear, we believe that there are plenty of viable options and alternatives to Mulesing. As Merino grows as a popular sustainable fabric, consumers need to stand up against the practice of mulesing.

Moreover, keep an eye out for mulesing-free wool standards like ZQ Merino, RWS, and Woolmark. Suppose you have a question about whether or not a Merino wool company sources mulesed wool. In that case, you can check out our company profiles page or simply contact the brand directly.

We can stop this controversial practice by purchasing high-quality, ethical Merino wool. In other words, we collectively have more power as consumers than we may believe.

For more information about Merino wool, ethics, sustainability, and more, check us out on Instagram! Or, continue to read our comprehensive reviews and analysis about our favorite Merino Wool gear!

The post What is Mulesing? And Why You Should Care About It appeared first on Merino Wool Gear.

Today, we’ll figure out precisely what is ZQ Merino. We’ll explore how this certification is ushering in a new era of sustainable changes in the Merino wool industry. Let’s go!

ZQ Merino Overview

“ZQ is a wool certification standard that stands for a better quality of life. For the animals, for our planet, our people, and you.”

ZQ Merino provides a sustainable and ethical Merino production recipe in a world of differing business practices. Run by the New Zealand Merino Company, this certification is a recipe that puts people, animals, and the planet before profits.

The name ZQ itself stems from what the company calls the ‘Zen Balance’ between intelligence (IQ) and relationships (EQ). The IQ focuses on the technological and scientific advancements within agriculture. The EQ is about forming connections and relationships with people, animals, and the land.

Five Core ZQ Merino Values

To ensure that woolgrowers and apparel companies follow strict environmental practices, ZQ has listed five core values behind their brand. They are animal welfare, ecological sustainability, quality fiber, traceable to source, and social responsibility.

Each one of these values is audited by an independent 3rd-party to ensure compliance. Let’s take a more in-depth look into each aspect.

1. Animal Welfare

ZQ Merino understands that quality wool comes from happy sheep. So, the first step in the woolgrowing process focuses on animal welfare.

All of the sheep are considered free-range, and to ensure proper animal welfare, farmers must adhere to the Five Freedoms of the Flock.

Free From Thirst

Sheep should be free to live comfortably and forage within their habitat. The farmers must provide enough water and food for their flock. With proper nutrition, sheep can better withstand the sometimes harsh elements of the environment.

Free To Live Naturally

There should be enough roaming space for ZQ sheep. Typically, this is about one sheep per acre of land. With plenty of area, sheep can simply behave like sheep. They can then socialize with their flock and live naturally off the land.

Free From Discomfort

Sheep have an evolutionary ability to adapt to various weather conditions due to their protective fleece. Still, ZQ ensures that their sheep are free from stress. They require growers to provide sufficient shade and shelter for their flock.

Free From Distress

The ZQ Program bans any unnecessary animal stress (like mulesing or live transportation). The safety and comfort of the sheep always come first.

Free From Disease

A healthy flock is a happy flock.

Therefore, ZQ requires growers to regularly monitor their sheep for disease, illness, and other medical issues.

In addition, ZQ Merino is highly against the practice of mulesing. This is where skin is removed from a sheep’s buttocks to reduce the chances of flystrike. Also, they ensure that stress is reduced by prohibiting the live transportation of sheep. Thus, ZQ sheep are sheared where they live.

2. Environmental Sustainability

Next, ZQ Merino emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy environment and diverse ecosystem. Farmers and growers must take responsibility for sustaining their land and to “keep things green.” They do this by creating Land Management Programs.

Many woolgrowers tend to be passionate about conservation. They may even partake in small environmental projects in addition to the ZQ program. Some of these include ensuring local waterways are clean and native species are protected. Conserving the environment allows for better sustainability throughout the entire farm-to-fashion process.

To learn more about Merino wool’s environmental benefits and impacts, read our complete Merino Wool Sustainability Guide.

3. Quality Fiber

ZQ mentions on their website that ‘not all wool is created equal.’

One of their missions is to ensure their certified companies use only the highest-quality Merino in their products. Low-quality wool tends to have a wide distribution of fiber diameters, creating specific weak points within the fabric. Thus, decreasing the performance ability when it’s knitted into apparel. This low-quality wool can often be traced back to unnecessary hardship for the sheep themselves.

High-grade fibers start with healthy sheep. ZQ fibers have a high degree of uniformity, consistency, and quality. Thus, ensuring better-performing fabrics with longer closet lives. The ZQ philosophy is straightforward: happier sheep in a better-protected environment create more delicate, long-staple fibers.

Apart from the sheep producing the wool, ZQ handpicks the raw wool to ensure top quality. As a result, highly-skilled wool classers examine each fleece for criteria such as tensile strength, length, organic composition (similar to clean yield), fineness, prickle factor, and other factors.

Therefore, you know you are getting the best Merino wool on the market. It’s not just the scraps that are swept off the shearing floor.

4. Traceable To Source

Traceability is about understanding the entire Merino wool process, from the pasture to your closet. ZQ Merino wool gets harvested, tested, and distributed by a singular company. In contrast, traditional wool sales often lose ‘farm tracking’ after selling at auction. Thus, woolgrowers can connect with the brands creating products.

Not only does this process improve transparency and authenticity, but it gives woolgrowers a clearer picture of the types of products their wool is being used for. In fact, you can even trace ZQ garments to the same farm where the Merino was harvested. Pretty cool, right?

ZQ achieves this level of transparency and traceability through a ‘forward contract model.’ They create and nurture long-term relationships within every aspect of the Merino supply chain. These growers, distributors, suppliers, manufacturers, and clothing companies share the same ‘green’ values with the ZQ brand. They adhere to similar environmental standards, sustainable methods, and ethical practices. Therefore, you can have peace of mind with ZQ-certified products.

Every step of its production is held to the highest of standards.

5. Social Responsibility

ZQ Merino makes certain that the people behind the sheep are treated fairly. They genuinely care about the livelihood, health, and success of woolgrowers and their families. The community around Merino wool production is just as important as the product itself.

Throughout the entire Merino process, ZQ ensures their partners have a safe working environment and livable wage. They understand that the agricultural industry can often be volatile. So, through their forward contract model, they can offer better financial stability to their farmers.

To sum up, happy people are just as important as happy sheep.

ZQ Auditing Process

As you can imagine, holding woolgrowers to the highest standards is not easy work. To maintain its reputation as one of the top sustainable programs in the Merino world, ZQ requires audits on all of their farms every three years. As with any type of audit, if there is an issue during one of these check-ins, ZQ requires farmers to partake in more regular audits of their flock and facilities.

To uphold their integrity and eliminate any conflict of interest, ZQ uses accredited third-party auditors to carry out this process. One of the prominent companies they use on farms throughout New Zealand and Australia is AsureQuality. This auditor holds similar values to ZQ Merino and specializes in every aspect of the agricultural industry. Each year, they independently inspect over 15,000 livestock farms in the region.

While the auditing process itself may sound commonplace and even a bit mundane, it’s essential not only to ZQ’s image but to your satisfaction. By guaranteeing that each step of the woolgrowing process is up to par, you can be assured that your Merino products are crafted from the highest quality wool. They are dedicating the time and money to defend their sustainable message. All so you can make better decisions as the end consumer.

Woolgrowers of ZQ Merino

To improve transparency, ZQ allows you to view the exact farming locations of their 400+ wool farmers. View more ‘On-Farm’ info on their website.

ZQ takes pride in their 400+ woolgrowers’ livelihood and life stories throughout New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa. They understand that it is the farmers who are on the frontlines that give Merino its luxurious properties. Using the forward contract model, they provide woolgrowers better financial stability. Thus, allowing them to focus on their flock’s health and happiness.

One significant aspect of that ZQ Merino stresses among their growers is continual education. They want their farmers to be up-to-date on the Merino industry’s latest technologies, information, and techniques. The ‘ZQ On-Farm‘ focus also teaches woolgrowers the best practices to grow Merino for specific market purposes.

ZQ-certified growers always follow the core values of the program. They are also subject to third-party audits, as previously mentioned. Suppose, for some reason, you’re a Merino farmer and want to become a ZQ-certified woolgrower. In that case, you can learn more about the certification process here.

