Questions people ask about merino
What is merino wool, and what makes it different from regular wool?
Merino wool comes from Merino sheep and is measured in microns — the thickness of a single fibre. Merino.tech uses 17.5 micron Australian merino, which is roughly a third the thickness of the coarse wool most people remember from old jumpers. Finer fibres bend against the skin instead of pressing into it, which is why merino feels soft rather than scratchy while still insulating, breathing and resisting odour naturally.
Is merino wool itchy?
No. Itch is caused by fibre diameter, not by wool itself. Fibres above roughly 22 microns are stiff enough to trigger the prickle response; ours measure 17.5 microns, well under that threshold. Every piece here is 100% Australian merino with no synthetic blend in the body fabric, so there is nothing rough sitting against your skin.
How do I wash merino wool without ruining it?
Turn the garment inside out, machine wash cold on a gentle cycle with like colours, and use a mild or wool-specific detergent. Lay it flat to dry. Never use fabric softener or bleach — softener coats the fibre and destroys the breathability you paid for. Merino resists odour, so you can wear it several times between washes, which is the easiest way to make it last.
Is merino wool warm enough for real winter?
Warmth is set by fabric weight, measured in grams per square metre. 165 and 180 are lightweight layers for runs and mild days. 200 is the everyday weight. 250 covers autumn through proper cold and is the most popular choice for skiing and hiking. 320 is heavyweight, made for standing still in real winter — ice fishing, chairlifts, cold work outdoors.
Does merino wool shrink?
It can, but only under heat and agitation. Hot water and a tumble dryer cause the scales on the fibre to lock together permanently. Cold water, a gentle cycle and flat drying prevent it entirely. Follow that and the garment keeps its shape for years.