Merino wool is finer and softer than conventional wool. It comes from sheep that graze in the highlands of New Zealand and Australia. Since the 12th century, these sheep have developed the softest fleece. They can withstand temperatures ranging from -20°C to +35°C.
Unlike ordinary sheep's wool, Merino fibres are much finer and only half as thick.
Fabrics itch when thicker fibres rub against the skin, which is why normal wool itches, whereas Merino wool is pleasantly soft.
Merino wool owes its natural properties to the structure and shape of its fibres. Due to the strong crimp, the fibres are tightly layered and form so-called air chambers that retain body heat. This will create an insulating effect.
Merino wool is also perfect for warmer days. This is because wool has the ability to absorb up to 33% of its own weight in moisture. The moisture is then stored inside the fibre, while the surface of the fibre remains dry. Thus, for example, it absorbs sweat or skin moisture and stores it in its fibres. The warm summer air causes the absorbed moisture to evaporate to the outside. This allows the cold to escape, leaving the skin feeling cool.
Merino wool has a very strong antibacterial effect and absorbs the odour molecules caused by bacteria, trapping their smell and preventing them from accumulating.
In addition, merino wool has a molecule in its fibres called keratin which kills bacteria.
When the wool absorbs moisture - and therefore sweat - the keratin will kill these bacteria.
Wool is also interesting in terms of durability and is naturally 100% environmentally friendly! Depending on the breed, Merino sheep are shorn once or twice a year - their coat grows back naturally. And all it takes for the natural fibres to grow is water, fresh air, sunshine and grass.
The shearing process is all done by hand and totally painless for the sheep.