Merino wool for summer or winter: What’s the right choice?

When you think of wool, thick, warm winter gear comes to mind. The idea of wearing wool in warm weather might seem counterintuitive. However, Merino wool is a different beast entirely. Unlike the scratchy, heavy wool of yesteryear, ultrafine Merino wool is perfectly suited for spring, summer, and even scorching hot conditions, a versatility that makes it a go-to choice for knitted clothing manufacturers.

Its unique natural properties make Merino wool for summer or winter a perfect choice for staying comfortable, dry, and odor-free when temperatures rise. Whether you're on a demanding military mission, strenuous hike, trail running through badlands, or having a few beers on your porch, it performs consistently.

Merino wool, sourced from Merino sheep, has a microscopic fiber structure that gives it an edge over many synthetic and natural fabrics in a hot climate.

Does merino wool keep you cool or warm?

This may sound weird, but Merino wool works in both warm and cold weather. In warm conditions, its wicking and breathability properties help to drive away heat, creating a cooling effect. This makes it an ideal "active" fiber, adapting to your body's needs. And in cold weather, it keeps you warm. No black magic or marketing nonsense, it simply works.

Are merino wool socks good for summer?

Yes. For soldiers, hikers, runners, and other outdoorspeople, Merino wool socks are fantabulous in hot weather. They prevent blisters by wicking away moisture that causes friction. This is crucial during long marches and long hikes.

Their breathability keeps feet cooler than cotton, and their odor resistance means you can wear the same pair for multiple days on a trail without becoming a toxic avenger. They also dry quickly.

The seemingly contradictory concept of wearing wool in summer actually makes perfect sense when you understand how Merino wool works.

Stay cool when the heat is on

Where heat, sweat, and movement meet, merino truly shines. The fine fibers naturally regulate body temperature, keeping you cool in the heat and warm in the wind or when the weather suddenly changes.

Merino absorbs moisture without feeling wet and efficiently wicks it away from the body. The result: a consistently comfortable, dry feel – even on long tours. Another often underrated benefit: merino wool is naturally antibacterial and odor-resistant.

Another benefit is his crimped shape, which means that each fiber is curled. Due to the crimp of the fibers, Merino wool products contain about 60% air, creating a layer of air between the outside and the inside.

This layer of air acts as an insulator, keeping out cold air in the winter and reducing the effects of hot air in the summer. Merino wool also has a high moisture absorption rate and is good at regulating temperature and humidity.

And to top it all, it has the effect of blocking ultraviolet rays. It reflects ultraviolet rays, so the skin is not exposed to direct sunlight. This means that wearing merino wool clothing can protect your skin from ultraviolet rays.

But Merino wool has its downsides: price and durability. However, durability can be improved by blending in some synthetics, and the price isn’t that bad when you consider what awesome stuff you get with it.

Credits: Go Outdoors

So we can wear it all year long

Merino wool is as versatile as it is soft and comfortable to wear, precisely due to its fine fibres, clever structure and breathability - which is how merino wool keeps you warm in winter and cool in summer.

All wool types can be warm, but with merino you’ll experience its moisture management, natural odour regulation and luxurious softness without the bulky, scratchy feeling that can come with traditional sheep’s wool. It’s also more durable than cashmere, and can be enjoyed throughout the seasons, no matter what the trail may hold.

Hope you enjoyed this article! Here at Knit-Lab Peru we are committed to offer premium quality products that combine modern technology with ancestral tradition. Contact us if you want to learn more or work with us.