Merino wool comes from merino sheep. Merino sheep were first introduced to New Zealand and Australia towards the end of the 18th century after playing a pivotal role in Spain’s economy which is where they originated from.

So instrumental to our natural fibre industry merino sheep have been domesticated in such a way that they won’t survive without an annual shearing.

Over the years they have been bred to supply wool above everything else and their wool doesn’t stop growing which means that if they aren’t shorn annually they can suffer from health problems.

Merino wool is generally under 24 micron, making it really fine and very soft.

At New Zealand Natural Clothing we prefer to use merino wool that is between 18 and 20 micron, the finest option for the best quality.

We are big advocates of merino wool at New Zealand Natural Clothing and we hope you will come to admire its many benefits and qualities too.

Why is merino wool so great?

Firstly, it wicks well. This means that it takes moisture away from the body leaving your skin warm but not damp.

Merino wool is breathable and insulates effectively keeping you snug without the stuffiness that comes with less breathable fibres. Because of these qualities, merino wool adapts to different temperatures making it the best choice for any occasion.

There are a whole host of protective bonuses to merino wool such as;

• UV protection
• Flame resistant
• Odour resistant

By now you’re signed up and thinking that this natural fibre couldn’t get any better...well think again!

Merino wool is also lightweight, soft and naturally flexible to give you that comfortable fit.

And because it is a natural fibre, merino wool is renewable, recyclable and biodegradable. Three fat ticks for the environment there!

Merino wool will keep you warm, dry and comfortable plus offer you natural resistance to flames and the sun. How can such a brilliant fibre have flaws?

The quality of merino wool is second to none as we have seen but there are some things that may make you reconsider investing in a merino wool garment.

Firstly, merino wool is in huge demand and because of this it can be more expensive than some are willing to spend.

If you don’t care for merino wool appropriately it won’t last as long. No bunging it in the machine for a quick wash if you want it to retain its quality.

Merino wool is more vulnerable to moths, so keep this in mind when you’re storing your cosy merino knits! It’s also slower to dry so not the best option if you expect a quick dry option.

Overall, if you want the quality and warmth of merino wool - you’ll do a little bit of extra legwork to keep it in the best possible condition because it is more of an investment.

Choosing a merino garment can be daunting because there is so much choice! Merino wool plays a massive role in keeping you warm whether it's in a pair of socks, a knit or a base layer.

Here are some of our personal favourites!