Advantages and Disadvantages of Merino Wool for Outdoor Clothing

Merino wool is a popular material for outdoor clothing, known for its soft texture and excellent thermoregulatory properties. But how does it actually work? Find out the pros and cons of merino wool in this article.

Pros: naturally soft and warm

High-quality new wool has very good moisture-regulating properties. (Photo: Falck)
High-quality new wool has several advantages for outdoor clothing. First of all, it is a natural material, taken from the fur of merino sheep, and is therefore biodegradable.

Secondly, it is very soft and non-scratchy, making it a good choice for people with sensitive skin. This quality also makes wool a popular choice for close-fitting, functional underwear.

Third, merino wool has excellent thermoregulatory properties that keep the body warm in cold weather and cool in warm weather. The material also has the ability to wick moisture away from the skin, meaning it can dry quickly and keep the body warm in humid conditions. Finally, merino wool is considered to have anti-odor properties, which is a big plus, especially during periods of strenuous activity.

Cons: Sensitive and more expensive than synthetics

For example, merino wool is used to make intermediate layers, sweaters and functional underwear. (Photo: Burgers, Norway)
Despite the many advantages of merino wool, there are some disadvantages to consider.

One of the biggest disadvantages is that it is more expensive than synthetics. Merino wool is also more difficult to care for, as it is more sensitive to heat, moisture and friction.

The extraction of the material is also a continuing concern. Despite the very high standards of animal welfare protection nowadays, this issue is still controversial in some circles. As a result, recycled wool is becoming increasingly popular.

In addition, many allergy sufferers cannot tolerate merino wool products, which is why they prefer to use alternatives.

Another disadvantage is that it is less abrasion-resistant than synthetics, which means that merino wool products often need to be replaced more frequently and quickly. To avoid this, manufacturers are increasingly looking at material blends that combine the benefits of merino wool and synthetic fibers.