Merino wool is often touted as being superior to regular types of wool, but what is it that makes it better? And what do we mean when we talk about non-merino wools?
What is merino wool?
There are actually thousands of types of wool, merino being just one of them. When we ask whether merino is better to wear than ‘wool’, we are comparing it against the other most common types of wool that are used for clothing. However, merino is in fact one of the most common types of wool used to make clothes today. Like angora or cashmere, it is named after the breed of sheep from which it is derived, but it is not considered premium wool.
Benefits of merino wool
Clothes made from merino wool tend to be lighter than clothes made from other types of wool. This is a huge benefit as some woollen clothing can be heavy. Merino is also considered softer against the skin, much like cashmere and angora. The fibres used to make merino wool are finer than in other wools. As a consequence, clothing is often less itchy.
One major advantage is that merino wool dries faster than other thicker or rougher wools. Not only does it help you dry your clothing out quickly after getting wet in the rain, but it helps wick sweat away as vapour. Merino is also more breathable, making it a great option for outdoor sporting activities, when you need clothing that is soft, and warm, but still breathable.
Because of its soft nature, you’ll often find that crochet kits, such as those available at www.woolcouturecompany.com/ come with merino wool yarn or other easy-to-use yarns that are made from blending merino with acrylic wool.
As you can see, merino wool offers plenty of advantages over other, thicker or coarser types of wool. Its finer nature makes it lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying and it is used widely in the clothing industry. As well as clothing, you’ll find merino in crochet and knitting yarns. It’s especially good for projects such as baby toys and blankets.
Matching the wool to what you knit
If you knit, the choice between merino and other wools matters even more, because each type has characteristics that suit different projects. Knowing the options helps you pick the right yarn rather than simply the one that catches your eye.
Think first about what you are making. For most garments, you want a wool that feels sturdy and warm in the hand. Sock knitters often choose a blended yarn, which gives a softer feel while keeping much of the warmth of pure wool.
Some yarns are made specifically for socks and for items that need to be firmer, so they hold their shape without losing durability or strength. Merino is a popular choice for jumpers because of its softness. Matching the yarn to the job means the finished piece will feel right and last well.
Why many Aran knits now use Merino
Wool has been used for clothing for thousands of years. When cotton was rare and expensive and leather was the main alternative, wool was prized because it stood up to wind and rain while holding in heat, and it was fairly easy to produce. In wet, windy climates such as Ireland’s, those qualities made it essential.
Not all sheep’s wool is the same, though. Irish sheep, exposed to the elements all year, tend to grow coarse wool that is better suited to carpets than to clothes. The first Aran jumpers of the late 1800s had to use that local wool, but knitters today can source it from as far away as Spain or Chile.
Merino, a breed of Spanish origin, is now one of the most common sources. Its fibres are typically between 15 and 23 microns thick, far finer than coarse wool, which is why it feels softer against the skin. Even switching from one breed of sheep to another can change the texture noticeably.
How merino performs in different conditions
Much of what sets merino apart is how it copes with changing conditions. It is naturally thermo-regulating, which means it breathes and adjusts to the climate around it, making it comfortable to wear all year round.
In warm weather, merino helps keep you cool by absorbing moisture from the body and releasing it away from the skin. In cold weather, moisture vapour condenses within the fibres, keeping warmth close to the body. Because the fibres are so fine, it also gives up water quickly, so it dries faster than many other fabrics.
Merino resists odours well. The fibres absorb smells and release them when the garment is washed, so you can often air an item overnight and wear it again the next day. Those fine fibres also mean it does not itch the way coarser wools can, and the fabric is tough enough to last a long time with proper care.