ZQ Merino Brand Partners

Unlike typical Merino wool purchased at auction by the bail, ZQ Merino can only be purchased exclusively through the New Zealand Merino Company. This way, the validity and quality of the wool can be tested to the highest standard. Here are a few of our favorite Merino wool companies that source their fiber, yarn, and fabric from ZQ Merino.

Suppose you do not see your favorite brand on this list. In that case, reach out to them to become a ZQ Merino partner. You can find more information about the application process here.

Merino Advancement With Studio ZQ

Studio ZQ in Christchurch, New Zealand – Image from ZQ Website

When it comes to brand partnerships, ZQ isn’t merely a supplier of high-quality Merino wool. They genuinely want companies to use the material’s ultimate potential.

Thus, they created Studio ZQ in Christchurch, New Zealand. Brands, growers, and marketers can collaborate to create future products in the industry.

They make new Merino wool products for various applications, often using advanced technology. Studio ZQ combines the knowledge and understanding of every person throughout the woolgrowing process.

Think of it like a wool industry ‘think tank’ where your favorite Merino products are born!

Final Note About ZQ Merino

Hopefully, we’ve answered your question: What is ZQ Merino?

They are a highly-regarded, accredited organization that ensures every aspect of the Merino wool process is performed sustainably and ethically. The sheep are happy. The farmers are happy.

Above all, they want you to be happy about every aspect of your Merino wool clothing.

As an end consumer, it’s your responsibility to ensure that your purchasing decisions match your values. ZQ Merino just offers a recipe for sustainability and ethical production within the wool industry. They provide a service that allows you to trust your Merino clothing’s authenticity.

Always do your research before purchasing any Merino wool clothing to ensure you are getting the best quality material while helping the planet out in the process. Although, you may not have the time to do all the research. So, feel free to check out our company profiles and product reviews here at Merino Wool Gear.

You can also follow us on Instagram to keep up-to-date with the latest news in the Merino world or sign-up for our newsletter with deals & discounts!

The post What Is ZQ Merino? Exploring Animal Welfare appeared first on Merino Wool Gear.

Merino wool is an excellent performance fabric for many next-to-skin applications. It’s an ideal material for outdoor enthusiasts, travelers, and more. But, since we often associate it with traditional wool, many people falsely believe that it will irritate your skin. With Merino wool, this should never be the case.

Still, it’s essential to look at the reasons and factors behind the itchiness of wool and answer the question: is merino wool itchy?

Why Do We Itch?

Before we talk about wool clothing, we first need to truly understand why we itch. From an evolutionary perspective, our itchiness was vital as our ancestors needed to be alerted of bugs, ticks, and other disease-carrying substances that were on their skin. It’s a defense mechanism that keeps us healthy. Now, let’s look at itching from a more scientific perspective.

When any kind of foreign irritant – chemical, thermal or mechanical – interferes with your skin, a complicated bodily response occurs. An electrical signal is sent to your spinal cord and brain via pruriceptors within c-fiber nerve cells. These specialized nerve cells account for about 5% of the nerve cells in your skin and specialize in only itchy feelings.  

The brain then enacts the scratch response, sometimes subconsciously, to relieve that itch. Although – as you already may know – scratching just relieves itchiness temporarily.

This is because the pain receptors in your skin – now activated by your fingernails – drown out the itchy signal. Thus, briefly relieving the pain. The brain releases serotonin to reduce the pain, which is why itching can sometimes feel so darn good.

But when those pain signals quiet down, and your serotonin levels normalize, the itch-detecting pruriceptors in your skin now send an even louder signal. This is because not only is your skin irritated, but you’ve also caused extensive damage to your skin cells from continued scratching. The vicious cycle continues, and mentally, you become so preoccupied with your itch that you can’t seem to focus on anything else!

Overall, the human itching mechanism is essential, annoying, and deeply-ingrained in our body’s chemistry.

See more: Is Merino Wool Good For Eczema?

So, Why Is Traditional Wool Itchy?

Wool is composed of keratin, the same protein that makes up human hair. Thus, since people cannot be allergic to their own hair – as far as we know – that eliminates the chemical mechanism for wool being itchy. Also, since wool is extremely thermoregulating, that eliminates the thermal itching response.

Therefore, wool is actually itchy due to the mechanical rubbing of the fabric on your skin, which comes down to two specific factors: fiber thickness and fiber structure.

Fiber Thickness

Traditional wool has a fiber thickness of about 35-40 microns, roughly half the thickness of our hair. That may sound super thin to some, but in the sensitive climate of your skin, it can feel ultra-scratchy. Have you ever gotten your haircut and a few stragglers get stuck on your neck? It’s super itchy!

Wool itself possesses about half that itch factor due to the fiber thickness. Again, it may not seem like much, but it’s enough to be bothersome.

Fiber Structure

Coarser wool fabrics tend to have less crimp than more delicate wool fibers. The larger the crimp, the softer the material feels to the touch. It also plays a significant role in the flexibility and drape of the garment.

As you can imagine, traditional wool fibers with less crimp than Merino don’t always move with you, thus creating ‘hot points’ for rubbing and chafing. This irritation may cause itching and discomfort, as well.

If Wool Is Itchy, Why Isn’t Merino?

It’s simple… sort of. Merino wool has a fiber thickness of typically 17-21 microns, nearly half that of traditional wool. Thus, the thinner fibers feel more soft and luxurious on your skin, reducing irritation.

On top of that, thinner fibers provide more elasticity and coiling, moving more with your body instead of against it. This makes it more difficult for loose threads to pop out and unwanted chafing to occur.

Basically, Merino possesses all the benefits of traditional wool without the associated itchiness. 

Why Does My Merino Wool Clothing Still Feel Itchy?

Suppose you recently purchased new Merino wool clothing, and after wearing it, your skin still feels irritated. In that case, there may be a few factors at play. 

You Have Low-Quality Merino Wool

As Merino is a much sought-after fabric, many companies online will use this as a marketing term when their clothing is not actually Merino. It’s crucial to perform the proper research before purchasing any Merino clothing, especially online. Be sure to read other user reviews and do your due diligence into the company actually selling the apparel. Many times, if the price point seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Suppose you have questions or concerns about a specific Merino wool apparel company. In that case, you can head over to our company profiles page. Always check the manufacturer’s warranty and return policy to see if you can exchange low-quality fabric. If your desired company is not on that page, send us an e-mail. We’ll dig into their advertising claims to prove their authenticity. We’re always happy to help!

Your Clothing Has Poor Seam Construction

Aside from the Merino wool fabric itself, the seam construction and overall fit can play a role in apparel itchiness. The seams and threads may rub and cause chafing, and the overall fit may be too tight (or too loose) for your body, thus creating a non-uniform drape.

The best way to combat these non-fabric itchiness issues is to do your research before purchasing Merino wool clothing. Look for keywords in the product description like “flatlock seams” and “anti-chafing” to gauge your potential purchase’s comfort. Also, always consult the sizing charts as there is no universal sizing guide with apparel manufacturers. For more information on fit, we’ve put together several profiles on your favorite Merino wool companies so you can better gauge your online purchases.

You Are Experiencing Pilling Issues

Pilling occurs when loose threads in the fabric congregate together, forming little balls of fuzz on your clothing. These not online make your clothing look overly-used but can sometimes be irritating to your skin. 

The critical issue to remember here is that pilling is often natural with wool. When these shorter fibers are removed from the fabric, it increases the strength of your clothing. Basically, the weak spots are being removed. To deal with pilling issues, sometimes wash your Merino wool with rough fabrics like denim, which will safely pull the loose threads away from the clothing structure. For more care techniques and laundry techniques, visit our Merino wool care guide.

You May Have An Underlying Medical Condition

Merino wool is not a cure-all for itchy skin. Sure, it may soothe eczema symptoms and reduce irritation compared to other fabrics, but it has no medicinal effects. Sometimes, the issue of itchy skin runs much deeper than merely changing your clothing fabric.

Suppose you wear high-quality Merino and still feel the need to scratch all day. In that case, it may be time to visit a medical professional to solve your itching problems.

