Merino: this simple word is enough to transport us to a world of softness. A natural material sourced from the breeding of alpine sheep, merino wool is known for being incredibly comfortable to wear. The extra-fine fiber is nonetheless warm and represents a smart choice for making durable pieces.
If you're not yet convinced (it won't be long), we'll give you 5 good reasons to wear merino wool and present our essential sweaters of the season in this exceptional material.
Where does merino wool come from?
Merino wool is a 100% natural material, derived from shearing the wool of the Merino sheep of the same name, native to Spain. Today, the majority of Merino sheep live in Australia, New Zealand, South America or South Africa. These sheep can be sheared a maximum of twice a year, which makes this wool rare and valuable. Merino fibers have a thickness of between 16.5 and 24 micrometers (for comparison: human hair is about 30 micrometers thick.). Three times finer than traditional wool, Merino wool does not itch and envelops you in softness .
5 good reasons to wear merino wool
A thermoregulating and insulating material, ideal for all seasons
Merino wool is known for its thermoregulatory properties. In other words, it keeps you warm in winter and cool in summer. How does it work? Merino wool fibers trap small "air cushions," which allow them to store body heat, providing thermal insulation suitable for each season. Another strong point is that merino wool fibers naturally regulate moisture . Wool can absorb up to 35% of its own weight in moisture, without feeling damp. Precisely because it is thermoregulatory and therefore breathable, merino wool limits the appearance of odors and reduces perspiration. All these qualities are linked to the fact that merino wool is a 100% natural fiber, of animal origin, which knows how to find the right balance between ambient and body temperature - just as it does very well on the backs of sheep outdoors to protect them.
Thanks to these technical and versatile properties, merino wool is now widely used for making sportswear or base layers, to be worn under clothing . Merino wool is obviously also a material of choice for making high-end pieces, such as shirts , sweaters or pants . It allows synthetic materials to be "replaced" with a natural alternative, while offering comfort and style.
A soft and comfortable material
Wool that doesn't itch? It's possible with merino. Merino wool is so comfortable to wear, largely due to its fineness : the finer the fiber, the softer it is. Also, natural wool fibers are covered with scales. These scales, in merino wool, are not open. Merino wool can then be worn next to the skin, without the risk of irritation or a scratchy feeling. A super-soft sweater effect guaranteed!
A natural, biodegradable and recyclable material
Coming exclusively from sheep shearing, merino wool is by definition a 100% natural and renewable material. As one of the "eco-responsible textiles" , wool is biodegradable and easily recyclable. Indeed, natural materials are the easiest to recycle, because they are simple to "defiber". Recycling wool thus makes it possible to make new clothing from existing fibers or fabrics. This technique thus promotes the circular economy, and limits CO₂ emissions linked to the manufacture of new clothing. Encouraging this approach, we offer sweaters made from 100% recycled extrafine wool for the fall-winter season. To choose a garment perfectly suited to your style, do not hesitate to explore our selection of collars that perfectly complement a merino wool sweater .
A material produced with respect for animal welfare
Merino wool is one of the few animal-based materials whose production is beneficial to the animal, since the sheep's fur does not naturally fall out and shearing it helps keep it healthy. However, while outdoor farming is generally respectful of animal life, there are still barbaric practices associated with sheep farming, including mulesing. Mulesing is a preventative measure that aims to avoid the appearance of fly larvae (subcutaneous presence of fly larvae) in sheep by removing the skin around their tails. Fly larvae endanger the sheep's health and therefore affect the quality of their wool and their yield – which is why farmers want to avoid it in order to preserve the quality of the wool at all costs.
While the practice of Mulesing is banned in Europe, it is still common in Australia. To counter this, all of our merino wool products are certified Mulesing-free .
Easy maintenance
A quality material, merino wool is very easy to care for despite popular belief. You just need to take care of your clothes properly: To avoid damaging or shrinking a wool garment, it is recommended to wash it by hand or in the washing machine on a delicate cycle, at a maximum of 30°C, with a special wool detergent. When drying, never wring or twist a wool item, as this could permanently deform it. The ideal is to dry your garment flat (not on a hanger), in the open air.
Our 100% merino wool sweaters
To make winter feel cozy , we can't recommend wrapping yourself in a sweater made from a natural, high-quality, and durable material like merino wool. Pair them with a white shirt or a fitted shirt for a more formal look.
This season, we present two models in merino wool: a turtleneck sweater and a polo neck sweater. They are both very fine, slipping easily into layering under a jacket, a coat or over a shirt, but ensure you warm days, with a "second skin" effect. For an elegant and timeless look, they go perfectly with a classic cut shirt , for an outfit that is both comfortable and refined.
Available in bright, contemporary shades of navy and fir green, our turtleneck style blends perfectly with your wardrobe of essentials, such as jeans, pleated flannel pants or a plaid shirt . It can be worn alone, but it's also thin enough to slip on over a t-shirt . It adds a casual yet refined touch to the silhouette with complete discretion.
Merino in France
Originally from Spain, the merino breed has also made its mark on French textile history, particularly in Alsace, the South, and the Massif Central. From the end of the 18th century, herds were introduced to improve the fineness and softness of local wools, contributing to a production renowned in Europe. Under the impetus of royal factories and passionate breeders, French merino wool quickly distinguished itself by its lightness and insulating power. Despite the decline of breeding in the face of industrialization and imports, a few farms today perpetuate this know-how with respectful methods, offering local, traceable, and high-end wool, prized by spinners and demanding clothing houses.
Why is merino wool appealing to menswear brands?
Prized for its fineness, softness, and natural temperature regulation, merino wool offers comfort suitable for all seasons. Versatile, it's suitable for elegant sweaters as well as casual shirts and knits. Its breathability, odor resistance, and durability make it a popular choice for men's brands combining performance and elegance.
What is the difference between extrafine merino and standard merino?
Extrafine merino wool is characterized by a fiber diameter of less than 19.5 microns, giving it exceptional softness and a very light feel against the skin. This fineness makes it particularly suitable for garments worn directly, such as high-end shirts or underwear. Standard merino wool, with slightly thicker fibers, offers increased robustness while maintaining excellent thermal qualities. It is ideal for thicker pieces such as sweaters or knits, which require both warmth and durability.
The final word
Getting back to our sheep, merino wool is one of our favorite materials to wear in winter. Warm, soft, comfortable, natural, fluid, durable, eco-friendly, and easy to care for (is that more than 5?): so many good reasons to adopt it without delay.
