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Merino Wool 101: A Comprehensive Guide


Practical and luxurious, merino wool is a wonder fabric that works for almost any occasion. It’s a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts and fashion lovers alike due to its unique properties. Merino wool is a prominent feature of Bellemere’s summer and winter collections, which is why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide. You’ll find out what's special about merino wool, from its origins to its easy care routine. Read on to become a fabric expert! 

What Is Merino Wool?

Derived from the Merino sheep of the highlands of Australia and New Zealand, this special type of wool has an ultra fine texture. Just as cashmere must come from the cashmere goat, only Merino sheep are capable of producing merino wool. 

We can thank the unique habitat of Merino sheep for the special properties of their wool. Temperatures can range from -20°C in the winter to +35°C in the summer, which means the sheep’s fleece has evolved to adapt to both types of weather. It cools the sheep in the summer and keeps them warm in the winter, a characteristic that transfers into the merino wool fabric. Merino sheep have developed an incredibly soft fleece over the centuries, resulting in a premium wool that is lightweight and comfortable. 

What Are The Benefits Of Merino Wool?

  • Thermo-regulating. Since it cools in the summer and warms in the winter, merino can be worn all year long. 
  • Smooth and lightweight texture. Merino wool is much finer and softer than regular wool. To put things into perspective, the width of a merino fiber is usually between 15 and 20 microns. Regular wool is usually at least 15 microns! 
  • Odor resistant. It absorbs and releases odor molecules, keeping you fresh all day long. This is one of the reasons why it’s such a popular choice for activewear. 
  • Sustainable. As a natural fabric, merino wool is derived from renewable sources and is completely biodegradable. Bellemere works with ethical farms to ensure all sheep are treated without cruelty. 
  • Wrinkle resistant. Elevated elasticity means that pieces can maintain a smooth appearance no matter how they’ve been stored. 
  • Hypoallergenic. Those who have been averse to wool due to skin sensitivities or allergies may change their minds after trying merino wool. Its soft texture is hypoallergenic and suitable for any skin type. 
  • UV Resistant. It has a natural UV barrier that protects the skin from the sun’s harsh rays. 
  • Quick drying. It releases water easily, making care and washing easy. 

What To Know Before Buying Merino Wool

Merino wool sounds like a dream fabric. It’s soft, smooth, lightweight, and comes with an array of benefits for your personal comfort. However, it has one trait that may seem unusual if you’re not used to natural fabrics. 

Sheep’s wool contains lanolin, a waxy coating that acts as a protective barrier. Lanolin is a completely organic material that makes a sheep’s coat waterproof. It also makes wool clothing more resistant to stains. It’s a sign of purity and high quality, but it can sometimes have a distinct odor. Don’t be alarmed; the smell will eventually disappear after a day or two. If you are still concerned about the smell, you can air out your garment on a clothesline or add a fragrance pouch to your drawer or closet. 

The Bellemere Difference

Our merino wool designs fuse quality with affordability. We use premium fabrics while keeping our prices reasonable by selling exclusively online. 

Bellemere offers a wide range of merino wool products, from everyday basics to activewear and special occasion pieces. Our designer line features a lavish merino wool/cashmere blend that provides a supreme level of warmth and comfort.

All of our fabric is of the highest caliber. We seek out high quality, sustainable RWS-certified wool from ethical Australian farms. Our suppliers don’t practice mulesing, a cruel practice that involves the removal of wool-bearing skin and can often lead to infection. You can enjoy our clothing knowing that you’ve made a smart and sustainable investment. 

The Different Types Of Merino Wool 

The Different Types Of Merino Wool

Casual Merino Wool Pieces: Round Neck T-Shirt, Crew-Neck Sweater, T-Shirt Dress

The Different Types Of Merino Wool

Formal Merino Wool Pieces: Overcoat, Pleated Long Skirt, Flared Dress

The Different Types Of Merino Wool

Sporty Merino Wool Pieces: Half-Zip Hoodie and Joggers Set, Diamond Texture Half-Zip Sweater, Super Fine Joggers

Bellemere uses a heavier fabric for coats and jackets, and a soft knit for sweaters, cardigans, t-shirts, dresses, and skirts. 

How To Care For Merino Wool

An easy care routine is yet another benefit of merino wool. As it’s odor-resistant and lanolin provides protection against stains, you’ll likely find that you don’t need to wash merino as often as other fabrics. 

1. We recommend a gentle hand wash when it’s time to refresh your merino pieces. You can use a delicate detergent or a specialized wool wash.

2. Merino wool should never be tumble dried, but fortunately air drying won’t take too long due to its water releasing properties. You can hang your clothing on an air dryer for convenience, but laying it flat on a towel and flipping it occasionally will help maintain shape. 

3. Note that pilling is a natural occurrence in merino wool. It’s simply shorter fibers moving towards the surface of the item. You can avoid pilling by washing the item after the first few wears. If pilling eventually occurs, you can restore your garment’s smooth appearance with a fine tooth comb or a fabric shaver. 

Upgrade your wardrobe with our stylish merino wool collection today!