Why Merino?

What is merino?

Merino is a breed of sheep, first brought to Australia in the late 1700s, known for growing a finer, softer fleece than almost any other breed. Australia is now the world’s largest producer of merino wool.

Wool fineness is measured in microns, a thousandth of a millimetre. The finer the fibre, the softer it feels. Ours is 18.5 micron, much finer than a human hair. Each fibre also has a natural crimp, a gentle wave that traps tiny pockets of air. That’s where merino’s warmth comes from.

Why merino clothing?

Most of us learnt about wool from scratchy school jumpers and itchy long johns. That prickle comes from coarse fibres, which are stiff enough to press into your skin. Fine merino fibres are thin enough to bend instead, so they sit soft against bare skin.

Wool also works in both directions. It holds warmth when it’s cold and lets heat and moisture out when you warm up, which is why walkers, skiers and travellers have relied on merino base layers for decades.

Our merino long sleeve crew is 100% Australian merino with no synthetic blends, knitted at 190gsm and 18.5 microns in the same fitted shape as our bamboo crew.

So why choose merino base layers?

Wash less
Merino holds odour inside the fibre instead of letting it build up on the surface, so you can wear it for a few days before it needs a wash. Hang it up overnight between wears and it freshens up on its own.

Keep warm
The crimp in each fibre traps air close to your body, and our fitted cut with extra length in the body and sleeves keeps that warmth where you need it. At 190gsm it handles a cold morning but stays light enough to wear under a knit.

Not too warm
Merino lets heat and moisture out as you warm up, so you won’t overheat walking from a cold street into a heated shop.

Warm when damp
Merino can absorb up to a third of its weight in moisture before it feels wet, and it keeps insulating while it does. On a long walk or a day of travel, that means no clammy chill when you stop. 

Itch free
At 18.5 micron, our merino is categorised as super fine. This means it's designed for wearing in direct contact with skin and has a smooth gentle feel. Is it as soft as bamboo? Our bamboo is still the softer, smoother of the two fabrics. You might notice a difference when you first put it on, but you'll forget all about it 10 minutes later!

Look good
No logos and no sporty seams. A simple neckline and clean finish mean it can go from base layer to a smart top all on its own, the perfect versatile travel companion

Feel good
Merino sheep grow a new fleece every year, so wool is naturally renewable. Pure wool with no synthetics like ours means no plastic microfibres are shed in the wash, and at the end of its life, wool is biodegradable so it breaks down naturally.

Merino or bamboo?

Both are merino and bamboo base layers are a similar fit, fitted but stretchy for easy layering. The choice here comes down to warmth and how and when you are planning to wear it.

Bamboo is silkier, better for reactive skin, it has more stretch and is rated UPF50+. It’s very easy care, great bang for your buck and a great light-weight layer for everyday.

Our merino is suitable for a wider range of cooler temperatures, and it's an ideal choice for more active pursuits like hiking or skiing wear you may sweat or get wet. Merino's moisture wicking properties are exceptional, in addition it's our quickest drying fabric.

At the end of the day, plenty of our customers will end up with both.

Is merino environmentally friendly?

Wool is natural, renewable, biodegradable and long lasting, but like every fibre it has a footprint. Sheep need land and water, and cleaning and finishing raw wool uses energy.

As with our bamboo range, fabric is only one part of the picture. We’ve removed single-use plastics from our packaging, use recycled cardboard and biodegradable satchels wherever we can, and design classic cuts that stay in your wardrobe for years rather than a season, ensuring you get plenty of use and cost per wear is low.

Caring for merino

Wash cold on a wool cycle with like colours, avoid fabric softener. Dry flat, out of direct sun, and don’t tumble dry. Like all fine wool, merino can pill a little where it rubs, under bag straps for example. It's usually a good idea to wash your merino in a wash bag so it's not in contact with abrasive fabrics and to prevent snagging.

We believe that buying less, choosing well and making it last is the most environmental choice you can make.