Naked Family Points
Merino wool is becoming increasingly popular as a primary material for sportswear, especially ski underwear and ski socks. But is this hype surrounding merino socks and underwear justified, or is it just a marketing gimmick? In this blog, we'll reveal all the benefits of this wonder material and show you why you should actually choose merino wool when buying your next pair of ski underwear.
Where does Merino Wool come from?
Merino wool is obtained from Merino sheeps and is therefore a natural product. The sheep's wool is so special and resilient because the animals were exposed to extreme and rapidly changing mountain conditions long ago. Merino sheeps originally come from North Africa. Today, New Zealand, South Africa, and South America are among the most important export countries for Merino wool. You can read more about its history here.
Benefits of Merino Wool
Finest fabric
Most people find Merino wool very comfortable and soft. This is because this special fabric is only half as thick as conventional wool. Our skin receptors have a threshold as to which fiber thickness is perceived as scratchy and which is not. Merino wool lies well below the "scratchy threshold" and is therefore perceived as particularly soft and gentle.
Isolation
Merino wool consists of many small, ringed fiber layers. Between these fiber layers, a hollow space forms, filled with air. Since air is a very poor conductor of heat, the warm air from the body is not transported outward, and you cool down more slowly. The same principle also works in warm temperatures, as the hot air is prevented from penetrating the body. This means that Merino wool offers advantages in both cold and warm temperatures.
Moisture transporter
Due to its multiple fiber layers, merino wool can absorb up to one-third of its dry weight in moisture. This absorbs water and transports it into the fabric. This prevents the outer layer of clothing from feeling damp, ensuring high levels of comfort even during activity.
Heat dispenser
Moisture absorption not only ensures quick-drying clothing but also keeps you warm. This may sound false at first, but it's true. When hydrogen molecules collide with the molecules of merino wool, chemical energy is released, which generates heat. In this case, damp clothing keeps you warm.
Odor fighter
On the one hand, the good insulation and moisture wicking significantly reduce sweating compared to conventional sportswear, resulting in less odorous perspiration. On the other hand, the merino fibers have a very special surface that bacteria don't adhere to as well. Clothes smell when bacteria decompose the components of sweat. If fewer bacteria remain on the clothing, the sweat doesn't decompose and doesn't start to smell. All of this means that merino wool remains more hygienic, smells less, and therefore needs to be washed less often than conventional sportswear.
For precisely these reasons, we at NAKED Optics rely on merino wool for our ski socks and ski underwear. See for yourself and try our merino ski socks and our merino ski underwear – you won't regret it.
Credits: Elias Neier