What is merino wool
What is merino wool
Nature's own innovation
Merino wool is nature's own innovation, functioning equally well in freezing cold as in scorching heat. It's sheared from merino sheep, which over time have developed an exceptional wool coat, enabling them to withstand the varied weather of the Southern Alps in New Zealand. The breed is also raised elsewhere, such as Australia and South Africa. Merino sheep graze in large areas and move around a lot. Because the terrain is diverse, and the weather conditions fluctuate by several tens of degrees from summer to winter, merino wool, with all its benefits, is crucial for the sheep as well.
Soft
Merino wool is significantly thinner than traditional sheep's wool. The fibers of merino wool are long, elastic, and much finer than those of traditional sheep's wool. Due to its exceptional fiber structure, very thin and lightweight knits can be made from merino yarn. For this reason, the use and popularity of merino as a raw material have grown year by year. The traditional wool sweater has evolved, and nowadays, more and more often, it is made from merino wool.
Warm
Merino wool clothing is suitable for both cold and hot conditions. The garment becomes warmer the more air it traps within itself. Merino wool is the most efficient fiber in trapping warm air. This is also the basis for layering with merino wool base and mid-layers. The more layers, the more warm air is trapped between the fibers. Even a thin layer of merino wool provides more effective insulation than the thickest synthetic layer.
Breathable
The ingenious merino wool fiber also reacts to body temperature. When the skin heats up, moisture absorbed by the garment is released to cool the microclimate between the body and the fabric. This way, the wearer of a merino wool garment feels comfortable even in hot weather.
Antibacterial
Antibacterial properties are yet another superior feature explaining why merino wool is such an incredible material. This characteristic refers to merino wool's ability to self-cleanse. Merino fiber reacts with oxygen, evaporating odor molecules. The garment lasts longer with fewer washes. Merino clothing is maintained by airing it out. This is convenient, especially when hiking and traveling. Antibacterial merino wool clothing is also an ecological choice. Fewer wash cycles cause less strain on the environment. By reducing washes, you decrease your carbon footprint.
North Outdoor and merino wool
North Outdoor's main raw material is merino wool. Merino knitwear is a perennial favorite of the brand and made in our own knittery, Finland. Merino wool base layers, merino wool sweaters, merino wool socks, and accessories such as neck gaiters and merino wool beanies are constant favorites among outdoor enthusiasts and winter sports athletes. Our range includes plenty of different products for both women and men.
Yleisimmin kysytyt kysymykset merinovillasta
Merino wool has clearly finer and longer wool fibers compared to other types of wool, which allows for significantly lighter and softer knits to be made from merino wool. The fine fibers from merino wool offer unparalleled breathability and manage moisture very effectively.
Even thin merino wool knits insulate heat very effectively. The undeniable advantage of merino clothing is that you feel comfortable and warm, but the garments don't make you sweat, and moving in them is comfortable.
Mulesing on a surgical procedure used by Australian sheep farmers, in which a piece of loose skin is removed from around the sheep's hindquarters. The formation of scar tissue prevents blowflies from laying eggs and infesting the sheep's skin. The procedure is painful for the sheep if not done with anesthesia, and for this reason, all the merino wool used by North Outdoor comes from farms where mulesing is not practiced.
Due to its unique fiber structure, merino wool is much softer, more flexible, and lighter than traditional sheep's wool. The most common perception of wool has often been formed by traditional sheep's wool. Wool has been perceived as itchy and even rough against the skin. This is due to the thick and coarse structure of traditional wool fibers. Unlike traditional sheep's wool, merino wool fiber is extremely long and thin. This allows for the production of thin and soft merino garments.
Merino wool garments should be washed on the wool or delicate cycle at 30 degrees. We recommend using wool detergent for merino garments. For detailed care instructions for merino clothing, you can check here.
Woolfleece or merino fleece is a breakthrough that has been awaited! Developed as a result of North Outdoor's product development, merino fleece dazzles with benefits that are multiple times greater than traditional polyester fleece. Traditional fleece garments have used plastic-based materials that release microplastics into the wastewater during their entire lifecycle. The environmental friendliness of woolfleece consists of three factors: a high percentage of environmentally friendly materials, a long lifespan, and minimal need for washing. North Outdoor's merino fleece is 95% biodegradable. The material is supplemented with 5% elastane, which significantly extends the lifespan of the products. Merino fleece is also much warmer than traditional polyester fleece.
The greatest benefit of merino wool is achieved when worn directly against the skin. Merino wool has a natural ability to regulate body temperature. Therefore, the material feels particularly warm in winter and cool in summer when worn against the skin. If you prefer not to wear a wool sweater directly against your skin, it is recommended to wear a merino wool t-shirt or tank top underneath. In our range, you can also find merino wool underwear, such as merino wool boxer shorts.
Merino wool breathes exceptionally well and naturally regulates temperature variations. Therefore, garments made of merino wool are excellently suited for use even during the summer months. The thinner the wool fiber used in the garment, the faster and more efficiently the wool's thermal regulation functions.