Merino wool is a natural fibre produced by merino sheep. How does this differ from regular wool?
Merino wool is thinner and softer, in comparison, to regular wool - making it easy to wear next to the skin. When you wear merino wool next to your skin - there are a number of benefits.
So, what is merino wool actually made of? (besides the fact that it comes from sheep)
Merino wool is made of proteins composed of amino acids and natural compounds. Merino is a natural and renewable fibre - meaning that one sheep can provide one to two kilograms of wool annually. An added benefit to merino being a natural fibre, is that sheep have undergone harsh environmental conditions and have evolved to survive, allowing them to survive and be comfortable in temperatures that range from -15 to 35 degrees celsius, allowing garments made from their wool to do the same.
Regulating your body temperature.
Merino is a multi-functional material which assists with keeping your body constantly regulated - no matter the temperature. When it’s cold, the natural fibres trap the air and insulate - keeping your body warm. When it’s warm outside, it transports sweat away from your skin, this assists with keeping you cool and dry. Therefore, giving you a thermo-regulating effect.
How does merino keep your body dry and sweat-free when you are exerting energy?
Merino fibre can absorb up to one third of its weight in moisture while still feeling comfortable and keeping you dry. How does this happen? The merino fibres are naturally porous. They are made up of little plates that moisture vapour can get in between, this means you are not feeling wet or cold after a workout.
What smell?
Wear merino again and again. This wool is unique in the sense that it absorbs odour. Yes, you read that correctly. It traps the bacteria, trapping their smell and stops them from building up - which essentially, causes the smell to occur.
Wear it, again, again and…again.
So soft.
This variation of wool is super fine and soft. A single merino wool fibre is ⅓ the diameter of a human hair. When it moves against your skin, it actually bends out of the way. It cannot be ‘bristly’ like other wool fibres as it cannot stand up to the weight of itself.
UPF
The association of “wool” and “sheep” - makes one automatically have connotations of warmth and heat. Merino wool naturally absorbs UV radiation and provides UPF protection. Merino fibres actually help with blocking out the harmful rays from the sun. So when you are out on your next cycle in Summer, your ultimate go-to will be a merino jersey or tee, to keep you protected from the harmful UV rays.
So, what does all of this mean?
Merino is a super versatile fabric and products made with merino wool are designed to perform. Our range of merino products are here to assist you with combating harsh conditions and training to your peak performance, all while looking and feeling good.
