There are many benefits of Merino wool, which is why so many people choose to use it for clothing, bedding, and more. Merino wool is very soft, comfortable, and thinner than most competing fabrics. Some other benefits include:
Moisture wicking. Merino wool keeps you dry by wicking away sweat and other moisture from your skin.
Odor resistant. It can absorb odor caused by bacteria and prevent build-up, which reduces odor.
Fire-retardant. Merino wool has natural fire-retardant properties that resist flames without fireproofing chemical treatments.
Clean. It’s easy to clean because it naturally resists dirt and dust.
What Is Merino Wool Made Of?
Wool is a natural fiber that sheep produce about 4 to 5 pounds of each year. Merino wool specifically comes from a type of sheep known as Merino sheep, known for their soft, fine wool. It's made of proteins created from amino acids and other natural compounds.
Science Behind Merino Wool
To understand the full benefits of Merino wool, it’s good to know the science behind what makes this incredible fiber so unique. Let’s look at some of the properties of Merino wool and what causes them.
Temperature Regulation
Many people think wool is only for keeping you warm during cold weather, but it’s actually great for every season. During the colder months, the natural crimp in wool helps trap air better than other fibers. This trapped air is an excellent insulator and keeps you warm regardless of the cool outside temperatures.
When it’s warm outside, Merino wool bedding keeps you cool. It wicks sweat away from your body and stores moisture within the fiber. Moisture stored within the fibers will start to evaporate as your body warms up, cooling the air around your body. Evaporation occurs more rapidly as the temperature rises, resulting in more significant cooling.
Durable
Merino wool is made of interlocking protein molecules called keratin (the same protein in our skin and hair). These keratin molecules allow the wool to be stretched and bent up to 30,000 times without breaking. Merino wool fibers also have a “fiber crimp” or natural curl that improves elasticity and resilience. The superior durability of wool makes it more resistant to tearing and scuffing than other fibers.
Hypoallergenic
Due to its natural fibers, Merino wool promotes a dry environment, inhibiting the growth of bacteria, fungus, mold, and dust mites. These moisture-wicking abilities make Merino wool naturally hypoallergenic. When you sleep on Merino wool bedding, you’re guaranteed a restful night’s sleep with less waking due to coughing or sneezing.
Sustainability
Wool is a 100% natural and biodegradable product from a sustainability perspective. Unlike many synthetic fibers, Merino wool breaks down quickly. It also returns nutrients to the soil without releasing microfibers into the environment.
Wool Types
There are several wool types, as not all wool is the same. Some wool is exceptionally soft, perfect for a luxury robe. In contrast, others are hardier and better suited for bedding or carpet. There are three main categories of wool based on the micron of the fibers. The measurement of wool fibers determines the use and quality of the wool.
Fine. Merino sheep produce wool with fine microns. Fine wool is used for soft, high-quality yarn and fabric and can be used in many delicate garments like scarves and baby wear.
Medium. Medium micron wool is also produced by a type of Merino sheep, but it can also be made by cross-breeding with other sheep. It's often used in woven clothes, furnishings, and bedding.
Broad. Several different sheep breeds can produce broad wool. Because of its strength and durability, it is most useful for tougher fabrics like carpets.
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