Merino wool garments are always a perennial favourite here at The House of Bruar. We offer a wide range of exquisite colours and shades in various styles, and really do stock something for everyone. In this blog, we will cover the ins and outs of Merino including the best way to wear it and how to look after and care for it to ensure a longer life for this luxurious natural textile.
Merino wool is a type of natural fibre that is made from the wool of Merino sheep. It is known for its incredible softness and warmth. Merino is a naturally insulating material which makes it warmer than other wools, and it is also water repellent, UV-resistant and will keep you cool in the summer, making it true all-season wool. Our Merino collection comes in a range of colours and styles, giving you plenty to choose from and lots of different options depending on the season. It has an amazing quality which helps it absorb odours caused by bacteria, resulting in a longer, fresher wear than other natural or synthetic fibres.
2. Where does Merino wool come from?
Merino sheep originated in Spain, where their original flocks have been said to date back to the 12th century. Later in the 18th century, Merino sheep were introduced to Australia and today merino sheep can be found in Asia, Australia, Spain and New Zealand, predominantly in high altitude and mountainous areas.
Australian farmers have made an important contribution to the development of the Merino wool industry and can be justifiably proud of their accomplishments. With a trained and registered workforce of over 20,000 who prepare, clean and process the wool from over 60,000 Australian farms in rural and regional communities it is no wonder Australia has the world’s more advanced wool industry that delivers first-class Merino wool to rest the of the world and fashion industry.
3. What types of Merino wool are there?
Different types of merino wool can be found from the various breeds of Merino sheep. The most common way to identify a type of wool is from the measurement and quality of its strand which is collected in staples or clusters of wool. Wool is measured in microns which is the unit of length equal to one-millionth of a meter.
Strong (broad) wool (23–24.5 microns).
Medium wool (19.6–22.9 microns).
Fine (18.6–19.5 microns).
Superfine (15–18.5 microns).
Ultra-fine (11.5–15 microns).
Ultra-fine wool is suitable for blending with other fibres such as silk and cashmere.
4. How to wear Merino wool well
A great advantage of Merino wool is that it is not as itchy as regular wool can be. It is also non-static generating, which makes it perfect to please even the trickiest of knit wearers. So if it’s a comfortable, year-round and affordable knit you are searching for, Merino will likely tick all your boxes.
These pieces are part of our Munrospun merino label which can be found in-store and online - see our online Merino collection here. Merino wool is regarded as one of the world's finest natural fibres and always takes pride of place in our collection, so shop our selection online now or visit us in-store to browse our Knitwear Hall for our full range.
5. How to wash and care for Merino wool
The important thing to note is that Merino shares a lot of the same qualities as cashmere, however, Merino is much more economical as it comes from the wool of a sheep. Merino is naturally softer and finer than most wool, but despite its delicate appearance, the fabric will stretch more than other fabrics and still return to its original shape.
To keep your merino wool in beautiful soft condition, there are a few guidelines you can use to prolong the longevity of your garment.
How to care for merino wool:
Wash at low temperature on a gentle machine cycle.
Do not tumble dry.
Line dry.
Do not wring to remove excess water.
Do not use bleach.
Do not use fabric softener.
Do not dry clean.
Use a cool iron avoiding prints.
Use a mild, non-biological detergent.
Protect the merino wool from:
Pilling
This is when fluff from the wool comes together in small balls on the garment usually caused by being agitated by friction. Pilling is found mainly in areas where rubbing occurs, for example, in the armpit area or on the shoulder from carrying a bag. It can also result during a wash cycle. To avoid this happening, use a gentle wash or hand wash cycle accompanied by a gentle spin cycle which will also help your garment keep its shape.
Shrinkage
When Merino wool is exposed to high temperatures the result of this can be shrinking. This is why we recommend you do not tumble dry your garment but instead dry it overnight by hanging it in a warm room.
Another way to avoid shrinking is to make sure you wash your merino garments in low-temperature water that does not exceed 30 degrees and if necessary hand wash.
Unpleasant odours
Merino wool is unlikely to develop a bad odour as it is naturally antibacterial and draws moisture and sweat away from the body and releases it. Your garment is unlikely to produce any unpleasant smells providing you air it between wearings and make sure it is clean.
Moth damage
To avoid moth damage to your beautiful Merino wool garments we recommend that you make sure they are washed and dried before storing them for long periods of time. An excellent natural deterrent against moths is Cedarwood. We would recommend storing your garments with Cedarwood balls if they are being stored for an extended period of time.
View our Merino wool collection online at The House of Bruar.
