When you hear the words merino wool, what comes to mind? Hopefully a warm feeling, because merino wool clothes are made from nature's own wundermaterial that keeps you warm even after a small accident in the form of getting wet. Of course, staying dry is always the better option outdoors, if at all possible!
When the weather calls for something more than sunscreen on your skin, there's really no point in wearing anything but merino wool underwear. Varusteleka's own merino wool underwear and merino wool base layers are made from fairly thin wool with a close-fitting cut and chafe-free seams, and the tops have a long enough hem. They don't itch, they don't squeeze, they just become a kind of second skin – or a woolly coat of your own...
Who among us hasn't wanted to be a hoofed beast at some point? Sooner or later, though, reality kicks in and you realize humans can't quite be animals, so you'll have to settle for wearing quality merino wool clothes.
Why does merino wool work so well?
Merino wool is fine-fibered wool from merino sheep that can be worn right against the skin. Its fibers are much thinner than those of regular wool, which is why merino wool usually doesn't itch. Merino fibers are naturally crimped and trap air between them. This layer of air works as insulation in the cold and helps regulate temperature in warm weather too.
Merino wool wicks moisture away from your skin, dries quickly, and doesn't start smelling easily. This comes down to the fiber structure and how merino wool handles moisture. It doesn't behave like cotton, which turns cold and heavy when wet. Merino wool clothes stay usable in changing weather conditions too.
Merino wool keeps you warm even when damp. The fibers absorb moisture but keep their structure. The air trapped between the fibers keeps insulating even when the fabric is wet. That's why merino wool base layers work even when the weather turns crappy.
Merino wool base layers and layering
Merino wool base layers are worn right against the skin. Their job is to wick moisture away from your skin and help your body maintain an even temperature. The base layer dictates a lot about how well the whole clothing system works: if the foundation is solid, the whole system stays standing.
In Varusteleka's clothing system, most L1 and L2 products are made of merino wool. Thin merino wool works in summer and during active movement, while thicker merino wool base layers are for cold weather and static use. Same material, different weight and purpose.
Check out Varusteleka's clothing system here.
Mulesing and certification
Mulesing is a procedure where folds of skin are cut from a sheep's ass to prevent parasite infestations. The method is pretty brutal and has drawn criticism from an animal welfare standpoint.
All Varusteleka merino wool products are made from mulesing-free merino wool. Some products also have the Nativa certification, which makes the merino wool traceable all the way back to the farm. Certified products have a QR code that lets you check the supply chain yourself. This adds transparency and lets you make more informed choices.
Merino wool durability, washing, and care
When cared for properly, wool is a very long-lasting material, but mistreatment shortens its life. Abrasion and pressure are not good for merino wool – they don't put elbow patches on wool sweaters just for show. Table edges and rucksack shoulder straps in particular can wear down thin merino wool. If your lifestyle is on the rougher side, it might not be a good idea to wear wool as your outermost layer, at least in more dynamic activities.
Don't wash merino wool clothes unnecessarily. Often, just airing them out is enough, and you should only wash them when they actually smell or are clearly dirty. The right way to wash wool is in a washing machine on a wool cycle. Water that's too hot and heavy mechanical agitation cause felting.
Use a detergent made for wool that doesn't strip the natural oils from the fibers too aggressively. Wool conditioner helps restore softness and reduce wear. Washing less often significantly extends the life of merino wool clothes.
We also have a separate article on wool care.
Frequently asked questions about merino wool
What is merino wool?
Merino wool is fine-fibered wool from merino sheep that can be worn right against the skin and wicks moisture efficiently. It breathes, regulates temperature, and works in both warm and cold conditions.
Does merino wool keep you warm when wet?
Yes, merino wool keeps you warm even when damp. Its fiber structure keeps a layer of air between the fibers even when the fabric is wet, so its insulation doesn't collapse when it gets wet.
What are merino wool base layers?
Merino wool base layers are underwear made of merino wool and worn right against the skin. They're the foundation of layering and wick moisture away from your skin.
Does merino wool itch?
Quality merino wool usually doesn't itch. If a new merino wool garment feels a bit rough at first, wearing it and the first wash usually soften it.
How often should you wash merino wool clothes?
Merino wool clothes don't need to be washed often. Often, just airing them out is enough, and washing less often extends their life.