Merino wool comes from merino sheep and is much finer than traditional wool. The fibres in Merino.tech clothing measure 17.5 microns, finer than a human hair, which is why they feel soft against the skin instead of scratchy. Here is why so many walkers, skiers, runners and travellers now choose merino over cotton and synthetic fabrics.
The benefits of merino wool
- Warm when wet. Merino absorbs up to 30% of its weight in moisture without feeling wet and keeps insulating in damp British weather.
- Temperature regulating. It keeps you warm when you stop and helps you stay cool when you work hard, so you overheat less.
- Odour resistant. Merino resists the bacteria that cause smells, so you can wear it for days and wash it less.
- Soft and non-itchy. Superfine fibres bend against the skin rather than prickling.
- Natural UV protection. Merino absorbs UV radiation; our lightweight layers offer UPF 25 and our midweight and heavyweight layers UPF 50+.
- Renewable and biodegradable. Sheep grow a new fleece every year, and merino does not shed plastic microfibres.
Merino vs cotton vs polyester
| Merino wool | Cotton | Polyester | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warm when damp | Yes | No | Partly |
| Odour resistance | High | Low | Low |
| Breathability | High | Medium | Medium |
| Drying speed | Medium | Slow | Fast |
| Natural and biodegradable | Yes | Yes | No |
Where to start
A merino base layer is the best introduction: try a men's or women's merino thermal set, then add merino socks and a merino T-shirt. Not sure which weight? Read the merino weight guide.