The fibers of merino wool are naturally resilient and elastic, thanks to their internal spring-like structure. Each fiber can stretch up to 30% of its length without breaking and immediately returns to its original length even if stretched by 20%.
It has been shown that nylon breaks after a 10% extension, and polyester fibers also have a lower elasticity than merino wool fibers.
The Merino is one of the most robust sheep breeds in the world and can live without problems in the extreme conditions of the harsh mountains where they live thanks to the natural structure of their fleece. The Merino Wool fiber therefore produces a highly durable fabric.
Merino wool fiber is natural, not a lab product like some artificial fibers. This makes garments made from merino wool naturally renewable and biodegradable: unlike synthetic microfibers, it does not contribute to polluting the sea with plastic microfibers.
Wearing garments with a high content of natural fibers like merino wool can help reduce the amount of synthetic microfibers released into the environment, and this is also a choice of sustainability.
What to do when washing a Merino Wool garment:
- Prefer hand washing or alternatively use a washing machine set to a delicate wash program.
- Washing a Merino garment should be done in cold water or at most at 30° in the washing machine.
- If you use a washing machine, choose the “delicate” or “hand wash” cycle.
- The washing machine cycle chosen should have a slow speed (less than 600 rpm is preferable).
- Use a regular detergent without protease (an enzyme) and without fabric softener.
- Naturally, each garment should be washed with others of similar colors.
- If the garment has zippers (for example, a wool sweater with a zip closure or other), make sure they are all properly closed.
- Merino wool garments should neither be stretched nor wrung out at the end of washing.
- Drying should always be done outdoors.
What NOT to do when washing a Merino Wool garment:
- Avoid using fabric softeners: these products coat the merino wool fiber with a film that reduces its natural breathability, thermal regulation, and sweat absorption capabilities.
- Do not use bleach: the chlorine in bleach damages merino wool fibers, so it is not recommended to use it to avoid ruining your garments.
- Dry clean ONLY IF indicated on the label: some merino wool garments are suitable for dry cleaning, but always make sure to check that the label allows this.
- Do not tumble dry them; it is always good practice to let your merino wool garments air dry.
- It's not essential to iron them: merino wool easily regains its original appearance after washing, so you might not need to iron your merino wool garments. To iron properly without damaging a merino wool garment, turn it inside out and set the iron to a warm or wool-specific temperature.
