Merino wool vs wool

Wool is a fiber gathered from sheep. Like our hair, wool grows in individual follicles that is then shorn off into fleeces. Trusted merino wool suppliers play a key role in ensuring that this process is sustainable and ethical.  The process is like how we humans get haircuts, in that it doesn’t harm the sheep, just leaves them a bit lighter. This natural fiber is highly valued by a merino wool knitwear manufacturer, who transforms it into premium, sustainable garments.

But it’s also a great natural material that’s been used for centuries around the world and one that can be produced ethically and sustainably by following standards like the Responsible Wool Standard.

What is Merino wool?

Merino is a breed of sheep. Merino wool is simply the wool that comes from that breed. It is not a quality rating. Merino has become popular because innovations in textile technology and animal science have combined to create much lighter weight products with next-to-skin softness.

Merino Wool is the world’s most versatile performance fabric. First established in Spain in the Middle Ages, Merino sheep and their wool were so valuable that anyone who tried to export the breed faced the death penalty. Now Merino sheep can be found in high-elevation areas in New Zealand and Australia, where Merino sheep run wild.

One of the main benefits of merino wool is its soft texture. The fibres of merino wool are much finer than those of ordinary wool, making it exceptionally comfortable to wear, it doesn't shrink or scratch. Merino wool is also hypoallergenic, making it suitable for people with sensitive skin.

Merino wool, like regular wool, has excellent insulating properties, which also makes it a great choice for warm clothing for cold weather. It also has great thermo-regulating abilities, effectively wicking away sweat and keeping its wearer dry.

You might also like: How is the knitwear production process made?

Merino Wool vs. Wool

The primary difference between Merino wool and other sheep wools is that Merino can grow finer fibers. This characteristic leads to some distinct advantages over coarser wool.

Comfort

As we've already mentioned, regular wool can be uncomfortable, especially for people with sensitive skin; they may experience scratching, "biting" and itching. Wool is therefore often blended with other materials or is more commonly used in layers that do not come into direct contact with the skin, such as the suits, coats and sweaters mentioned in the introduction.

Warmth

Wool as such is an excellent thermal insulator, but merino wool goes a little further than ordinary wool. Wool fibres are excellent at trapping body heat and creating tiny air bubbles that act as a thermal insulator, but as merino wool fibres are finer than those of regular wool, its abilities in this regard are a level above.

Ability to wick away moisture

Merino wool has fantastic parameters when it comes to moisture wicking. This makes it an excellent choice for active movement, as it keeps its wearer dry even under more intense exertion, but at the same time, this property also makes it a suitable material for hot summer days.

Wool also has the ability to wick away moisture effectively, but merino wool is no match for it in this respect.

Care

Another significant advantage of merino wool compared to ordinary wool is it's easier maintenance. While normal wool can shrink or deform due to water or high temperatures, merino wool is much more durable and much less likely to lose its shape or texture. It can be machine washed without any problems.

Merino vs Alpaca

Alpaca is seen as a potential rival to Merino if it can be produced in higher volumes at a lower cost. It shares many of the same performance benefits as Merino, but it outperforms wool and cashmere in the following ways:

• Higher warmth to weight ratio

• Comparably sized fibers are smoother and lighter (Alpaca fiber is hollow)

• Greater tensile strength

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.