Properties of merino wool

Why are our products made from RWS-certified merino wool (Responsible Wool Standard)?

Because animal welfare matters to us, and the exceptional properties of merino wool surpass those of any other material we know. It is difficult to find another fibre that performs so well in demanding conditions while remaining so gentle on human skin. But let us start from the beginning.

What is merino wool?

Merino wool is considered one of the most highly valued types of sheep’s wool in the world. It comes from Merino sheep, which are farmed across the globe.

These sheep often live in mountainous environments, where they experience significant temperature fluctuations and harsh conditions. As a result, their fleece has developed exceptional natural properties. Nature adapts organisms perfectly to the environments in which they live.

Exceptional properties of merino wool, 365 days a year

Merino wool fibres are around three times thinner than human hair. This makes them delicate, highly breathable and responsive to changes in temperature.

What does this mean in practice? What properties does merino wool offer?

• It provides thermoregulation — merino wool is a natural insulator. It keeps you warm when it is cold and helps protect you from heat when temperatures rise. Its thermal insulation is combined with the ability to release moisture in the form of water vapour. This makes merino wool products suitable for year-round wear.
• It is durable and retains its structure for years. If pilling does occur, the original appearance of the fabric can easily be restored with a fabric shaver. Merino wool still requires proper care — you can read more about it here .
• It is soft — its fine and smooth fibre structure means it does not scratch or irritate the skin.
• It is breathable — your head, hair and body will appreciate the natural breathability of wool. It is a natural alternative to synthetic textiles.
• It dries quickly — merino wool can dry as quickly as synthetic fabrics of a comparable weight.
• It provides UV protection — merino wool absorbs UV radiation, helping to protect the skin from the sun.
• It reduces static — the natural moisture retained inside wool fibres limits the build-up of static electricity. As a result, merino wool causes far less static in the hair than synthetic fabrics.
• It does not easily absorb odours thanks to its antibacterial properties. After wearing a merino hat or T-shirt, even during physical activity, it is often enough to simply air it.
• It is a renewable material — sheep’s wool naturally grows back and can be regularly shorn.
• It is biodegradable — if you happen to lose one of our hats, you can be confident that it will not remain in the environment permanently. Under composting conditions, wool can biodegrade completely in less than a year.
• It is natural — it does not release microplastic waste or contribute to the pollution of rivers and oceans.
• The wool we use is obtained without cruelty. It is mulesing-free, and 90% of our products are RWS-certified .

Merino wool products are highly durable and can be used for many years. They do not need to be washed as frequently as products made from other materials, which means that choosing wool can also help save water — one of our planet’s most valuable resources.

The best way to care for your wool accessories is often simply to air them.

How should you care for a wool hat and other merino products? Find out here .