Merino wool comes from Australian merino, a special breed of sheep raised in New Zealand. Merino is a particularly desirable material in clothing for winter sports or outdoor activities. Thanks to its unique properties, merino wool provides, among other things, very good breathability and air circulation.
Merino sheep live in harsh mountain conditions, where temperatures reach 40°C in summer and drop to -20°C in winter. These sheep are adapted to the changing climate, which is key to the quality of merino wool. This wool is dense, but its fibers are thin and fine, so merino wool garments are very protective against the cold, while providing thermal comfort on hot days. Merino fibers exhibit breathability, which protects against overheating, and on the other hand effectively insulates against cold and moisture.
One of the biggest advantages of merino clothing is its very good thermoregulation. Microstructured spaces in the fibers mean that wool maintains optimal body temperature regardless of the conditions. During intense exertion, merino thermoreactive clothing wicks moisture to the outside, giving the wearer a feeling of dryness. Merino wool absorbs up to 35% of its weight in water, making it a very good material for underwear and sportswear, among other things.
Clothes made of merino wool are also distinguished by other advantages. Such clothing, thanks to its antibacterial properties, prevents odor even during intense exercise. It is also worth mentioning the flexibility and durability of merino clothing. Clothing is resistant to stretching, which prevents loss of shape during use or washing.
Merino wool is resistant to dirt and other contaminants, making it easy to clean. After a little exercise, merino underwear does not require washing, just hang it up and air it out. In addition, merino wool is flame resistant, in contact with fire it does not melt and exhibits self-extinguishing properties.
Also keep in mind UV protection. Merino thermal clothing is a natural UPF 50 filter, making it a better choice than cotton, for example. Merino wool clothing is a very good choice for anyone who appreciates comfort, safety and additional features of clothing during outdoor activities.