When you think of performance sportswear, synthetic fibres such as polyester, nylon, and spandex likely come to mind. These fibres and materials have long been hailed for their moisture-wicking properties, stretchability, and lightweight feel. However, there’s one natural fibre that’s often overlooked but is gaining recognition in the world of active sportswear: Merino wool. Known for its softness, breathability, and adaptability, Merino wool is rapidly becoming the go-to material for athletes, hikers, and fitness enthusiasts. Let’s explore why Merino wool is a great fibre for active sportswear and how it outperforms its synthetic competitors in many ways.
1. Natural Temperature Regulation
One of the standout properties of Merino wool is its ability to regulate body temperature naturally. Whether you’re running in the cold or cycling on a hot summer day, Merino wool adapts to your body’s needs. The fibre’s structure traps tiny pockets of air, which provide insulation in cold weather by holding onto body heat. In contrast, during warm conditions, Merino wool fibres quickly wick moisture away from your skin, keeping you cool and dry. This dual ability to keep you warm when it’s cold and cool when it’s hot makes Merino wool an all-season performer for athletes.
Unlike synthetic fabrics that can trap heat and make you sweat excessively, Merino wool’s natural breathability ensures that you remain comfortable no matter the activity or environment. This thermoregulation is essential for athletes who experience fluctuating temperatures during outdoor activities like skiing, hiking or gravel cycling.
2. Superior Moisture Management and Wicking Ability
Moisture management is crucial for any high-performance sportswear, and this is where Merino wool shines. Merino wool fibres can absorb up to 30% of their weight in moisture without feeling wet. This means when you sweat during a workout, the fibres absorb the moisture and wick it away from your skin, preventing that damp and sticky feeling.
Once the sweat is absorbed, Merino wool releases the moisture into the air, allowing for quicker drying compared to many synthetic materials. This is particularly beneficial for endurance athletes, or anyone involved in long-duration activities, such as hiking or skiing, where staying dry is important for both comfort and performance. Plus, even when damp, Merino wool retains its insulating properties, ensuring that you stay warm in colder climates.
3. Odor Resistance
If you’ve ever worn synthetic sportswear after a few intense workouts, you’ve likely noticed the lingering odour, no matter how often you wash the garment. This is due to the bacteria that synthetic fibres can harbour. However, Merino wool naturally resists odour due to its lanolin content, which has antibacterial properties.
Lanolin helps to inhibit the growth of odour-causing bacteria, meaning your Merino wool sportswear will stay fresh for longer, even after multiple wears. This makes it ideal for multi-day adventures, such as backpacking, bikepacking or cycling tours, where laundry facilities may not be readily available. For athletes who appreciate functional clothing that doesn’t require frequent washing, Merino wool is a game-changer.
Because Merino wool inhibit the growth of odour-causing bacteria, the athlete doesn’t need to wash their kit after every wear, which results in less power and water needed along with making their garment last longer as 1,000 of fibres are washed away from all garments every time you wash them, weakening the fabric.
4. Softness and Comfort
One of the biggest myths about wool is that it’s itchy and uncomfortable. While this may be true of traditional wool, Merino wool is a completely different experience. The fibres are much finer and softer than regular wool, making it comfortable to wear directly against the skin.
The fine diameter of Merino wool fibres (typically between 17-24 microns) means that they bend easily, providing a soft and non-itchy feel. This level of comfort makes Merino wool perfect for base layers, which are often worn close to the skin. Whether you’re running a marathon or going for a casual hike, the last thing you want is irritation or discomfort from your clothing. With Merino wool, you can be confident that your sportswear will feel as good as it performs.
5. Lightweight and Stretchable
Merino wool is naturally lightweight and stretchable, which is a huge advantage for athletes. The fibres are incredibly fine, allowing for sportswear that feels light and moves with your body. Whether you’re performing yoga poses, climbing a mountain, or sprinting down a track, Merino wool stretches and adapts to your movements without restriction.
Many active sportswear brands are now blending Merino wool with other fibres like spandex to create even more stretchable and durable garments, but the wool itself already has a significant amount of natural give. This flexibility ensures that you won’t feel restricted or weighed down by your clothing, which is essential for optimal performance in any sport.
6. Durability and Longevity
Investing in sportswear that lasts is not only good for your wallet but also better for the environment. Merino wool is known for its durability and long lifespan, making it a great choice for anyone looking to reduce their clothing waste. While it may be more expensive upfront compared to synthetic fibres, Merino wool’s durability means you won’t need to replace your gear as frequently.
The fibres are naturally resilient and can withstand the rigors of active sports, including repeated washing and exposure to outdoor elements. Merino wool also holds its shape better than many synthetic materials, meaning your sportswear will look good and perform well over time. Whether you’re an avid runner, skier, or hiker, you can trust that your Merino wool gear will stand up to the challenge.
If you participate in multi day sports, such as skiing, backpacking or bikepacking, then you don’t need to carry additional kit with you. Simply wear Merino wool for several days activity without the need to wash it, unlike synthetic fibres.
7. Eco-Friendly and Sustainable
Sustainability is becoming a critical factor for many consumers, especially in the activewear market. Merino wool is a 100% natural, renewable, and biodegradable fibre, making it one of the most eco-friendly options available. Sheep naturally produce wool annually, and it’s harvested without harm to the animals. Once a Merino wool garment reaches the end of its life, it can decompose naturally in the soil, releasing nutrients back into the environment.
This contrasts sharply with synthetic fibres like polyester and nylon, which are derived from petroleum-based products and take hundreds of years to decompose in landfills. By choosing Merino wool, athletes can reduce their environmental footprint while still enjoying high-performance sportswear that meets their needs.
8. Sun Protection
Another overlooked benefit of Merino wool is its natural UV resistance. The fibres provide an extra layer of protection against harmful sun rays, making Merino wool an excellent choice for outdoor sportswear. Whether you’re on a long hike or out for a run under the sun, you can trust that your Merino wool clothing is providing some degree of protection against UV radiation.
While Merino wool isn’t a replacement for sunscreen, it does offer additional peace of mind, especially when you’re out in the elements for extended periods. This UV protection is a feature that many synthetic fabrics don’t offer, giving Merino wool another edge in the activewear market.
9. Versatility in Design
Merino wool is highly adaptable and can be used for various types of active sportswear. From base layers to mid-layers and even outerwear, Merino wool can be designed into different garments for different purposes. Its natural properties make it suitable for everything from casual gym wear to high-performance hiking and skiing gear.
Because of its moisture-wicking and odour-resistant qualities, Merino wool is also perfect for items like socks, which often endure the most wear and tear during physical activities. Brands are increasingly experimenting with Merino wool in hybrid fabrics, combining it with other fibres to create unique blends that offer even more specialised performance benefits.
Conclusion
Merino wool is more than just a luxury fibre used in high-end fashion; it’s a performance powerhouse perfectly suited for active sportswear. Its natural temperature regulation, moisture-wicking properties, odour resistance, softness, and durability make it an ideal choice for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts alike. As sustainability becomes more important, Merino wool also stands out as an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic fibres.
Whether you’re running a marathon, hitting the slopes, or embarking on a multi-day bikepacking trip, Merino wool offers the comfort, performance, and reliability you need to excel in your sport. Its versatility ensures that you can find the perfect Merino wool garment for any activity, season, or environment. So, if you haven’t already, it’s time to consider adding some Merino wool to your activewear collection—you won’t be disappointed.