Final Note About Merino Wool Itchiness

Merino wool is a soft and luxurious fabric that should not cause you any itching or irritation. The ultrafine fibers provide a comfortable hand feel. Their structure offers plenty of elasticity to move with your body, thus minimizing rubbing and chafing. If you are experiencing excessive itching, make sure to check for pilling, contact the manufacturer, or perhaps even consult with a doctor about an underlying skin condition. 

For more Merino FAQs like “Is Merino Wool Itchy” and reviews on all your favorite wool performance gear, make sure to continue reading. You can even follow us on Instagram (@merinowoolgear) for the latest and greatest deals from across the Merino apparel industry.

At Merino Wool Gear, we always strive to remain objective with our reviews. We simply aim to provide you, the end-user, with the necessary information to make an informed decision. We hope to see you again soon!

The post Is Merino Wool Itchy? It shouldn’t be appeared first on Merino Wool Gear.

At Merino Wool Gear, we like to take an objective approach from farm to fashion. We must dive into every aspect of Merino wool’s sustainability so that you can make up your mind for yourself as an informed consumer. We’ll outline Merino’s positive and negative environmental impacts and investigate what the industry is doing (and can do) to better protect the environment. Heck, we’ll even touch on what you can do as a Merino lover to be more sustainable. 

Positive Environmental Impacts

Renewability

Any animal byproduct is renewable as long as the animal is sustainable within their environment. Merino sheep live off the land, eating grasses and drinking water within their habitat. When it comes time to be shorn (typically once a year), woolgrowers herd their sheep into a shearing shed. They then shave their fleece and release them back into their natural environment. The wool coat grows back throughout the year to protect the sheep from the weather; the farmer shears the sheep again. Ewes have babies, and the whole renewable (and ethical) woolgrowing process continues. It’s the circle of life!

Image from Merino Wool Gear Instagram

Merino sheep average 20 lbs of raw fleece – or greasy wool – per year (5 to 40 lbs depending on the bloodline). About half that weight is lost in sorting, cleaning, scouring, processing, and manufacturing. Considering a 12-year lifespan, one merino sheep can produce enough wool for over 100 garments over their lifetime (assuming ~1-lb per garment). It would take about 126 gallons of oil (3 barrels) to produce the same clothing amount. That same amount of oil could be used to fuel a midsize car for 840 miles!

Biodegradability

Unlike synthetic materials that take up precious space in landfills, Merino wool biodegrades back into the soil. Studies have shown that the wool will naturally degrade in about four months under normal conditions and even faster in warm and moist environments. As it is made up of keratin – the same protein found in human hair – microorganisms like bacteria and fungi feast on this protein down to its building blocks. Thus, emitting essential plant nutrients like nitrogen, magnesium, and sulfur back into the soil.

Many cultures have been using wool as garden fertilizer for centuries. A recent study has shown that shredded wool carpets sprinkled in the garden can increase crop yield by 400%. 

But, that’s not where the positive benefits of wool’s biodegradability stop. As wool has excellent water retention properties, it reduces erosion by promoting more plant growth and better biodiversity when embedded in the soil. In fact, Merino degrades in marine environments, too! Therefore, it doesn’t contribute to our oceans’ ever-increasing pollution problem.

Carbon Cycle Assistance

As you probably already know, the more free carbon in the atmosphere, the worse the global warming effects. The only way to reduce the carbon level is through sequestration, primarily by plants. The plants remove the carbon; then the sheep eat the plants.

While this may seem like a normal process, wool in general has a much higher carbon makeup as compared to other fabrics. Approximately half of Merino wool comprises organic carbon, which is even higher than plant-based fabrics like cotton (40%). The global wool clip equates to nearly 2-million tons of trapped carbon, according to Tactical Distributors.

Less Washing It…

According to The Spruce, the average American Family does 8 – 10 loads of laundry per week at an average of 30 gallons per load. If you extrapolate that out annually, it’s nearly 15,000 gallons of water used per week, which is more water than a 24-ft above-ground pool!

Clean water is now a commodity. The excessive energy costs of laundry machines coupled with the millions of microplastics leaching into the waterways aren’t good for our oceans. It’s safe to say that washing your clothes less is much better for the environment.

One excellent quality about Merino wool is that it is naturally odor-resistant. The fibers themselves are hydrophilic, meaning it attracts waters and repels oils like the ones emitted from sweat-producing bacteria. In fact, we’ve done a smell test and worn the Ridge Merino Solstice Hoodie for 30-days straight (without deodorant), and it smelled just fine at month’s end. Also, by washing your clothes less, you’ll get a longer lifespan out of them, which we will get into next.

…More Wearing It

Did you know that the fashion industry makes up about 10% of global emissions? On top of that, nearly 85% of all fabric manufactured ends up in landfills. That’s insane! Therefore, the most significant sustainability factor of clothing is:

The longer you wear it, the better for the environment.

Think about it: the longer you wear your clothing, the less clothing you buy, and the less pollution from the entire farm-to-fashion process. In fact, a seven-year scientific study published in The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment has proven this point. Wool garments thrown out after only 15 wears were responsible for nearly six times the amount of pollution than garments with just over 100-lifetime wears. On top of that, if the garment lifetime were to increase to 400-lifetime wears, it would reduce total emissions by 49 – 68%.

With Merino wool, you’ll be washing your garments less and getting more wears out of them with proper care. Thus, you’ll actually be reducing greenhouse gas emissions by merely wearing your clothes longer.

Negative Environmental Impacts

Livestock Emissions

Although we mentioned before that wool helps to sequester carbon from our atmosphere, Merino sheep also produce lots of methane, contributing to global warming. A study found that sheep release, on average, 4.9 kg of methane per year. In addition, it’s been shown that methane is 84-times more potent of a greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide.

There are 70-million sheep in Australia alone. These sheep combine for the equivalent of 28.8-million tonnes of CO₂ (343,000metric tonnes of methane) released per year. According to the EPA, that’s the same greenhouse emissions per year as one-million homes’ energy consumption.

In New Zealand, it has been estimated that 90% of the nation’s greenhouse gas emissions come from sheep. In 2003, the government even proposed putting a hefty tax on sheep farmers. The Fart Tax – as it will forever be known – did not sit well with local farmers and thus withdrew from legislature.

Overgrazing

As Merino wool has grown in popularity, so has the total amount of sheep needed to keep up with demand. The more sheep grazing, the more land that is necessary. The traditional assumption is that farmers can sustain approximately five sheep per acre. If you consider the total usable pasture land in Australia, about 250-million sheep could be supported. As the total amount today is around 70-million, it seems that overgrazing isn’t an issue, right?

Well, not quite. Overgrazing does not merely mean the sheep are eating too many plants. It means they are overeating individual plants in certain areas leading to a lack of biodiversity. The natural variety of plants within a habitat provides a range of nutrients for the soil, keeping it viable for agriculture. When livestock like Merino spend too long in a particular area, they tend to increase the soil salinity and reduce biodiversity, causing soil erosion. 

According to PETA, nearly 20% of the world’s pasture lands have been overgrazed and turned into badlands. In fact, Argentina’s Patagonia region used to be the second leading wool producer in the world. But as farmers tried to meet global wool demand with higher flock counts, the land was soon overgrazed.

It has been estimated that 93% of pastureland had been desertified. Today, Argentina is only the fifth-leading wool-producing country, with only 3% of the global market share.

While it may seem like Australia has its act together to reduce overgrazing, some damage has already been done. Although there is hope if farmers implement regenerative agriculture practices, we’ll get more into that in a bit.

Processing & Dyes

You may think that once the Merino wool garment-making process is simple: shear, spin, weave, and sew. That may be true if you are harvesting wool for yourself. However, the Merino wool industry uses more energy and resource-intensive processes.

After the wool gets carded and sorted, it needs to be scoured or washed to remove the grease, pesticides, and other organic matter (we are talking about poop) from the fleece. This process has been estimated to use approximately five cubic liters of water per kilogram of wool with additional potent cleaning agents. These chemicals and nasty organic materials may become suspended in the wastewater. If not treated properly, they could be reintroduced to the water supply.

