Why Merino Wool?

Why is merino wool so good?

Thanks to the odor-resistant properties of wool from Merino sheep, you can wash it less frequently than other fabrics—even under consistent, heavy use. Merino wool garments are also breathable and quick-wicking, with many blends featuring recycled synthetics for durability, next-level stretch and ease of movement when you’re working hard. Wear our merino wool blend garments and wash them when you feel like it (or at least when your dog refuses to share your sleeping bag). Explore merino wool clothing that’s built to perform or read on for a closer look at why we love this fiber so much.

What Is Merino Wool?

Merino wool is a well-loved renewable fiber that comes from Merino sheep and is often used to make breathable, lightweight baselayer garments. When it comes to merino wool vs. regular wool, there are differences. Certain wool clothing is coarser and less breathable, often resulting in a slightly itchy or uncomfortable feel on the skin (especially during active use).

Unlike many other kinds of wool, merino wool is known for being soft. Not only is this fine wool almost never prickly or itchy, it’s also porous, moisture-wicking and breathable for year-round comfort when you’re active. That’s why we use it to make clothes like our Capilene® Cool Merino tech tees for men and women.

Benefits of Merino Wool

There’s plenty to love about merino wool, from its odor-resistant properties to its versatility for clothing.

Comfort

The fibers in merino wool make it soft, smooth to the touch and comfortable for extended use. Wear one of our merino baselayers or a pair of merino wool socks, and you’ll see what we mean.

Temperature Regulation

Is merino wool warm? Yes. Can it also keep you cool? Yep. Merino wool garments create an insulating layer that helps retain body heat in cold conditions while staying breathable, dry and comfortable when temperatures rise.

Odor Resistance

Merino wool also resists odor, thanks to its breathability and moisture-wicking properties—this allows air to circulate, reducing the buildup of bacteria and stink. It also means you can wash your merino wool garments less frequently than other gear, even at your most active.

Moisture-Wicking Action

Merino wool is great at absorbing moisture like sweat and moving it away from the skin, helping you stay dry while you’re working hard. And staying dry means staying comfortable, whether you’re hiking, trail running, or sliding on snow.

Versatility

Thanks to their temperature regulation, moisture wicking and odor resistance, merino wool garments are appropriate for a range of active pursuits. Clothes like our Capilene® Cool Merino tech tees keep you comfortable when you’re working your hardest.

Layering Ability

Merino wool is great for layering—which is why we use it in our Capilene® baselayers, socks, liner beanies and more. This fiber keeps your core and extremities warm and dry, giving you the option to add or remove other layers as conditions demand.

How Patagonia Uses Merino Wool

The performance properties of merino wool include breathability, temperature regulation, moisture wicking and odor resistance. It’s also a renewable fiber, so we consider it a preferred material for our technical and lifestyle garments. But where does this fiber and the other wool we use in our products come from? When virgin wool is critical for performance, as with some of our technical tops, we source merino wool under the strict guidelines of the Responsible Wool Standard. You’ll mainly find merino wool used in garments that require next-to-skin comfort and breathability. In other cases, we’ll use recycled wool. Many of our sweaters, pullovers and beanies are made with soft, durable recycled wool, which allows us to extend the life of a perfectly functional fiber that has already been produced.