Merino Wool is a super-fine, soft and durable sheep’s wool that’s incredibly popular for clothing. It can be found in a wide variety of apparel, but is most widely used for sweaters and shirts.
There are several key features that make Merino wool unique from other types of wool. These include its ability to regulate body temperature, wick away moisture, and keep you comfortable.
1. Temperature Regulation:
One of the most important benefits of merino is its ability to keep you cool and dry while hiking, skiing, or snowboarding. The fibers naturally crimp and bend to create an insulating layer that protects against cold air passing through the garment.
The same is true in warmer weather, when merino’s elasticity helps move perspiration away from your skin to help maintain your body’s natural temperature.
2. Wrinkle Recovery:
If you’ve ever tried on a merino leggings sweater or shirt, you’ll know that it doesn’t wrinkle as easily as standard fabrics do. The reason is because the fabric’s natural crimp provides strength and flexibility.
This also makes it easier to reshape your gear without the fabric breaking. This is a big benefit for anyone who enjoys wearing gear that is shaped to fit their body.
3. Durability:
The long strand of the merino wool fiber helps prevent it from breaking, so it is often more durable than other synthetic fabrics. Garments made with shorter fibers are more likely to develop holes or other deformities.
4. Odor Resistance:
The lanolin in merino wool repels bacteria and odor-causing elements, so you don’t have to worry about stinky or unattractive odours when you’re out on the trail.
5. Water Resistant:
Wool is known for its incredibly absorbent qualities, so it can soak up up to 30% of its dry weight before it even appears wet on your skin. This is because merino’s fiber scale structure helps it absorb and release moisture quickly, helping you stay dry.
6. Flame Retardant:
Because of its inherent chemical structure, merino is more resistant to fire than other types of wool. In fact, it is harder to ignite and never melts.
7. Flexibility:
Because merino’s crimp allows the fabric to bend and flex, it can move with your body during movement.
This helps reduce the chance of chafing and irritation. It can also help prevent blistering and irritation from repetitive motions that can be common in high-impact sports like skiing and snowboarding.
8. Antimicrobial:
The lanolin in merino is also effective against odour-causing bacteria and fungi. It also helps to repel liquids, so you can keep your gear free from germs.
10. Lightweight:
The natural crimp in merino wool makes it lightweight, which is helpful for backpacking and other travel. It also makes it easy to pack for hikes and other adventures.
In addition to being great at keeping you warm, merino is also super eco-friendly. It doesn’t produce as much carbon dioxide as other synthetic fabrics, so it’s a great choice for environmentalists and travelers who care about the environment.
Lastly, these leggings are sourced from independent, ethical wool farms that don’t practice mulesing, which cuts a sheep’s skin off to prevent health issues. This is a huge concern for many people who want to avoid wearing products made with animal cruelty.