Also, the process of dyeing the wool can lead to unwanted byproducts. Many industrial dyes in the wool industry include heavy metals like chrome. Again, when mishandled, they may leak into the water supply.

Most of today’s Merino is colored using natural dyes or even less harmful acidic substances. However, it’s still important to note that these options are typically more expensive, so smaller companies may opt for the less environmentally-friendly options to save money.

The Supply Chain

You may think you understand the farm-to-fashion process. However, there are so many steps within the supply chain that can lead to unwanted byproducts. There’s all the sorting of extra wool fleece. There’s the fabric that gets cutaway. Don’t forget about all the other leftover byproducts of production either.

In addition to much of the waste, Merino wool is a global fabric. For example, an Australian Merino’s fleece may be shipped to China to be scoured, Vietnam to be spun, Cambodia for garment-making, and finally across the Pacific to your doorstep. The fuel used in transporting the Merino is costly and not always conducive to its sustainable values.

What Are Merino Wool Companies Doing About Sustainability?

Sustainability is such a buzzword in today’s environmentally-friendly society. It seems that companies use terms like sustainable, green, eco-friendly, and others as a marketing ploy rather than the truth. But, there are a few companies and organizations out that genuinely commit to Merino wool sustainability. Let’s take a look at what brands are doing to ensure that Merino wool remains a sustainable, renewable resource.

Regenerative Farming

As we previously mentioned, livestock emissions and overgrazing can decimate an ecosystem. Sheep farmers can combat desertification by using regenerative agriculture. Here are just a few regenerative farming practices that woolgrowers are using:

• Planting native trees in pasturelands
• Rotational grazing (confining herds to specific areas and letting the local flora regrow before grazing again)
• Sequestering carbon via composting of sheep manure
• Improving biodiversity and soil health through pasture cropping
• Removing pollutants from waterways
• Using leaky weirs (natural barriers to sustain water levels)

In Australia, organizations like Greening Australia have been helping farmers implement these regenerative farming practices. Many Merino companies ensure that their suppliers are doing their best to preserve the land.

Improved Transparency

If you are a fan of eco-fashion, you probably want to know everything about the clothing manufacturing process. Unfortunately, many apparel companies hide some of their tactics as they aren’t always the most sustainable practices. But, there are a select few that put supply chain transparency to the forefront of their business. They understand that their consumers want the entire story behind their garments, not just the garment itself. It’s sort of like how we crave superhero origin stories, but instead of a radioactive spider, it’s a Merino sheep.

Companies like Icebreaker and Smartwool have publicly available transparency reports detailing every step of their process. When we mean detailing, we mean thirty solid pages of ripe consumer knowledge. Other companies are even tagging their fabric with NFC chips so customers can see exactly where in the world their clothing has been.

As companies offer a better understanding from farm to fashion, it empowers us to make better buying decisions. It instills trust and accountability for clothing brands. They must make better environmental decisions to appease their buyers. Because in the end, the Merino wool sustainability – or any product for that matter – ultimately comes down to us as consumers.

Industry Standards, Certifications, and Organizations

Implementing eco-friendly farming practices and streamlining the supply chain isn’t always enough. So, several wool industry standards and organizations have been put in place. These certifications ensure sustainable harvesting and manufacturing. Let’s take a closer look.

ZQ Merino

As one of the newer and more comprehensive certifications, New Zealand-based ZQ Merino focuses on the quality, sustainability, and ethics of Merino wool from farm to fashion. They have five core principles they abide by in each step of the wool process.

1. Animal Welfare
2. Environmental Sustainability
3. Quality Fiber
4. Traceable to Source
5. Social Responsibility

To ensure that woolgrowers and clothing manufactures abide by their strict guidelines, ZQ performs random third-party audits on all of its members. Some of the more popular brands with a ZQ certification include Icebreaker, Smartwool, Allbirds, Glerups, Arc’Teryx, Mons Royale, Helly Hansen, and Fjallraven.

To learn more about the ZQ Merino certification, head over to their website or follow them on Instagram.

The Responsible Wool Standard (RWS)

The RWS is another all-encompassing wool certification that ensures all facilities and aspects of Merino production are held to the highest standards. They mention on their website that “RWS wool is maintained at all times: from the farm to the final product.” This includes everything from the farms, top makers, spinners, fabric mills, garment makers, and even the retailers themselves.

Learn more about the Responsible Wool Standard and the companies that are certified by them on their website.

Woolmark Certification

While not directly focused on sustainability, the Woolmark certification ensures that retailers use high-quality Merino wool. They run a series of five tests, mimicking real-world settings, to guarantee fabric performance and longevity.

1. Wool Content: Merino fibers are microscopically assessed for authenticity.
2.  Color Retention: Merino clothing is exposed to heavy light for up to 10 hours to ensure coloring does not fade.
3. Stress Analysis: Merino is stretched, pulled, twisted, and rolled to measure strength and durability.
4. Laundry Testing: Wool clothing is put through a rigorous laundry cycle to test for shrinkage and shape loss.
5. Liquid Immersion: Merino is submerged in various liquids that it may encounter in the real world, and fabric responses are observed.

Woolmark ensures that your Merino wool clothing is of the highest standard by conducting these scrupulous tests and will last you a long time. Thus, Woolmark does improve sustainability by assuring that your apparel will last longer.

Incorporation of Recycled Materials

Another way companies are helping our environment is through the utilization of recycled materials within Merino wool garments. As Merino is not as strong as synthetic, many clothing manufacturers use core-spun nylon or polyester to improve Merino durability. Many of these synthetics come from recycling and reclamation programs, allowing companies to utilize the already circulated resources rather than relying on new oil-based fabric.

In addition to synthetic recycling, several clothing manufacturers are using recycled wool products as well. For example, Smartwool has opened wool recycling facilities. They take all the scraps from their initial Merino production and reuse them in Smartloft insulation or deconstruct the fibers and use them in standalone garments. These pieces of recycled clothing perform the same as other pieces of Merino clothing.

If companies were to incorporate more recycled material into their clothing – in the grand scheme of sustainability – it would be less of a drain on our precious resources. For Merino, in particular, it would mean less reliance on fresh wool, leading to stabilized flock numbers. Methane emissions would slowly diminish, pasturelands would regenerate, and the ecosystem would stabilize. It’s almost a must that manufacturers use recycled materials to minimize Merino’s negative environmental impacts.

Giving Back To Charity

Last but not least, many Merino companies are pledging their support by donating to environmentally-friendly organizations. Ridge Merino and Bluey Merino even partake in a program called 1% for the Planet, which commits one percent of their profits to green non-profit organizations. Other companies are more focused on giving back to local community programs that focus on environmental education.

Obviously, money alone will not turn around our global crisis. But, it’s still a step in the right direction.

What Can You Do As The End User?

Ultimately, the sustainability of Merino wool comes down to you, the end-user. We know it’s a bit of a cop-out as corporations are doing most of the damage to our environment. But, your preferences and buying habits are what drive these businesses to sometimes cut corners. Therefore, it’s crucial to change your clothing consumption habits to make a difference. We can honestly make Merino the most environmentally-friendly fabric on the planet. Here a few tips to keep in mind:

Buy Less, Wash Less, Wear More

As we previously mentioned, the best way we can help the environment is by consuming less, doing less laundry, and increasing our clothing’s lifespan. We’ve had Merino clothing that has lasted us over a decade. It’s still holding firm.

Note: When you throw your Merino in the laundry, it’s essential to wash and dry it properly since the process is slightly different than other fabrics. We’ve put together a complete Merino wool care guide to ensure that you are getting the most out of your clothing. If you don’t have the time to read the entire piece, just follow the tag or label’s care instructions.

Know What You Are Buying, And From Whom

In today’s consumer world, knowledge is power. Don’t let supposed eco-friendly marketing gimmicks fool you. Do some research! The more you understand about each company and product, the more you can help the environment.

At Merino Wool Gear, we put together profiles on your favorite Merino wool companies. We have dedicated a specific section for each brand’s sustainability efforts. If you have a question about a particular brand or product not listed, feel free to reach out to us, and we’ll gather the pertinent information for you!

