There is wool, there is fine wool, and there is Merino. Nothing else feels like it, or looks like it, or wears like it. And no man-made fibre can compete with the attributes nature has given Merino in such abundance. The way it keeps you warm in winter, but cool in summer. The way it yields to the softest touch, but stubbornly resists creasing. The way it shrugs off stains and keeps its colour when washed. And unlike any synthetic material, Merino fibre is an entirely renewable natural resource. As long as there is water and sunshine and grass, and sheep to eat it, there will always be Merino. And as long as there is Merino the designers and retailers of the world’s most beautiful clothing will accept no substitute.
There’s not enough space here to list all the reasons why designers love working with Merino. Many of its benefits are practical. The fact that it cuts so cleanly and doesn’t fray, for example, makes it a pleasure to work with. The fact that it can be permanently pressed to retain the integrity of the original designs also makes it popular. As does the fact that it can be woven or knitted. And that it’s truly trans-seasonal. But the main reason Merino is so loved by the world’s leading designers is more emotional than practical. Merino garments have a shape and ‘drape’ you just don’t find in cloth made from other fibres, either natural or man-made. That’s why clothes made from Merino look so stunning. And that’s why Merino enjoys pride of place on the catwalks of the world.
When people talk about wool being prickly we get a bit prickly ourselves. Because Merino is quite different to the wool you might have experienced in the past. And that’s all down to the fineness of the fibres. Standard wool fibres tend to be around 32 microns thick. Merino fibres, on the other hand, are generally 11 and 24 microns thick. (To put this in perspective, a human hair is 100 microns thick.) It’s this incredible fineness that makes Merino wool more flexible and naturally softer than other types of wool. It can even be used to make luxurious underwear. Merino garments never cling to your skin the way some synthetics can. And it’s naturally odour resistant, absorbing perspiration and releasing it into the air as vapour. Comforting to know when the temperature rises
Merino wasn’t invented in a laboratory by men in white coats; it’s the natural by-product of millions of years of evolution. A process that’s resulted in something that gives an animal year-round protection in some harsh climatic conditions. From baking summers to freezing winters, from dust storms to downpours - whatever the elements throw at it, Merino deals with it. And it does so with a strength and resilience, which belies its extraordinary softness and fineness. Even the best-funded R&D program would struggle to invent such a versatile fibre. And unlike anything synthetic, Merino fibre is 100% biodegradable. Which might be another reason why you feel so good wearing it.
People tend to associate Merino with haute couture and fine, tailored suits. But the truth is, it’s just as much at home in less formal surroundings, where the emphasis is on lasting comfort and natural stretch as much as on style. And that’s why more and more designers are featuring Merino in their womenswear collections, in everything from skirts and jackets to wraps and leggings. While for men, nothing teams up better with a white t-shirt and jeans than a simple, understated Merino V-neck. You can find just about every casual garment in Merino these days. Even jeans
The first rule for taking care of a Merino garment is exactly the same as for any other kind of fibre: read the label. You might be surprised how few rules and restrictions there actually are. Because Merino explodes the myth that wool is difficult to care for. The fact is, most of it can be ironed, and can be washed, and can be tumble-dried. And it will still keep its shape. So as long as it’s put on a hanger or folded in a drawer, there is no reason why a much-loved Merino garment can’t last for many years. And still look and feel as special as the first day you put it on.
Warm, breathable, moisture repellent and anti-static, no wonder Merino is chosen by so many mountaineers and elite athletes to help them perform at their peak. It has the capacity to deal with moisture like no other fabric, absorbing perspiration and releasing it into the air as vapour. And it’s naturally odour resistant too. Luxuriously soft and gentle against the skin, it reacts to your body’s temperature, keeping you warm when it’s cold and releasing body heat and moisture when it’s hot. It’s like an intelligent second skin, responding to your body’s needs. And the natural elasticity and resilience of Merino enables it to spring back into shape with ease. It’s a high performer on every level
Because of its luxurious feel, most people only think of Merino in terms of high quality clothing. But the fact is you don’t have to wear Merino to appreciate its amazing softness. Wherever you touch a fabric around the home you’ll notice the Merino difference, whether it’s in carpets, bedding and upholstery, or in curtains and throws. Merino has the ability to withstand the typical wear and tear of family life, bouncing back and looking as good as new. It’s also one of the safest fibres to have in the home because of its natural high resistance to flame and heat. All in all, it’s breathable, washable, durable and wonderfully comfortable.
Imagine your bare feet sinking into the sumptuous softness of a Merino carpet or rug. It’s not such an impractical luxury. Merino wool carpets are surprisingly durable and easy to care for. Naturally dirt repellent, it makes vacuuming all the more effective. It’s also naturally resistant to flame and heat. Warm, comfortable and luxurious, Merino is one of the safest and healthiest fabrics to have in the home.
Warm in the winter and cool in the summer, Merino makes the most comforting and luxurious bedding. And because it moves moisture away from the body, it allows you to maintain a more consistent body temperature throughout the night, whatever the season. It even inhibits bacteria growth for fewer allergenic problems. Gorgeously soft and sumptuous, Merino bedding keeps its good looks. It’s also machine washable on a 40-degree gentle action cycle, so it’s easy to care for. From beautiful blankets of various weights, to Merino wool-filled quilts and mattresses, you can be sure that Merino will improve the quality of your sleep