The popularity of wool
Wool is one of the oldest materials that humans have used to make clothing. Around four thousand years before our era, people discovered that a sheep's wool has special properties. Not only does it keep you warm in winter, it also keeps you cool in summer. This is because it is a breathable material and therefore provides natural ventilation. It also absorbs moisture well without holding on to it for long, which keeps woollen clothing light in weight. Over the centuries, various sheep breeds have been bred, each with a unique fleece. The most famous and most sought-after is merino wool from the merino sheep of the same name.
The Premium Quality of Merino Wool
But what makes merino wool so popular? First of all, the merino sheep has much finer wool compared to other breeds. This makes the fibres flexible and gives them a very soft feel, so you won't suffer from itching or prickling against your skin. Another advantage is that bacteria and fungi find it hard to settle in merino wool, so unwanted odours are rare. This makes a merino wool shirt suitable for any professional. On top of that, it is also one of the most elastic wools in the world. Merino wool clothing therefore keeps its shape, no matter how intensively you wear or stretch it. It comes as no surprise, then, that merino wool hiking socks are highly sought after.
Does merino wool itch or feel prickly?
No, merino wool is actually surprisingly soft and comfortable. This is because the fibres are much finer than regular wool, so they bend along instead of prickling. On top of that, merino is naturally hypoallergenic and rarely causes irritation. This makes merino wool garments suitable to wear directly against the skin.
How animal-friendly is merino wool?
Merino wool was long associated with a painful procedure called mulesing. In this method, the sheep farmer cuts away skin around the rear and tail, often without anaesthetic. This is done to prevent flystrike: a serious condition in which the Lucilia cuprina fly lays its eggs in skin folds, after which the maggots attack the flesh. This infection can ultimately even be fatal to the sheep. Fortunately, more and more brands and farmers are opting for animal-friendly alternatives and switching to mulesing-free merino wool.
They do this by applying natural and more effective methods to combat the flies. This is not only better for the sheep, but also contributes to more sustainable wool production. When you choose merino wool, look for the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) label. This independent certification guarantees that the wool comes from sheep that are treated with respect and care, without mulesing.
Is a non-mulesed wool certificate reliable?
Various consumer programmes have scrutinised the reliability of the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) and similar certifications. The focus is mainly on the practice of mulesing: a preventive surgical procedure that – often without anaesthetic – is only carried out in Australia. Although many brands make an effort to offer non-mulesing merino wool, animal rights organisations argue that the supply chain is often too long and opaque to guarantee this. For now, the rule is: only merino wool from South Africa or South America is certain to come from sheep that have not been subjected to mulesing.
Is merino wool warm?
Yes, merino wool is surprisingly warm without feeling heavy or thick. The fine fibres create small air pockets that retain your body heat, keeping you nice and warm even at low temperatures. What makes merino wool extra special is that it is breathable and temperature-regulating at the same time. So you stay warm without overheating. Ideal for a layered outfit or as a base layer underneath your outfit.
Stay stylish all year round with merino wool
Wool responds to your body temperature (just as it did on the sheep), so you can comfortably wear it all year round. In addition, wool has natural properties that absorb harmful UV radiation and even slow down fire (although we don't recommend testing the latter). Ideal, then, when you're on the snowy slopes during a winter sports holiday. During après-ski you will therefore regularly come across men's merino wool jumpers, especially those with a half-zip collar. A merino wool turtleneck or pullover is more suitable when you want to make a refined impression, for example during a dinner or a night out. A lambswool jumper looks thicker and more rugged.
What are the disadvantages of merino wool?
Merino wool has many advantages, but there are also a few things to keep in mind. First of all, it is somewhat more delicate than other types of wool. Because of the fine fibres, it wears out faster with intensive use, especially in places where friction occurs, such as the elbows and armpits. Just like other types of wool, you can't simply throw merino wool into the washing machine on a standard programme. In addition, merino wool is usually a bit more expensive. You pay more, but you get comfort and quality in return.
Does merino wool shrink quickly?
Only if you wash it incorrectly. Merino wool fibres are naturally sensitive to heat, friction and large temperature differences. Do you put a merino wool garment in a hot wash programme or the tumble dryer? Then there is a good chance it will shrink or felt. So always choose a wool wash programme (cold or a maximum of 30 °C), use a mild detergent and let the item dry flat. That way it keeps its shape nicely and stays wonderfully soft.
How to care for merino wool properly
Merino wool is naturally antibacterial and therefore doesn't retain odours. As a result, you don't need to wash it regularly. If you want to freshen it up, simply airing it (outside) is enough. For stubborn stains, there's no need to soak them or use fabric softener. Put the garment in the drum together with other woollen clothing. To preserve the quality, wash no hotter than 30 °C (wool wash programme) and no faster than 600 spins. Afterwards, lay it flat on a drying rack (without clothes pegs) on top of a towel of the same colour. Do not put it in the tumble dryer! Prefer to wash by hand? Then use lukewarm water and a washcloth. Resist the urge to wring out the clothing. Of course, you can also take it to a dry cleaner. Any more questions? Then take a look at our handy tips for caring for woollen clothing.