Don’t Throw Away Old Merino Clothing

If your Merino wool clothing does come to the end of its life, or you simply don’t want to wear it anymore, don’t throw it away; donate it! There are plenty of people (including us) that would love to pick up a Merino garment at the thrift store. If your clothing is not fit for resale for some reason, consider repurposing it into a cleaning rag, hand towel, or anything else. The more use we get out of any fabric, the healthier it is for the planet.

Companies like Minus33 have even put together Merino wool recycling programs that donate used clothing to search and rescue programs. Your old apparel will for sure be put to good use!

Support Or Donate What You Can

If you’ve got a bit of extra cash after you’ve purchased your Merino wool gear, consider putting that money to fair use by donating it. Not only will you feel good about yourself, but your money will help to save our planet, so you continue adventuring in a while rocking Merino.

Suppose you don’t have the extra cash, no problem! You can always help by donating your time to local charities that have an environmental focus. Check out the local charities near you and sign-up to help. They are always looking for volunteers!

Follow us on Instagram for more information about Merino wool sustainability, ethics, apparel, and everything in between! Or, sign-up for our newsletters containing deals, discounts, and more!

The post The Ultimate Merino Wool Sustainability Guide appeared first on Merino Wool Gear.

Disclaimer: To maintain genuineness and authenticity, Merino Wool Gear DOES NOT sponsor products. Yet as an Amazon Associate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.

Durability Issues

Even though Merino is a fantastic temperature-managing fabric, it tends to be delicate. Much of the ultralight apparel (140 – 180 GSM) is especially weak since it is thin. And, with excessive use and over-washing, holes can sometimes form. Other deformities and fabric failures include excessive pilling, manufacturer defects, and poor construction.

How Do I Avoid Merino Durability Issues?

The first step to avoid any potential durability problems is to understand who you are purchasing your Merino wool from. Several reputable Merino companies offer full refunds on defective items, so you should become familiar with any warranty information before purchasing. 

If you’re purchasing a 100% Merino wool product, you are more likely to face issues than buy a blend. Much of the high-performance Merino fabric on the market today is blended or corespun with synthetic fibers like nylon, which improves overall durability. For example, these Icebreaker Anatomica boxers are 83% Merino wool, 12% Nylon, and 5% Elastane.

Finally, the last step is to properly care for your garments; the more you wash it, the higher the hole formation potential. As Merino wool is odor-resistant, you don’t have to wash it as much, so taking better care of your clothing is essential.

It’s Super Expensive

Although Merino wool is an excellent base layer to keep your arms and legs warm, it may also cost you an arm and a leg to purchase it. The average price for a t-shirt is well over $50, and in the words of the rapper Macklemore: “Fifty dollars for a T-shirt, that’s just some ignorant b*tch sh*t.”

$120

Outlier Ultrafine Merino Cut One T-Shirt

Now, these prices seem a bit excessive, but… why exactly is Merino wool so expensive?

Wool Growing Takes Time

It’s not like Merino wool is popping out of the ground like cotton or formulated in a lab like synthetics. It takes time for sheep to grow their coat like it takes time for you to grow your hair. Therefore, the raw material itself is more scarce, which drives the price up.

Taking Care Of Sheep Costs Money

On top of the time it takes for a sheep to grow their coat, it also takes a lot of money to take care of them. They have to have proper nutrition, adequate shelter, water access, and tons of other costs. Remember, sheep are living animals that should be treated ethically, but we’ll get more into that later.

You Need Lots of Merino For A Single Shirt

As Merino fibers are superfine, you need more raw material to create a garment than traditional wool. Manufacturers who don’t have exclusive woolgrowers have to purchase Merino at auction, so depending on the fiber and global availability, the price could go way up.

Tons of Labor Is Involved

From shepherds to shearers, there is a lot of labor costs involved with harvesting Merino wool. Let’s not forget the scouring, dyeing, spinning, designing, sewing, transportation, and tons of other processes that make Merino more expensive.

How Do I Avoid Overspending On Merino Wool?

While much of this Merino wool may seem overpriced, we believe the benefits it provides are much worth the cost. Still, suppose you are a frugal shopper. In that case, there are plenty of companies that offer high-quality Merino at an affordable price. In fact, here are two Merino t-shirts that all retail for under $55 (as of December 2020).

Ridge Merino Journey Tee

Meriwool 190 Merino T-Shirt

If you want to purchase from some of the higher brand companies, make sure to sign-up for their email list or follow them on Instagram. They often put out exclusive discount codes, sometimes up to 50% off (mostly on Black Friday).

Not Always As Soft as Advertised

The first time we ever tried Merino wool, it felt like our skin is wrapped in a cloud. The fibers are super fine, thus providing a lovely next-to-skin fabric. But, this is not always the case for everyone.

Some users have reported that Merino clothing doesn’t compare to cotton in the softness department. Obviously, it’s no cashmere, but we honestly wouldn’t even put it in the same weight class as cotton. Still, the people have spoken.

Note: We have never experienced any of our Merino wool products being itchy, but for some reason, this is a constant knock on Merino. People with ultra-sensitive skin should not be worried about itchiness but rather inform themselves on the Merino wool quality from the company they are purchasing from.

How Do I Avoid Merino Comfort Issues?

Before making any Merino purchase, check the fiber thickness of the Merino. Anything 18.5-microns or below should feel plenty soft on your skin. If the manufacturer does not advertise their micron thickness, it may be a bit of a red flag.

Also, just like with a lot of these disadvantages, the softness decreases the more you wash it. It’s essential to follow the proper care instructions provided by the manufacturer. Remember, Merino wool is not like other clothing; you can always skip a few laundry cycles.

Note: If you don’t want to treat Merino wool like other fabrics. Harsh chemicals are not the best for overall longevity. So, use basic detergents and no fabric softener when washing.

Merino Wool Absorbs Water But Doesn’t Always Release It

The breathability of Merino wool is exceptional. It can absorb nearly 30% of its weight in water due to the structure of the fibers. This helps with sweat-wicking and temperature regulation, but the issue is getting that water out of the fabric.

Merino wool is not the quick-dry material that many companies claim it to be. In fact, the gear testers over at BestHiking.net did an experiment to determine how fast Merino wool garments dry as compared to polyester. Here are the results:

As you can see, the Under Armour polyester t-shirt and the Icebreaker Tech T-Lite Merino/Nylon blend dried the fastest. The Woolly Ultralight Crew Neck and Klattermusen Eir shirts took about fifteen minutes longer to dry out.

How To Solve Merino Wool Drying Issues?

The data from the experiment may appear conclusive at first. Still, it only holds true if you are air-drying your Merino garments. Personally, we like to towel dry our garments so they maintain their shape. Even so, does an extra fifteen minutes of drying time outweigh all the other benefits of Merino? We don’t think so.

It’s A Bit Plain

If you’re looking to rock the next fashion style with Merino wool clothing, you may be deeply disappointed. Most of the options out there are plain fabrics, typically earth tones, and lack graphics or designs. It’s a lot more functional and a lot less fashionable (depending on who you ask).

Typically, designers have difficulty crafting “wild” attire with Merino due to its other properties. Basically, it’s a lot less versatile and moldable than other fabrics on the market.

How To Get Stylish Merino Wool Clothing? 

Luckily, many large companies like Smartwool and Icebreaker have been using new technology to bring a pop of color into the Merino world. Smartwool offers several different color and pattern options for their performance lines, including the Colorblock legging collection that we love. Icebreaker even has a city label that is filled with fashionable and elegant streetwear crafted from Merino wool. Check out these great designs from both companies below!

Smartwool Merino 250 Bottoms

Icebreaker Helix Zip

Misunderstood Ethics & Sustainability

While most of the current practices throughout the Merino wool harvesting and manufacturing process are ethical, there are some highly-debated issues. We don’t view these as disadvantages as much, but topics to understand if you will purchase this type of apparel.

There are the practices of mulesing, genetic modification of sheep, worker’s rights, and more. If you want to learn more about Merino wool ethics, you can read our complete analysis here.

Final Note About Merino Wool Disadvantages

Now, you understand both the advantages and disadvantages of Merino wool. As an informed buyer, you can make a decision based on your beliefs. In our opinion, the positives vastly outweigh the negatives. But hey, we run an entire site dedicated to this stuff.

