Merino Wool
Merino wool (short: Merino) is one of the most popular and highest-quality types of wool in the fashion world. Its exceptional fineness and softness make it a sought-after material for various garments. Merino wool is particularly well-known for its excellent wearing properties, which set it apart from other types of wool. Because it is unusually soft, it doesn’t itch on the skin, making it suitable not only for sweaters and jackets but also for underwear, sportswear, and outdoor clothing.
What is Merino Wool?
What exactly is Merino wool?
Merino wool comes from Merino sheep, originally from the Atlas Mountains in North Africa. These sheep are among the most resilient breeds, and their thick wool protects them from all adverse weather conditions and the extreme temperature fluctuations that occur throughout the year in that region.
The Spanish recognized the potential of this fine-wool breed and began to breed them. Today, Merino sheep are found in large numbers, especially in New Zealand, Australia, South America, Africa, and Spain—Australia being the primary supplier of Merino wool.
To harvest the valuable wool from Merino sheep, they are sheared like all other sheep, usually in the spring. The fleece is sheared in one piece and can weigh two to four kilograms. Before processing, the wool is thoroughly washed to remove dirt. Afterward, it is combed, loosened, and dyed. The fibers are then spun into yarn, from which the respective textiles are made.
Characteristics and Benefits of Merino Wool
Merino wool has characteristics that offer significant advantages compared to regular wool:
- Unlike virgin wool, Merino wool is exceptionally soft, elastic, and lightweight. These properties make it ideal for close-fitting garments like underwear because its fine, flexible fibers don’t itch. The elasticity prevents stretching, and Merino wool clothing retains its perfect fit.
- The wool is naturally highly breathable, meaning it efficiently wicks away moisture, creating a comfortable wearing environment.
- Additionally, Merino wool is temperature-regulating, making it comfortable to wear in both cold and warm weather. Merino textiles are pleasant to wear all year round.
- Merino wool is antibacterial and odor-resistant, which means Merino garments stay fresh longer, and unpleasant odors do not develop.
- Compared to other types of wool, Merino wool is particularly even and less prone to pilling. These outstanding features make it one of the most sought-after types of wool in the fashion industry.
- Merino wool absorbs UV radiation, providing good sun protection, making it especially attractive for outdoor clothing.
- The wool is also very fire-resistant.
read more
Merino Wool in Clothing
Due to its excellent properties, Merino wool is used in many areas of fashion.
It is particularly popular for underwear and sportswear because it is incredibly soft, lightweight, breathable, and gentle on the skin.
Merino wool also offers the advantage of being odor-neutralizing, which is especially appreciated during physical activities and in outdoor environments. Even on longer trips where clothes cannot be washed frequently, Merino textiles stay fresh for a long time.
Other areas of application include sweaters, scarves, and socks, which are perfect for everyday use due to the temperature-regulating and moisture-wicking properties of Merino wool.
Iris von Arnim Merino Favourites
The Iris von Arnim brand offers an exquisite selection of Merino wool textiles. Elegant Merino sweaters and comfortable Merino wool pants—the Merino favourites from Iris von Arnim represent the highest quality and stylish design.
Our Merino models are also popular in the men's collection—discover your new favorite piece there!
In our online store, you can purchase Iris von Arnim knitwear made from Merino wool, which is absolutely durable, timeless, and of the highest quality.
You can find more information in our glossary entries on virgin wool, Pima cotton, organic cotton, and cotton.