Merino wool is considered one of the finest natural textile fibers thanks to its softness, temperature-regulating ability, breathability, and durability. It is a fiber used in high-quality knitwear because it ensures comfort in every season and is naturally sustainable.
What is merino wool?
Merino wool is often considered one of the finest natural fibers for clothing, thanks to its unique properties. But can it be defined as a fine wool? To answer this question, it is necessary to analyze its characteristics, compare it with other high-quality wools, and understand its value in the textile market.
Origin and Quality of Merino Wool
Merino wool comes from Merino sheep, a breed originating in Spain but now primarily raised in Australia and New Zealand. These sheep produce particularly fine and soft wool, with fibers that can have a diameter of less than 20 microns, making it much gentler than traditional wool.
One of the distinctive characteristics of merino wool is its elasticity and durability, which make it ideal for technical and luxury clothing. It is also breathable, temperature-regulating, and able to absorb moisture without feeling wet, offering superior comfort compared with other fibers.
Comparison with Other Fine Wools
In the world of fine wool, merino holds a prominent position, but there are other even more exclusive fibers:
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Cashmere: Derived from the undercoat of Cashmere goats, it is extremely soft and warm, but more expensive than merino wool.
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Alpaca: Sourced from the South American highlands, it is warmer and more resistant to moisture than merino wool.
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Vicuña: Considered the finest wool in the world, it is incredibly fine and rare, with an extremely high price.
Although merino wool is not the most exclusive, it is still considered valuable for its superior quality compared with ordinary wool and for its unique properties.
Use and Value in the Textile Market
Merino wool is widely used in the production of technical clothing, luxury knitwear, and haute couture fabrics. Thanks to its ability to regulate body temperature, it is ideal for sportswear and outdoor garments. In addition, its softness makes it perfect for clothing worn directly against the skin, such as sweaters and underwear.
Its price varies according to the fineness of the fibers and the quality of the processing. Extrafine merino is particularly sought after and can be expensive, approaching the price of other fine wools.
Why is merino wool so fine?
Merino wool is undoubtedly a fine wool
Merino wool is undoubtedly a fine wool, thanks to its fineness, softness, and technical properties. Although even more exclusive fibers exist, such as cashmere and vicuña, merino represents a perfect balance between quality, comfort, and affordability.
If you are looking for a natural fabric that offers warmth, breathability, and durability, merino wool is right for you.
Is merino wool also suitable for summer?
Yes, merino wool is also suitable for summer and the warmer months in general. It may seem counterintuitive, but even desert Bedouins consistently wear merino wool to achieve natural thermoregulation and protect themselves from the sun's heat, even at their latitudes.
It is no coincidence that, for example, men's short-sleeved polo shirt in extrafine merino wool are produced and have achieved a certain level of success in the clothing market.
Merino wool and sustainability
As the quintessential natural yarn, merino wool is synonymous with sustainability and can be produced indefinitely through shearing—the annual shearing of sheep that can produce this particularly fine type of wool, which is necessary in late spring.
Italian merino wool is naturally usually imported to support knitwear production in Italy and comes from major exporting countries such as New Zealand, Australia, and South American countries. For this reason, the life cycle of this fiber may be less sustainable due to CO2 emissions from long sea transport, as well as its origin in countries where animal welfare principles and the proper management of farm workers regarding issues such as ethics and safety are not yet fully guaranteed.
The short supply chain for Italian merino wool
A case study is the Lanaioli project, which involves a line entirely dedicated to producing men's and women's knitwear and related accessories using wool produced entirely in Italy, sourced from local breeders who preserve endangered sheep breeds typical of Central Italy, such as the Sopravissana sheep, found mainly in the former territory of the Papal States.
In fact, this project aims to make wool production sustainable not only from an environmental perspective, thanks to the lower costs and emissions resulting from the shorter distances the product must travel to be processed within Italy, but also from an ethical and social perspective. This is because wealth is generated throughout an entirely local or otherwise wholly Italian supply chain involving farmers, wool-washing facilities, and wool-carding and spinning centers, then dye works, and finally artisanal workshops that make the fine knitwear produced with Italian wool.
