Why Merino Wool Is A Must-Have For Your Winter Capsule Wardrobe
A high-quality, natural fibre, it's highly versatile and has a long list of technically advanced benefits which lends itself perfectly for all your winter-weather base layers. With its unique properties setting itself apart from other fabrics, it's incredibly soft, moisture-wicking, and breathable, which means you'll stay warm and dry even in the coldest conditions. And, unlike other wool fabrics, merino wool is hypoallergenic and won't cause any itching or irritation. So, whether you're planning a winter hike, heading out for drinks or just want to stay cozy at home, merino wool is a must-have for your winter wardrobe.
Benefits of Merino Wool
Merino wool is a popular choice for winter clothing for a number of reasons. One of the biggest benefits of merino wool is its warmth. Due to its unique structure, merino wool fibres trap air and provide excellent insulation, making it an ideal choice for cold weather clothing. In addition to being warm, merino wool is also incredibly soft and comfortable to wear. Unlike other wool fabrics, merino wool fibres are much finer, which means they don't cause any itching or irritation. This makes it a great choice for people with sensitive skin.Another great benefit of merino wool is its moisture-wicking properties. Merino wool fibres are able to absorb up to 30% of their weight in moisture, while still feeling dry to the touch. This makes it a great choice for outdoor activities, such as hiking or skiing, where you're likely to work up a sweat. Our Merino wool long sleeve is perfect for this, where its moisture-wicking properties also help to regulate your body temperature, keeping you warm in cold weather and cool in warm weather.
Merino Wool vs Regular Wool
While merino wool is a specific type of wool, it's quite different from regular wool in a number of ways. Firstly, merino wool is much finer than regular wool, which makes it softer and less likely to cause itching or irritation. Secondly, merino wool has natural moisture-wicking properties, which means it's able to absorb moisture and keep you dry even when you're sweating. Regular wool, on the other hand, tends to absorb moisture and hold onto it, which can leave you feeling damp and uncomfortable.Another key difference between merino wool and regular wool is its insulation properties. Merino wool is able to trap air and provide excellent insulation, which makes it a great choice for cold weather clothing. Regular wool, while still warm, is typically not as effective at trapping air and providing insulation.
How Merino Wool Keeps You Warm
As mentioned previously, one of the key benefits of merino wool is its warmth. Merino wool fibres are able to trap air and provide excellent insulation, which means you'll stay warm even in the coldest conditions. But how does this work?When you're wearing merino wool clothing, the fibres in the fabric trap pockets of air between them. These pockets of air act as a natural insulator, helping to keep you warm. The more pockets of air there are, the more effective the insulation will be. This is one of the reasons why merino wool is such a great choice for winter clothing.
Another way that merino wool keeps you warm is by wicking away moisture from your skin. When you sweat, moisture is produced, which can make you feel cold and uncomfortable. Merino wool fibres are able to absorb this moisture and move it away from your skin, which helps to regulate your body temperature and keep you warm.
Merino Wool for Layering
One of the great things about merino wool is its versatility. It's a great fabric for layering, which makes it perfect for winter clothing. When you're layering clothing, you want to make sure that each layer is able to perform a specific function. The base layer, for example, should be moisture-wicking and breathable, while the mid-layer should provide insulation.Merino wool is a great choice for both base and mid-layers, such as our everyday long sleeve, signature singlet and merino wool tee. As a base layer, merino wool is able to wick away moisture and keep you dry, which is important for regulating your body temperature. As a mid-layer, merino wool provides excellent insulation, which helps to keep you warm. When you're layering clothing, it's important to choose fabrics that work well together. Merino wool is a great choice because it's able to perform both roles effectively.
Merino Wool for Outdoor Activities
Particularly, if you're planning on spending time outdoors this winter, then merino wool is a great choice for your clothing. Whether your hiking, skiing, or just going for a walk, merino wool will help to keep you warm and dry.One of the great things about merino wool is its moisture-wicking properties. When you're sweating, merino wool fibres are able to absorb this moisture and move it away from your skin. This helps to regulate your body temperature and keep you comfortable. Merino wool is also breathable, which means it allows air to circulate around your body. This helps to prevent overheating, which can be a problem when you're active.
Another benefit of merino wool for outdoor activities is its durability. Merino wool fibres are naturally elastic, which means they're able to stretch and move with your body. This makes it a great choice for activities that require a lot of movement, such as hiking or skiing. Merino wool is also naturally resistant to odours and stains, which means it's easy to care for and will last for years.
Styling Tips for Merino Wool
Merino wool is a versatile fabric that can be styled in a number of ways. Whether you're going for a casual look or something more formal, merino wool can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
For a casual look, try pairing the INTACT Merino wool tee with jeans, sneakers and a long coat. Or alternatively, is you’re simply running errands or meeting friends for lunch, why not pair the Merino wool singlet with the Everyday long sleeve under your jacket, you’ll feel cozy and comfortable all day long.
For a more formal look, try pairing a merino wool dress or skirt with thigh boots and a long blazer and belt. This is a great option for work or a night out.
Check out the INTACT Instagram for more inspiration to style your merino wool outfits.
Caring for Your Merino Wool Clothing
Merino wool is a high-quality fabric that's designed to last for years. However, in order to keep your merino wool clothing looking and feeling great, it's important to take proper care of it.
The first thing to keep in mind when caring for your merino wool clothing is to always follow the care instructions on the label. Merino wool is a delicate fabric, and it's important to wash it carefully to avoid damaging the fibres.
And considering of the amazing benefits of merino wool is that it’s naturally odour resistant, it means you can wear more, up to 20 times, before it starts to smell and you need to wash the garment. This makes it perfectly suited for your winter wardrobe base layers.
When washing your merino wool clothing though, hand washing is always recommended with a gentle wool wash and avoid using fabric softener. Fabric softener can coat the fibres of the fabric, which can reduce its ability to wick away moisture.
It's also important to avoid drying your merino wool clothing in direct sunlight or using a dryer. Instead, lay your clothing flat to dry in a well-ventilated area.
Make sure you check out all our merino wool care tips as remember, to ensure your garments remain INTACT, they need to be loved to last.
A must-have for your winter wardrobe, merino wool is warm, comfortable, and eco-friendly, making it a great choice for anyone who wants to stay cozy and stylish this winter. And whether you're planning a winter hike or just want to stay warm at home, it's time to invest in some high-quality merino wool clothing and shop the INTACT capsule collection and enjoy the benefits of this amazing fabric all winter long.