Merino wool is undoubtedly one of the most remarkable superfibers nature has to offer. But what makes it so special and why do people all over the world swear by its benefits? In this article we provide you with 5 answers to 5 questions about the wool fiber of Merino sheep.
Merino clothing is very popular with outdoor athletes around the world. However, the natural fiber has been processed into clothing for much longer than one would expect. The Scandinavian company Devold, for example, has been producing products made from wool for 170 years and has been closely linked to the superfiber for half a century, which we would like to take a closer look at here.
Merino wool: 5 questions, 5 answers
- What is Merino wool exactly?
- What properties does Merino wool have?
- Why doesn't merino wool scratch compared to conventional wool?
- How can merino wool warm but also cool?
- Why does Merino wool smell less quickly?
What is Merino wool exactly?
A natural fiber that comes from Merino sheep, which are mainly native to the cool regions of New Zealand, but also to Australia, Argentina and Uruguay. The wool fiber differs from conventional wool in its exceptionally fine structure, which makes it pleasantly soft and cuddly.
Merino wool can absorb up to a third of its dry weight in moisture without feeling clammy
Devold Nibba Man Jacket Hood Merino
The Nibba Man Jacket is a high-quality, well-thought-out hooded jacket for men. Thanks to its excellent heat-to-weight ratio, it is ideal as an intermediate layer in a functioning onion system. Thanks to the fluffy inside, the Merino jacket is very comfortable and at the same time light and insulating.
What properties does Merino wool have?
Merino wool has a remarkable combination of properties that make it an outstanding fiber. Thanks to its natural structure, it is highly breathable and efficiently transports moisture away from the skin, ensuring a dry and comfortable feel.
The fiber is naturally elastic, allowing it to conform to the shape of the body and allow freedom of movement. In addition, Merino wool is naturally antibacterial, which means that sweat does not smell in the same way as other materials.
Why doesn't merino wool scratch compared to conventional wool?
The secret lies in their delicacy. Its fibers are significantly thinner than those of conventional wool, which means that they are softer and more delicate on the skin. The fiber thickness is measured in micrometers. An average Merino fiber is 16 to 24 microns (thousandths of a millimeter), conventional wool can be twice as thick.
While conventional wool often causes a scratchy feeling due to its coarser structure, ultra-fine merino wool glides gently over the skin and offers a comfortable wearing experience.
Devold Jakta Woman Shirt Merino 200
In the Jakta series, the Norwegian wool specialist Devold combines uncomplicated basics made from particularly fine, scratch-free merino wool. The material for the Jakta series has a surface weight of 200 grams/m2 and is therefore nice and warm. The Jakta Woman Shirt Merino 200 is the long-sleeved base layer version from this collection, an essential undershirt for many activities in autumn and winter.
How can merino wool warm but also cool?
The secret of Merino wool doesn't end with its softness and breathability. The fiber has a unique ability to regulate body temperature and adapt to changing conditions.
On cold days, the heavily crimped wool with its wave-like structure traps warm air and keeps the body warm. On warm days, however, their breathability allows heat and moisture to be effectively dissipated, creating a pleasantly cool effect. Merino wool is the perfect companion all year round.
Why does Merino wool smell less quickly?
Another notable feature is their natural odor resistance. This is due to the unique structure of the fiber, which makes it less easy for bacteria to adhere to. Accordingly, unpleasant odors are prevented.
This means that clothing stays fresher for longer and needs to be washed less often, which saves both time and resources and protects the environment.
Devold Expedition Man Shirt Merino 235
The Men's Merino Long Sleeve Shirt is a two-layer wool underwear for extreme weather conditions. The inner layer is made of 100 percent merino wool, the outer layer is made of 90 percent Aquaduct-treated merino wool and 10 percent polyamide. The Aquaduct treatment accelerates the transport of sweating moisture to the outside, where it can evaporate quickly - this prevents you from cooling down during rest periods.
Conclusion
Merino wool is undoubtedly one of nature's super fibers, which is fascinating more and more people with its unique properties and versatile applications. Their natural softness, breathability, temperature regulating abilities and odor resistance make them an ideal choice for demanding apparel.
Devold as a brand is committed to the legacy of this exceptional fiber and is committed to delivering high quality, sustainable products.
The Norwegians' sheep-to-shop concept guarantees ethical sourcing and transparency by tracking the entire production process and proving the origin of the wool all the way back to the Merino sheep.
