Guide to Merino Wool

Merino wool; the unsung hero of cosy base layers and snuggly socks. This unique fabric provides warmth, breathability, stretch and moisture wicking qualities, making it an ideal next to skin layer for active outdoor adventures.

But what makes merino wool so special, you ask? Well, it's all in the sheep! Merino sheep are the aristocrats of the woolly world, flaunting their super fine, soft fleece. They've got a knack for keeping cool in the blazing heat and toasty warm in the chilliest of winters. That's why a merino base layer is a versatile purchase that is ready to tackle a range of outdoor pursuits!

Where does merino wool come from?

Merino wool is a natural fibre grown year-round by Merino sheep. Every year the sheep produce new fleece, making wool a completely renewable fibre.

Merino sheep were originally bred in Spain, but can now be found in New Zealand, Australia, Argentina, Chile, Uruguay and South Africa. There are very few flocks of Merino sheep in the UK. This breed of sheep offers the finest wool for luxury apparel and technical sportswear.

Although ‘fluffy’ in appearance, the fibres of merino wool have a much smaller diameter than other wools. This reduces the scratchy and heavy feel that many people associate with a thick woollen jumper and is why merino is used in clothing worn next to the skin, such as base layers, socks, and underwear.

Able to retain and diffuse heat as needed, merino is fantastic at regulating its wearer’s body heat. Merino wool can be used:

• By people with sensitive skin
• By people during active wear
• For general wear
• For insulation in cold weather
• For comfort in items such as socks

The Benefits Of Merino Wool

Where does merino wool come from?

Some people with sensitive skin feel less or no irritation when wearing a merino wool item of clothing. This is partly because of Merino wool’s ultra-fine fibre diameter, but also because it contains Keratin which gives it a glossy, silky feeling. The silky feel is why merino wool is often used as a base layer fabric.

It is naturally antimicrobial

Merino wool is also naturally antimicrobial, which means it deters bacteria and the subsequent odour. Bacteria causes sweat to smell. Unlike extruded synthetic fibres which are smooth, the microscopic surface of Merino fibres is rough, making life tough for bacteria. Wool also contains a waxy secretion called Lanolin which is antibacterial. This means sweat can remain on the garment without releasing odour for a longer period of time.

Merino Wool is an impressive insulator

Like down, which is created from the high lofting tendril feathers of birds and fowl, Merino’s small fibres trap warm air close to its wearer’s body, keeping them warm. Unlike down, merino wool continues to insulate when wet.

Merino wool stretches but keeps its shape- making it ideal for exercise or for travelling

Whatever activity you use it for, merino wool fabrics have plenty of stretch inbuilt. Wool fabrics are designed to be highly pliable, moving with you, and stretching back into shape after activity. Even if it gets wet, wool returns to its original shape if left to dry naturally. It also packs small without creasing, which is ideal for travelling.

Merino Wool absorbs moisture to keep you dry

Merino wool fabrics are highly permeable so water vapour can pass through them easily. Merino fibres absorb sweat on the surface of the skin like a sponge and wicking it away. Merino wool can absorb around a third of its own weight before it leaves you feeling damp.

Animal Welfare

You might be wondering what considerations are paid to animal welfare. Merino sheep produce a new fleece every year, and removing their thick winter coat for the summer months is beneficial to the sheep. For the most part, the farmers and contractors who shear the fleece from the sheep are highly experienced and treat the animals humanely. Many brands have outlawed out-dated husbandry techniques such as museling which is harmful to the animals.

What is Museling?

Museling is where the skin around the sheep's buttocks is removed using sharp scissors and their tail is docked to a stump, which in turn forms scar tissue where wool does not grow. Once scarred over, that area does not produce fleece. Consequently, it is less likely to hold faeces and other organic matter which attract fly larvae that carry the parasitic infection of flystrike.

Museling effectively makes the sheep less susceptible to flystrike. However, no local anaesthetic is involved before surgery and exposed bloody wounds are formed from the process, making museling painful and harmful to the sheep which is why many see the process as unethical. The sheep can be in severe pain and shock for up to three days due to this method, and some may even die.

In the UK, the museling is prohibited, but in other countries where the majority of the merino wool comes from, this method is unfortunately still widely used. This is why you have to do your research and ensure the merino wool you purchase uses the non-museling method. Here at GO Outdoors, our own brand merino wool, from Peter Storm and OEX, is all museling-free which is how we believe it should be!