Follow us on Instagram @merinowoolgear or keep reading for more deals, reviews, and information on our favorite clothing fabric: Merino wool.

The post The Disadvantages Of Merino Wool appeared first on Merino Wool Gear.

In fact, it’s one of the main reasons we started this site!

As people are so quick to claim Merino clothing’s performance qualities, they often turn a blind eye to the issues behind the scenes. We wanted to take a different approach by looking into how clothing companies manufacture their apparel and treat the Merino sheep.

So, for now, let’s forget about the comforts of our favorite clothing and ask a simple question: Is Merino wool ethical?

We’ve done a deep dive into the world of fashion, farming, and everything in between — all to bring you the ethics behind wool harvesting. As you are the end-consumer, it’s your choices that will ultimately make an ethical difference.

Certifications and Organizations to Know:

• ZQ Merino: A wool certification focusing on all aspects of production, including sustainability, ethics, and traceability.
• Responsible Wool Standard (RWS): Industry tool used for best farming practices.
• CSIRO: The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization of Australia.
• AWI: The Australian Wool Innovation hub by woolgrowers and industry professionals.

Merino Wool Ethics: The Shearing Process

Shearing a sheep hurts no more than getting a haircut.

Just like us, Merinos have skinfolds throughout their body. And if the shearer doesn’t heed caution or stretch them out, they could knick or cut the sheep badly.

Luckily, there are standard practices that most shearers follow.

Although the shearing process itself may not be harmful, there have been records of farmers and shepherds mistreating their sheep during the gathering process. It’s a rare occurrence, but an occurrence nonetheless.

What is being done about it…

As our society shifts to more ethical practices, the wool industry and many companies have gathered together to form the ZQ standard for ethical wool production.

While this standard covers a wide range of sustainable and ethical practices, when it comes to the treatment of sheep, they ensure five fundamental freedoms:

1. Given the ability to eat and drink as they please (Free from Thirst)
2. Able to roam in open pastures with plenty of acreages (Free to Live Naturally)
3. Provided with proper shelter in extreme environments (Free from Discomfort)
4. No instances of unnecessary stress (Free from Distress)
5. Consistent flock monitoring for health issues (Free from Disease)

Our Stance

Merino sheep must live a happy, care-free life — end of story.

The ZQ standard does a great job of ensuring that Merino wool is sourced from farmers who adhere to ethical practices.

While the program is relatively new, you can check out our full write-up on ZQ Merino here.

Merino Wool Ethics: Mulesing

As you can imagine, Merino sheep can be pretty dirty, especially around their behind. They have a large fleece that sometimes feces, urine, and other contaminants stick to, leaving them prone to infection.

One of the top parasites that affect these sheep is known as flystrike. Not only does flystrike affect the quality of wool, but it can be lethal to the sheep.

To combat flystrike, many farmers have accepted the ethically-ambiguous practice of mulesing. They surgically cut off wool-bearing skin around the sheep’s buttocks. After that, scar tissue forms, and wool no longer grows in that spot. In turn, reducing the chance of fecal matter adhering to the sheep’s fleece.

Thus, reducing the likelihood of flystrike.

Although, as you can imagine, physically cutting the skin off sheep can be extremely painful for the animal. While this reduces the chances of flystrike, it causes much pain to the sheep.

The Australian Wool Industry (AWI) was set to phase out mulesing in 2010. Although, they quickly changed their stance after facing backlash from many sheep farmers. Even though they recently announced another industry push to reduce mulesing, their perspective is that farmers’ right to control their own flock’s health and hygiene.

Other Countries – like New Zealand – have implemented strict laws in favor of animal welfare, which ban mulesing altogether.

Animal rights organizations have deemed the process inhumane, and many companies have come out against mulesing. Subsequently, PETA ran an ad campaign in 2004 pressuring companies like Abercrombie & Fitch and others to vow only to use mulesing-free wool.

What is being done about it…

Several companies have come out publicly in their stance against mulesing and even source exclusively 100% mulesing-free Merino wool. That is to say, the law of supply and demand holds.

The hopes are that if more corporations take an ethical stand against animal abuse, the need for ethically sourced Merino wool will increase. Hopefully, we can phase out the mulesing process altogether.

On top of that, there have been scientific developments to reduce harm to the sheep but still reap mulesing’s benefits. These practices include insecticides, biological engineering, topical protein treatments, and a particular liquid nitrogen therapy known as ‘steining.’

Headway is being made in genetic testing and breeding to create flystrike-resistant Merino strains. The breeding in itself has its own ethical considerations, but we will get to shortly.

Our Stance

Overall, we stand with the many companies and animal rights organizations that believe this practice is unethical.

It’s crucial for you as a consumer to understand your favorite Merino wool companies’ sourcing methods, as ultimately, you hold power whether mulesing continues or not.

If you take a stand and purchase mulesing-free Merino, more companies will follow suit to ban the sourcing of their wool from farmers who use this practice.

Merino Wool Ethics: Live Transportation of Sheep

Not only does Australia export about a quarter world’s wool, but they also ship living Merino sheep around the globe. The live transportation of sheep can cause unnecessary stress on the animal.

On top of that, sheep in different parts of the world have other characteristics that allow them to thrive in specific environments.

For example, Merino sheep in colder climates tend to have a thicker fleece to protect against harsh weather conditions. If transported to a warmer climate, these sheep may have issues when it comes to temperature regulation.

The other side to the ethics behind live transportation is the possible environmental benefits. Suppose the source of Merino wool is closer to the processing plant and garment factories. In that case, there will be less need for transportation.

Thus, producing fewer emissions.

What is being done about it…

The ZQ standard has outlawed the transportation of live sheep. In addition, some countries have prohibited importing invasive sheep species and closely monitor flock size to prevent overgrazing.

We are also starting to see more companies — like Duckworth— who source their sheep locally instead of flying raw Merino wool across the globe.

Our Stance

It’s clear that there are both positive and negative effects of the transportation of livestock across country lines. Therefore, we believe that each situation needs to be looked at independently of each other.

The ZQ standard helps out with this, but you, as the consumer, should understand each company’s sourcing practices to better gauge your decisions.

Merino Wool Ethics: Genetic Modification

Before we get into the details of genetic modification, we need to look at the idea of selective breeding. The Merino sheep are only one breed, but different sheep strains have been created over the years due to selective breeding.

Breeders will take ewes and rams of desirable qualities and mate them in hopes that these qualities get passed down to their offspring. Furthermore, this process has been used for centuries with plants and animals alike.

For example, if you want to grow more giant tomatoes, plant the biggest tomatoes’ seeds from the previous crop yield.

The goal of genetic modification is akin to those of selective breeding, but the process is faster. Instead of waiting years, or even decades, to identify sheep with desirable traits, scientists can identify specific genes within different Merinos strains using genome technology. They can isolate the good genes and create a new bloodline with those desirable results like wool fineness, fleece yield, and even disease resistance.

The main issue is that genetically-modified Merino may experience adverse side effects in the future. This is because gene replication is not always successful and could lead to other biological problems for the sheep. There have been whole herds of sheep that have perished in the past due to a specific genetic mutation.

To take a deeper dive into ethics, you should understand more about the science behind breeding. So, here are some of the typical studies on Merino sheep’s genetic modifications.

Lambing Rate

Scientists are using genetic testing to improve the lambing rate (birthing rate). The more lambs per ewe; the more wool is available. Thus, breeders created the Booroola Merino in the mid-20th century for this specific trait. The American Society of Animal Science also published a complete genetic analysis on the production rate in Merinos as it had to do with this type of selective breeding.

Fleece Production

Not only does fleece weight improve a sheep’s profitability, but so does their wool’s fineness. A 2008 study in the Journal of Animal Production Science looks into the possibility of genetic selection for fleece production.

Environmental Adaptation

As they are raised all over the world, Merino sheep need to survive in different climates. While they are already incredibly adaptive animals, genetic modification allows them to thrive in specific environments. The Journal of Genetics Selection Evolution looked into Merino sheep’s overall genome and how they have adapted to varying global environments.

