Benefits of Merino Wool

 

It's no secret that we love merino wool.

 

It's a natural insulator, which means it keeps you warm in winter and cool in summer. It's also beautifully soft and comfortable, and it wicks away moisture. Plus, it doesn't get stinky like synthetic fabrics - a win for everyone concerned! 

 

We've created this video to help you learn more about how wool can help with sweaty feet. You can also read about the benefits of merino wool below.

 

 

INSULATION

Wool is a fiber made up of a protein called keratin, and is a great natural insulator. It keeps sheep both cool and warm as needed in the temperature fluctuations of their environment. Similarly, wearing woollen garments can keep people either warm or cool, depending on the environment. 

 

The physical structure of the wool fiber is largely responsible for this. Wool fibers have a natural crimp and retain their shape throughout the processing stages; scouring, spinning, knitting and washing of garments. The crimp keeps each individual fiber from lying flush with the fiber beside it, thus creating tiny air pockets within the woollen garment. Just as a double-glazed window can keep your house insulated, so too these little air pockets keep your body insulated. In socks an added benefit of wool’s crimp, and also the elastic properties of wool, allow it to retain its shape, and maintain a springy cushioned feel adding support to your feet wear after wear.

 

 

MOISTURE WICKING

 

 

Wool is also renowned for its capacity to wick moisture away from the skin. This means that as you sweat or if you get wet, wool fibers draw the moisture away from your skin so you don’t feel damp. The surface of the fiber is hydrophobic, repelling water, but the cells inside the fiber can hold water (hydrophilic). This means that each individual fiber can hold moisture without you feeling it. Woollen fabric can absorb up to 30% of its own weight in water without feeling wet or losing those important insulating air pockets, so even when wet, wool can regulate your temperature.

 

 

COMFORT AND DURABILITY

Genetics of sheep and the environmental factors in which they are raised determine the coarseness or fineness of the wool fiber grown. 

 

As a general rule, breeds such as Dorset and Border Leicester grow high micron (coarse) wool, while Merinos grow coarse, medium, fine or super-fine wool. Each has important characteristics for particular applications. 

 

Coarse wool is stronger and more durable than fine, and is also cheaper. This makes it great for carpets, rugs, upholstery, blankets and outerwear. 

 

Fine wool is generally softer and more comfortable to feel next to the skin, and so is mainly used in clothing. Medium micron merino wool yarn is great for diverse applications. It can have a high comfort factor, so that it can be worn next to skin but retains strength and durability.