Guaranteeing compliance with national animal-welfare regulations and respecting ethical principles related to protecting workers, from the farms through to the artisanal production of garments, are further fundamental steps toward sustainable clothing production, which is the project’s goal.
Why Lanaioli chose merino wool
Merino wool was produced in Italy for many centuries. Few people know that, in reality, wool farms in Italy producing wool suitable for knitwear have declined so drastically over the past few decades that they have practically disappeared, because agricultural policies favored dairy production at the expense of breeds with different specializations.
One striking example of this decline is the Sopravissana sheep, one of the 17 native sheep breeds registered in the pedigree register compiled by the Associazione Nazionale della Pastorizia, the Italian association of sheep breeders. The number of sheep raised was 1,200,000 in 1960, falling to 765,000 just ten years later; by 1995, the number had fallen to only around 6,000. Today, it is officially an endangered breed.
Meanwhile, farms raising cashmere goats, alpacas, and other animals that have never historically been raised in our territory have become widespread. They certainly produce excellent wool, but they do not enhance our territories or Italy’s agricultural and pastoral traditions.
For this reason, Lanaioli has chosen to bring back a short merino wool supply chain from endangered breeds typical of our regions—a rediscovery that raises consumer awareness and brings them closer to a virtuous economy seeking to create positive impacts across a 100% Italian wool supply chain.
How to recognize good merino wool
To recognize good merino wool, the key elements to consider may include:
- wool micron count, generally around 20 microns for excellent quality, but higher micron counts should not necessarily be dismissed, especially when production is local and artisanal
- origin: naturally, we always prefer merino wool produced by Italian breeders for a positive economic impact on our local areas
- processing: our country is home to outstanding artisan workshops that produce for large and small brands. The quality does not change; sometimes there is simply a lot of marketing behind a higher product cost.
- Made in Italy: researching and finding a product made in Italy throughout its entire supply chain is now a very difficult task. In fact, Made in Italy is defined as: a product that has undergone its last substantial and economically justified transformation in Italy, carried out by an equipped company, resulting in the creation of a new product or representing an important stage in the manufacturing process.
How to wash merino wool
Here is a detailed guide on how to wash merino wool garments correctly.
1. Preparation
Before starting the wash, always read the garment’s label. Some merino wool garments can be machine-washed, while others require hand washing. Be sure to follow the specific instructions to avoid damage.
2. Hand Washing
Hand washing is the safest method for treating merino wool.
- Fill a Basin: Use lukewarm water (about 30°C) and add a mild detergent specifically for wool. Avoid using fabric softeners or bleach, which can damage the fibers.
- Soak the Garment: Turn the garment inside out and immerse it in the water. Leave it to soak for about 10 minutes without rubbing.
- Rinsing: Rinse with lukewarm water until all the detergent has been removed. Avoid sudden temperature changes, which can cause shrinkage.
- Removing Water: Gently press the garment to remove excess water without twisting or wringing it.
3. Machine Washing
If the label allows it, you can machine-wash merino wool by following the advice in our guide.
4. Drying
Proper drying is crucial for maintaining the shape and quality of merino wool.
- Drying on a Flat Surface: After washing, lay the garment on a clean towel and roll it up to remove excess water. Then, lay the garment on a flat surface, preferably on another dry towel, and let it air-dry. Avoid hanging the garment, as the weight of the water could deform it.
- Avoid Heat Sources: Do not use dryers or radiators, or expose the garment to direct sunlight, as these can damage the fibers.
Washing merino wool requires care and attention, but by following these steps, you can keep your garments in perfect condition for many years.
The key is to treat wool gently, avoid sudden temperature changes, and use products specifically designed for this type of fabric.
With a little patience and the right care, your merino wool garments will remain soft, comfortable, and as beautiful as new, so we recommend reading our guide to caring for delicate garments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Merino Wool
Is merino wool itchy?
No, the finer fibers are very soft and comfortable against the skin.
Is merino wool warm?
Merino wool is a natural thermoregulator: it helps retain warmth when it’s cold and promotes comfort even in milder seasons.
Can merino wool be washed?
Yes, following the instructions on the label and using a gentle wash cycle.
Why choose Italian merino wool?
For the quality of the fiber, supply chain traceability, and support for local production.