Disease Resistance

As previously mentioned, Merino sheep are susceptible to diseases like flystrike, footrot, and other parasitic infections. John Karlsson, a veterinary researcher and expert, conducted a complete study about the breeding for Merino sheep resistance in Australia.

Dual-Purpose

Many Merino sheep are too small to be profitable for meat production. However, recent genetic testing has improved the dual-purpose (wool and meat) efficacy of individual Merino strains. A 2009 study in the Journal for Animal Genetic Resources Information looked into Merino’s various genetic modifications, including meat production.

What is being done about it…

There are a variety of scientific studies published about the diverse genetic makeup of the Merino breed. However, it’s an iffy subject as some experts believe that genetic modification enhances certain sheep’s survival.

In contrast, others believe that it’s over-accelerating the natural selective breeding process, which may leave certain strains more susceptible to disease and suffering.

If you are concerned about the genetic modification of Merinos, make sure to check with the specific company about their sourcing procedures or contact your country’s Merino sheep association.

Our Stance

Genetic modification and selective breeding of Merino sheep are inevitable:

• Disease will always be prevalent.
• Adaptation is needed to adjust to changing environments.
• Bloodline susceptibility is not going to change overnight.

The important part is for geneticists and farmers to achieve proper genetic modification animal welfare — not profits — at the forefront.

Merino Wool Ethics: Worker’s Rights

Even though much of the raw Merino wool is farmed in Australia, most garment manufacturers are located in Southeast Asian countries like China, Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. Over two-thirds of Australian Merino wool is exported to China for top-making and finishing.

Historically, these countries don’t have the best track record of providing their workers with suitable labor conditions.

You’ve probably heard the term sweatshop before, and some clothing manufacturers ignore workers’ rights, honoring their costs instead.

Some brands contract their garment-making to factories that ignore international worker safety standards, pay them unlivable wages, and expose them to dangerous conditions. This human neglect leads to lower production costs, thus increasing profits.

What is being done about it…

Another industry practice, the Responsible Wool Standard, focuses on animal welfare and the strict ethics behind the Merino wool production process. They emphasize traceability and transparency, all the way from the farm to your closet.

Some clothing companies like Icebreaker have taken it a step further, releasing detailed transparency reports of their supply chain, manufacturing process, and more.

Our Stance

We tend to favor companies that provide transparency throughout their manufacturing process. The consumer should understand how their garment gets made to gauge their buying considerations better. Moreover, the more people that can survive on a livable wage, the better our global society becomes.

In other words, it should always be people before profits, not the other way around.

Merino Wool Ethics: The Environment

Sheep are part of nature’s process: all they need is sun, water, and grass. Merino wool in itself is a renewable material and is also biodegradable (after 12 months).

However, there are some concerns as the fiber becomes more popular in the garment industry. There are the increased greenhouse gas emissions from processing mills, garment manufacturers, and the increased number of sheep themselves.

As we previously mentioned, overgrazing is problematic. These massive herds of sheep can sometimes disrupt their grazing area’s biodiversity. There are also high transportation costs, usage concerns, and many other factors associated with Merino wool’s sustainability.

What is being done about it…

The ZQ standard takes this issue very seriously. It requires growers to provide a Land Environmental Plan to sustain their pastures.

Also, many Merino wool companies cater to eco-minded consumers. They have been investing money to reduce overgrazing, lower transportation costs, reduce manufacturing byproducts, and more.

Our Stance

The ethical, environmental impact of Merino wool is much less than that of other garment industry fabrics. We believe that sustainability is essential to combat the effects of climate change. So, any company that focuses on sustainability efforts has a good standing in our book.

If you’d like to learn more about sustainability and environmental issues, you can read our complete Merino sustainability guide.

Final Merino Wool Ethical Considerations

In summary, the ethics behind Merino wool clothing come down to you as the consumer.

It would be best if you were encouraging companies to become more ethical by doing your research. You should study transparency reports and learn the various industry standards. Also, read up on ZQ Merino and understand what it means for your clothing to be ‘mulesing-free.’

For more Merino wool facts, information, and your favorite performance apparel, make sure to follow me on Instagram @merinowoolgear.

The post Merino Wool Ethics: The Complete Guide appeared first on Merino Wool Gear.

While Merino wool checks off all the boxes of being well, unique, it’s essential to understand the science behind it to appreciate its authenticity altogether. Let’s dive into the sheep pasture to discover the science behind the Merino wool benefits and why it’s such a popular clothing fabric.

Merino Wool Structure

Before we get into the specific science behind Merino’s magic, it’s vital to cut back the layers of a single Merino wool fiber to better understand.

According to Icebreaker’s site (which also has a fantastic guide to Merino wool), the fibers are interlocking proteins, similar to that of human hair. But, when you start to peel back the layers, you begin to see the power Merino wool holds.

A. Exterior Cuticle Cell: The durable exterior protects the interior from damage. The durable shell protects the interior from damage. These cells are water repellent but also absorb vapor from the atmosphere due to a special wax coating.

B. The Cortex: A system of relatively weak bonds that begins to fray with long-term use. Also, it is not very chemical resistant; thus, Merino garments should be cared for with mild laundry detergent.

C. Cortical Cells:  A complex inner cell structure playing a significant role in the flexibility, elasticity, resilience, and wrinkle recovery properties.

D. Orthocortical and Paracortical Cells: Responsible for Merino wool crimp due to varying expansions during moisture absorption. The more arranged these cells are, the more crimp available. Hence, more delicate fibers produce more crimp.

E. Macrofibrils:  Long fibers that house bundles of fine fibers, surrounded by a matrix section.

F. The Matrix: Consisting of proteins that absorb water molecules which can swell to one-third their size without “feeling” wet.  Aids to wick away sweat, absorb terrible smells, provide fire retardancy, and give Merino anti-static abilities.

G. Microfibrils: These  are the re-bar support in cement that offers strength, resilience, and flexibility. 

H. The Helical Coil: Within the microfibrils, there is a spiral, spring-like structure of protein that helps to prevent the fibers from stretching too much. These structures provide merino wool with its wrinkle-free, elastic, and durable properties.

These challenging scientific terms should not scare you – as they almost did for me.  They should merely exemplify the unique physical properties that Merino wool has to offer.

Comfort

Merino Wool Thickness Comparison – Image Credit: chillangel.com

Traditional wool fabrics are often itchy due to their coarse fibers rubbing against the skin. The irritation is mainly because several wool companies tend to use cheaper wool to lower their costs, but that’s not the only reason you’re screeching for days. Traditional wool fibers are about 40 microns thick. They sometimes have a shorter fiber length, which causes the garment to fray and feel rough on the skin.

However, Merino wool is a bit different. The thickness of a Merino fiber is around the range of 20 microns, making them more flexible when weaved into apparel. Also, the fibers tend to be longer and softer, which means it’s more difficult for a loose thread to pop out and annoy you.

The combination of fiber length, fiber diameter, and quality of material improves overall comfort. As we like to call it, Merino wool is the “Cashmere of the People.”

If you want to dive deeper into the science of Merino wool comfort, check our Merino FAQ: Is Merino Wool Itchy?

Temperature Regulation

You may think of wool as a cold-weather material, throwing on a sweater and drinking a cup of tea by the fire. Yet, Merino wool is much more than that. It has specific properties that allow for temperature regulation in warm summer months and chilly winter evenings.

Merino wool acts as a protective layer against the cold in the wintertime, shielding you from the icy elements. Crimps in the thread form tiny air pockets, which, if you’ve ever been in a heat transfer class, air pockets act as an excellent insulator. The fabric’s flexibility absorbs air from the atmosphere and water vapor (generated by heat) from your skin. Merino wool can swell up to 30% of its dry weight before actually appearing wet to the touch. The evaporating effect of sweat is not done on your skin’s surface but instead on the garment. So, there is less of a cooling effect in the winter.

But that’s not all! Merino wool (and wool in general) is a unique fabric. It generates heat as it absorbs water vapor, which is called heat of sorption. The process was discovered in 1858 by a French Scientist who noticed that dry wool, once placed in a humid room, became slightly warmer. It sounds crazy, but it’s one of the reasons Merino is one of the best winter insulators, even if it’s soaking wet!

