Merino wool, just as the name suggests, comes from Merino sheep. The wool is obtained from two types of merino sheep namely Poll Merinos and Horne drams. Poll merinos have no horns or if at all any, are very small and are called stubs or scurs. Horned rams on the other hand have long spiral horns. These sheep are native to Australia and New Zealand and produce the finest and softest wool that there is. But depending on the climatic conditions, the grade of the wool can vary. Nonetheless, Merino woolis the most sought after wool available in the market. Garments made from Merino wool sell at high prices but are still very much in demand. But what makes Merino wool so special?


Merino wool is made from the finest quality merino fibers and is the softest wool available in the market. A micro-fibrehas the diameter of one-tenth of human hair and the smaller the diameter, the better the fabric feels. Smaller diameter of the merino fibre results into achieving a finer, softer and less scratchy fabric. Also, the presence of keratin in Merino wool gives it an extra-soft feel. The fibres of Merino wool are so fine that they do not cause any itching. The finest quality is called extra-fine Merino. This wool is used to make daily wear apparel and even bed sheets.


It is now a known fact that sweat doesn't cause body odour, garment does. Synthetic fibers create a home for bacteria which causes unpleasant odours. Unlike synthetic fibres, merino wool rapidly absorbs sweat and leaves no room for body odour.


Everyone knows that woolens are worn during winter months. So does Merino wool. It is actually known for the warmth it provides but for centuries it has also been worn by people living in extremely hot areas. The reason for this is that merino wool has temperature regulating properties. This is one excellent quality that Merino wool possesses. It keeps you cool when it's hot and warm when it's cold.


The merino wool also has a special quality. It insulates when it's wet. The inner core of the fibers is capable of absorbing up to 60% of its weight in moisture. The wool does not feel wet until it saturates. Its wicking properties keep the water away from the skin,maintaining the temperature of the body, or keeping it warm. On one hand, merino wool's core can absorb water, it outer layer has strong water repelling properties. The outer layer has a wax like coating that repels liquid. This layer cannot be removed by constant washing or processing, neither does it deteriorates itself. Water or any other liquid does not get absorbed into the fabric; rather it rolls off of the garment.


Another unique quality that merino wool has that it does not crease. Even if it is stretched,gets wet, or is hung up, it does not lose it shape. The reason being, it is rich in natural elasticity and has a large amount of stretch into it. It can be used for travelling purposes and other activities because no matter how it is packed, it will not crease. This wool is highly pliable, moves with the body and retains its shape afterwards.


Merino wool is also naturally fire resistant. When exposed to fire, the wool will catch fire but will extinguish within seconds without spreading or harming the cloth or burning the body if someone is wearing it. It has the highest amount of natural fire resistant from amongst all the textiles available commercially. Fire fighters' uniforms are usually made out of merino wool.


Unlike all other woolen fabrics which are treated as delicates and are usually hand washed or dry-cleaned, merino wool fabrics can be machine washed. This makes them more commercially viable. Machine washing merino wool is also possible because of its high durability. Modern production methods are also party responsible for the same. Merino wool also holds dye better.


Out of all the natural fibers available in the market, merino wool holds color the best. It is available in variety of colors but it can also be dyed. But this does not mean that it stains better as well. In fact, merino wool works in the opposite direction and prevents stains. The wax like coating that repels liquids, also repels stains. The coating does not let any kind of stain from getting absorbed into the fabric. Even if it dries before wiping it off, it stains very less as compared to other natural fabrics.


Merino wool is so versatile that it can be blended with different types of fabrics like fur cashmere, polyester or even silk. This kind of fusion can create some of the finest fabrics one can ever get. This also makes the fabric ultra-soft and highly comfortable and makes for high end garments. Lightweight knits, sweaters and socks are usually made from infused fabrics. One can wear Merino wool in the coldest of temperatures and also when the temperature is smoldering hot and still be comfortable.


References:


1.      Woolrevolution.com

2.      Wisegeek.org

3.      Gooutdoors.co.uk

4.      Numei.com

5.      Woolpower.se

6.      Wikipedia.com