Why Merino Wool?
Merino wool is one of the softest natural fibres used in clothing. ME knit's merino wool knitwear is made in Estonia from yarn we order from Italy. On this page you'll find what makes merino wool special, why it feels so soft and how it keeps you warm on a cold day.
In short: merino wool is the fine wool of the merino sheep, with fibres usually around 15–24 microns. Fine fibres bend against the skin, which is why merino wool feels soft even on bare skin. It stays warm when damp, breathes and stays fresh for a long time, so it rarely needs washing.
What is merino wool?
Merino wool comes from the merino sheep. The breed originated in Spain, and today most of the world's fine merino wool is grown in Australia and New Zealand. Merino fibres are very fine: usually about 15–24 microns, while a human hair is about 50–100 microns. Ordinary sheep's wool fibres are often 30 microns or thicker.
Yarn from Italy
Our merino yarn comes from Northern Italy. Northern Italy, and especially the Biella area, has been one of the world's best-known centres of wool spinning and dyeing for centuries, and its spinners are known for even, soft yarn with lasting colour. Good yarn is the foundation of a good knit.
The yarn is certified mulesing-free. Mulesing is a procedure in which strips of skin are cut from around a merino sheep's tail to protect it from flystrike. Mulesing-free means this has not been done to the sheep: the wool is obtained without harming the animals.
The properties of merino wool
- Soft on bare skinCoarse wool fibres thicker than about 30 microns are stiff and prickle the skin. Fine merino fibres bend against the skin, so merino wool feels soft even on a bare neck and arms.
- Warm even when dampWool can take up water vapour of up to about a third of its own weight before it starts to feel wet. As it absorbs moisture, the fibre releases a little heat, so you stay warmer and drier in cold, damp weather.
- BreathableMerino wool moves moisture away from your skin, so it keeps you warm without making you sweat. That's why it works both outdoors in winter and in a warm room.
- Stays fresh for longerWool fibres take odour molecules into the fibre and hold on to them. Often it's enough to air your knit after wearing, and it rarely needs washing.
- Stretchy and keeps its shapeMerino fibres have a natural crimp that makes the yarn springy. The knit returns to its shape after stretching and doesn't crease easily.
- Naturally flame-resistantWool is harder to ignite than most other fibres and doesn't melt or drip like synthetics.
- Natural and biodegradableWool is a renewable natural material that breaks down naturally in soil, while synthetic fibres break down very slowly.
Merino wool for every day
A good example is the Mummu Jumper: a bubble-knit jumper in 100% merino wool that is warm yet breathable and comfortable even on bare skin. See all our merino wool sweaters and jumpers and dresses.
Warm accessories and gifts
A merino wool hat and scarf keep you warm even below freezing and feel soft on your forehead and neck. The Soonik Beanie with its double turn-up brim covers your ears well and suits both men and women. See all our hats and scarves.
Quick answers
Is merino wool itchy?
Fine merino wool usually isn't. Prickle comes from coarse wool fibres of about 30 microns or thicker, and merino fibres are mostly much finer. A review of the research also found that wool fibre itself is not a skin allergen (Zallmann et al., 2017).
Is merino wool suitable for sensitive skin?
In one study, young children with eczema wore superfine merino wool clothing for six weeks and it did not irritate their skin (Su et al., 2017). If your skin is very sensitive, wear the knit for shorter periods at first and see how it suits you.
Does merino wool keep you warm when it's damp?
Yes. Wool can take up water vapour of up to about a third of its own weight and still feel dry, and the fibre releases a little heat as it absorbs moisture (The Woolmark Company).
Why doesn't a wool knit start to smell quickly?
In a comparison test, wool fabric held less body odour after wear than cotton or polyester fabric (McQueen et al., 2007). That's why it's often enough to air your knit after wearing.
Do you sleep better in merino wool?
In a small lab study, people sleeping in wool pyjamas in a cool room (17 °C) fell asleep faster than in cotton (Shin et al., 2016). The study was funded by the wool industry, so treat the result with some caution. Warm merino wool socks are an easy way to try it yourself.
Is merino wool biodegradable?
Yes. Wool is a natural protein fibre and breaks down in soil within a few months, while synthetic fibres break down very slowly (The Woolmark Company).
How do I care for merino wool?
Merino wool needs little care: air your knit after wearing and wash it rarely, in cool water with a wool detergent. Don't wring it or hang it up: dry it flat. That way it stays beautiful for years.
Made in Estonia
Behind ME knit are designer Irja Lembra and knitwear maker Top Kudum, who have more than 28 years of experience in making knitwear. Read more about our story or order a custom knit. Delivery across Estonia is free.
Sources
Zallmann M. et al. Debunking the Myth of Wool Allergy: Reviewing the Evidence for Immune and Non-immune Cutaneous Reactions. Acta Dermato-Venereologica, 2017; 97(8): 906–915.
Su J. C. et al. Determining Effects of Superfine Sheep wool in INfantile Eczema (DESSINE): a randomized paediatric crossover study. British Journal of Dermatology, 2017; 177(1): 125.
Shin M. et al. The effects of fabric for sleepwear and bedding on sleep at ambient temperatures of 17 °C and 22 °C. Nature and Science of Sleep, 2016; 8: 121–131.
McQueen R. H. et al. Odour intensity in apparel fabrics and the link with bacterial populations. Textile Research Journal, 2007; 77: 449. Summary: The Woolmark Company fact sheet.
The Woolmark Company. Wool is breathable (fact sheet).
The Woolmark Company. Wool is biodegradable.