But what about in the summer? Well, those same crimped fibers that create air pockets to keep you warm also act to keep you cool. When the Merino wool absorbs the person’s heat, the air pockets trap cooler air, thus protecting you from the elements. You’ll feel dry and comfortable even as you hike through the summer sun.

Moisture Management

Any outdoor enthusiast will understand that temperature regulation and moisture control go hand-in-hand. Typically, the dryer you are, the better, which is why Merino wool is a perfect moisture-wicking, breathable fabric.

First, it’s essential to understand what breathability means. In most situations, gases flow from higher to lower concentrations due to their random motion. They disperse. But when barriers are involved, like garments, gases like water vapor can become trapped in the fabric and begin to feel wet. Breathable fabrics assist the natural behavior of water vapor, aiding its transport away from your microclimate.

Merino wool, on the other hand, as mentioned before, can hold nearly one-third of its dry weight in water vapor before feeling wet to the touch. It facilitates water vapor movement generated by the body out into the atmosphere, thus cooling you down.

Other summer clothes made of cotton or synthetics trap your body’s moisture, become wet and sticky. That’s why fabrics like cotton or synthetics get wet instantly in the heat since they can only absorb 7% of their dry weight in vapor before appearing wet. And make your microclimate into an unwanted steam room.

At a certain point, though, your body is creating heat and water vapor faster than the Merino Wool can transport it away from your body. Luckily, the fabric has wicking properties. It uses capillary action to remove the moisture away from your body, where it can evaporate. It’s a soft porous sponge that regulates both the temperature and humidity of your microclimate (perfect of a cozy blanket).

Odor Resistance

If you are worried about being smelly, don’t sweat it (literally)! Travelers and outdoor adventurers understand the importance of wearing clothes that don’t stink after one use, which is why Merino wool is so popular.

First, we have to look at why we smell in the first place. Our bodies have specific scent glands called apocrine glands located in the armpit, groin, ear, and other body areas. They typically produce an odorless, oily, protein-rich secretion: just a little natural ooze, don’t worry. But, as bacteria on your skin thrive in these warm, humid environments, they munch on this secretion, breaking it down into foul-smelling acid. The odor comes from the acid. Also, that’s why when you sweat, your armpits release more stink than your hand, for example. It’s just a bunch of tiny microorganisms feasting on your natural ooze as you go about your day.  Is anyone else hungry now?

Anyways, even though raw wool is scoured against grease, oils, dirt, and other impurities, there is always a natural wax known as lanolin that remains. The natural lanolin within the wool helps fight off lingering bacteria, which don’t like to adhere to the lanolin. On top of that, Merino’s microstructure is more scaly, with a relatively neutral electric charge, which the bacteria don’t like either. Since Merino Wool can readily absorb moisture, keeping you dry doesn’t give the bacteria an environment to thrive. Thus you don’t smell, well, as much you usually do.

The structure creates natural air pockets, which act as an odor trap for any spicy aromas coming from your body. These odor-resistant properties will keep you fresh, no matter the adventure.

So how good is Merino at keeping you odor-free? If the science wasn’t enough, check out these odor testers.

Durability

One big downfall of Merino wool is its supposed lack of durability. Many garments are made ultralight, with a density of about 150 GSM (the thickness of two pieces of paper). These thin fabrics lead to holes, pilling, and other unwanted deformities. On top of that, the stitching and construction from the garment-making process can often lead to premature fabric failures. Although Merino wool itself is not entirely the problem, it’s the consumer.

When owning Merino wool products, it’s essential to understand that they are not standard fabrics. You can’t just throw them in the wash and heat dry them in the gates of hell. They require tender care. The material itself is resilient, as the natural crimp provides elasticity, flexibility, and strength. If you treat your Merino clothes right, they’ll probably last you a lifetime.

Wrinkle-Free

Why do clothes wrinkle? When subject to heat and water, fabric fibers’ bonds tend to break and become less aligned. When the garment cools, new bonds form, creating the wrinkling effect. It’s a nuisance for sure, but with Merino wool, you’ll have fewer wrinkles.

The fiber crimp, or spring-like structure of Merino wool fibers, gives garments a bit of elasticity. When subject to heat and moisture, they do not realign. Studies have shown that merino wool can stretch up to 30% of its length and still recover. So, next time you travel on an 8-hour flight, your clothes won’t look like they just came out of a suitcase.

Fire Resistance

We’re sure you’re not planning on jumping into a building burning any time soon, but Merino wool is a great choice to be wearing in the case that you do. The flame-resistant properties make this fabric popular among firefighters and rescue workers. It won’t melt, sear, drip, or stick to the skin in hot situations.

Merino wool’s chemical structure and water content do not allow enough oxygen for the fabric to combust. If, for some reason, it does combust (600 degrees C), it does not catch a flame but only chars. For the average person, this may not sound like much, but it could mean the difference between life and death for a firefighter.

One of the only ways to prove that your Merino wool clothing is actual wool is to burn it. If it doesn’t catch a flame and only chars, you’ve got quality Merino. If it ignites, your clothing is probably not pure Merino wool. Plus, you’ll most likely have to call the fire department, which does use pure Merino wool base layers.

Anti-Statics

Static electricity tends to build up on garments in low humidity environments when fabrics rub against each other. The garments become either positively or negatively charged and then stick to each other. While this typically occurs in a dryer, static electricity build-up can occur when hiking in the outdoors. It may not seem like a big deal, but it can be a nuisance if your clothes keep sticking to your skin. 

Merino wool has anti-static properties due to its natural neutral charge and ability to absorb water vapor. The high percentage of water vapor stored in the fabric makes it nearly impossible for a static charge to build up. You must be shocked!

Also, the anti-static properties, along with the presence of lanolin, help to protect your MW clothing from stains. The hydrophilic properties fight off bacteria, while anti-static properties repel dust and grime, a common substrate for stains to form..

UV Resistance

UPF Ratings of Common Clothing Fabrics

As Merino wool is famous among outdoor enthusiasts who spend all day chasing the sun, it only fits that this fabric provides excellent UV protection. Unlike other clothing materials, wool absorbs radiation from different wavelengths across the entire spectrum. It sounds intuitive, as most materials can block the sun’s rays from hitting your skin, right? Well, not quite.

When it comes to protection against the sun’s radiation, the universal scale used is the Ultraviolet Protective Factor. For example, a piece of clothing with a UPF 15 only allows 1/15th of UVA and UVB light to reach the skin. A good benchmark for any fabric is anything above UPF 30. While nearly 85% of standard materials fall below this accepted level, Merino wool is not one of them.

The natural UV protection stems from the chemical composition and structure of wool fibers. The crimped design allows for better light absorption. Other factors affecting UPF ratings include fabric density, color, moisture, and chemical finishes.

Think of it like this: if you’re an Australian sheep spending all day under a deteriorating ozone layer, you’re probably going to want some protection from the sun. We reap the same benefits of the sheep when we wear Merino clothing, bah-lieve it or not.

Hypoallergenic

Many people believe they have a wool allergy simply because of the itchiness of traditional wool. Still, it’s infrequent for this to be true. Merino is composed of keratin, the same protein found in our skin, hair, and fingernails. Thus, when you wear Merino wool clothing, it’s like wearing a second skin. As far as I know, most people are not allergic to their skin.

Wool’s hypoallergenic and soft properties are popular among newborns, as many babies tend to have sensitive skin. The keratin fabric acts as a gentle but protective layer. It’s also much less irritating than typical cotton. Scientific studies have shown that it’s nearly impossible to be allergic to superfine wool. It may even benefit people who suffer from eczema.

Final Thoughts

Merino wool clothing provides a myriad of benefits that you can’t replicate with other fabrics. It regulates your microclimate and offers a luxurious next-to-skin feel. You won’t stink up the place with unwanted body odor, you won’t get burned by the sun, and you won’t break out in hives. With Merino wool, your clothing will always be fresh, free of static, and wrinkle-free. Heck, it’ll even protect you if your world goes up in flames.

I’d say that’s a pretty damn good fabric – and the science says so too.

If you would like to learn more about Merino wool and its use in high-performance apparel, follow us on Instagram @merinowoolgear.

The post Merino Wool Benefits: The Science appeared first on Merino Wool Gear.