Merino: this simple word is enough to transport us to a world of softness. A natural material from mountain sheep farming, merino wool is known for being incredibly pleasant to wear. Extra-fine, the fibre is nonetheless warm and makes a smart choice for creating durable pieces.
If you are not convinced yet (it will not be long), we give you 5 good reasons to wear merino wool and introduce our essential jumpers of the season in this exceptional material.
Where does merino wool come from?
Merino wool is a 100% natural material, obtained by shearing the wool of the merino sheep of the same name, originally from Spain. Today, most merino sheep live in Australia, New Zealand, South America or South Africa. These sheep can be shorn no more than twice a year, making this wool rare and precious. Merino fibres are between 16.5 and 24 micrometres thick (for comparison, human hair is around 30 micrometres thick). Three times finer than traditional wool, merino wool does not itch and wraps you in softness.
5 good reasons to wear merino wool
A thermoregulating and insulating material, ideal for every season
Merino wool is known for its thermoregulating properties. In other words, it keeps you warm in winter and cool in summer. How does it work? Merino wool fibres trap small “air pockets”, allowing them to retain body heat and provide thermal insulation suited to every season. Another advantage is that merino wool fibres naturally regulate moisture. Wool can absorb up to 35% of its own weight in moisture without feeling damp. Precisely because it is thermoregulating and therefore breathable, merino wool limits odours and reduces perspiration. All these qualities stem from the fact that merino wool is a 100% natural fibre, of animal origin, able to strike the right balance between ambient and body temperature – just as it does so effectively on sheep outdoors, protecting them.
Thanks to its technical and versatile properties, merino wool is now widely used to make sportswear and base layers, worn beneath clothes. Merino wool is also, of course, a material of choice for creating premium pieces such as shirts, jumpers or trousers. It makes it possible to “replace” synthetic materials with a natural alternative while offering comfort and style.
A soft and comfortable material
Wool that does not itch? It is possible with merino. Merino wool is so pleasant to wear largely thanks to its fineness: the finer the fibre, the softer it is. Natural wool fibres are also covered in scales. In merino wool, these scales are not open. Merino wool can therefore be worn directly against the skin, without the risk of irritation or itchiness. A wonderfully soft jumper effect guaranteed!
A natural, biodegradable and recyclable material
Obtained exclusively from shearing sheep, merino wool is by definition a 100% natural and renewable material. As one of the “eco-conscious textiles”, wool is biodegradable and easily recyclable. Indeed, natural materials are the easiest to recycle because they are simple to break down into fibres. Wool recycling therefore makes it possible to create new garments from existing fibres or fabrics. This technique supports the circular economy while limiting CO₂ emissions linked to the manufacture of new clothing. In support of this approach, we offer jumpers in 100% recycled extra-fine wool for the autumn-winter season. To choose a garment perfectly suited to your style, explore our selection of collars, which perfectly complement a merino wool jumper.
A material produced with respect for animal welfare
Merino wool is one of the rare animal-derived materials whose production benefits the animal, since sheep’s fleece does not shed naturally and shearing helps keep them healthy. Yet while outdoor farming is, in principle, respectful of animal life, barbaric practices linked to sheep farming still persist, including Mulesing. Mulesing is a preventive measure intended to avoid the onset of myiasis (subcutaneous fly larvae) in sheep by removing the skin around their tails. Myiasis endangers the sheep’s health and therefore affects the quality and yield of its wool – which explains why farmers seek to prevent it in order to preserve wool quality at all costs.
While Mulesing is prohibited in Europe, it is still practised in Australia. To oppose it, all our merino wool pieces are certified Mulesing free.
Easy care
A quality material, merino wool is very easy to care for despite common misconceptions. Simply care for your clothes properly: to avoid damaging or shrinking a wool garment, it is recommended to wash it by hand or in the machine on a delicate cycle, at 30°C maximum, using a wool detergent. For drying, never wring or twist a wool piece, as this may permanently distort it. Ideally, dry your garment flat (rather than on a hanger), in the open air.
Our 100% merino wool jumpers
To make winter synonymous with softness, we can never recommend enough that you wrap yourself in a jumper made from a natural, noble and durable material such as merino wool. Pair them with a white shirt or a fitted shirt for a more formal look.
This season, we present two merino wool styles: a roll neck jumper and a polo shirt jumper. Both are very fine, slipping easily into layers beneath a jacket, a coat or over a shirt, while keeping you warm throughout the day with a second-skin feel. For an elegant and timeless look, they pair perfectly with a classic-cut shirt, for an outfit that is both comfortable and refined.
Available in bright, contemporary shades of navy and forest green, our roll neck style blends seamlessly into your wardrobe of essentials, alongside jeans, flannel pleated trousers or over a checked shirt. It can be worn on its own, but is also fine enough to layer over a t-shirt. It brings a casual yet refined touch to the silhouette, with complete discretion.
Merino in France
Originally from Spain, the merino breed has also shaped French textile history, particularly in Alsace, the South and the Massif Central. From the late 18th century onwards, flocks were introduced to improve the fineness and softness of local wools, contributing to a production recognised across Europe. Under the impetus of royal manufactories and passionate breeders, French merino wool quickly distinguished itself through its lightness and insulating properties. Despite the decline of farming in the face of industrialisation and imports, a few farms still perpetuate this craftsmanship today through respectful methods, offering local, traceable, premium wool prized by discerning spinners and clothing houses.
Why does merino wool appeal to menswear brands?
Valued for its fineness, softness and natural temperature regulation, merino wool offers comfort suited to every season. Versatile, it is equally suitable for elegant jumpers, casual shirts and knitwear. Its breathability, resistance to odours and lasting shape make it a popular choice for menswear brands combining performance and elegance.
What is the difference between extra-fine merino and standard merino?
Extra-fine merino is characterised by a fibre diameter of less than 19.5 microns, giving it exceptional softness and a very light feel against the skin. This fineness makes it particularly suited to garments worn directly against the skin, such as shirts or premium underwear. Standard merino, with slightly thicker fibres, offers greater robustness while retaining excellent thermal qualities. It is ideal for thicker pieces such as jumpers or knitwear, which require both warmth and durability.
A final word
To return to our sheep, merino wool is one of our favourite materials to wear in winter. Warm, soft, comfortable, natural, fluid, durable, eco-friendly and easy to care for (that is more than 5, isn’t it?): plenty of good reasons to adopt it without delay.
