Breathability, moisture management & insulation
All Merino fibres breathe. When the thousands of fibres are made into yarn they start to "Cross Bond" creating a highly breathable environment and "moisture management" system. Twisting the fibres together into a yarn also enhances the strength of the individual fibres. Once the yarn is knitted into fabric you have the advantage of he fibre, yarn and fabric working together and breathing".
"Breathing" means that moisture and heat can be easily passed through the fabric by the nature and characteristics of the Merino fibre combined with the construction of the fabric. Moisture is drawn from the body and passed to the outside of the garment where it evaporates into the air. Synthetic fibres cannot absorb moisture.
Synthetic fabrics only allow moisture to move by means of the fabric construction. If moisture is moved away from the body too quickly during periods of sustained activity, lactic acid may build up in the muscles. Merino, because it absorbs and holds the moisture before it is gradually evaporated away, maintains an optimum body climate which it is believed may reduce the build up of lactic acid in the muscles.
Insulation: Merino fibres and fabric allow heat to be kept close to the body when it is cold, but moved away from the body when it is hot. Synthetic fibres only heat the air trapped within the construction of the fabric and get cold when activity stops. Merino retains heat within the fibre thus keeping you warm even when you have stopped activity.
Another amazing fact about Merino is that even if you get wet, you won't be cold, as through the molecular process called "heat sorption" Merino fibres release heat to warm the surrounding moisture and keep you warm.
Odour-resistance
Merino fibres are naturally resistant to the build up of fungi and bacteria that cause the stink associated with synthetics. The molecules in merino are also resistant to the build up of external odours such as tobacco. As a result, 100% merino garments can be worn for considerably longer periods than synthetics without needing to be washed.
Stain Resistance
100% Merino is naturally stain resistant as the molecules in Merino resist dirt and stains. Our Taranaki and TeMata merino can be machine washed on a wool wash cycle (no fabric softeners please). Do not tumble dry as this damages fabric. Line drying is more natural.
Flame resistance
Merino is naturally flame resistant. The fibre is made from keratin just like fingernails and hair. Merino fabrics are used around the world in fire-retardant and "radiant" heat protective clothing.
UV protection
Merino is generally recognised as having a natural UV rating in excess of 40+
Softness (Handle)
The "micron" is the measurement of the cross-section of an individual Merino fibre. Merino fibres ranging from 18-19.9 Micron are considered the best for next-to-skin all-round performance, durability and comfort. As long as the fleece used is of the right quality, has been sorted properly and the kemp and any coarse fibres removed, and then spun correctly, Merino fibre below 19.9 microns eliminates the "itch" factor against the skin and ensures your Merino garment is soft to wear. The expertise required for spinning this grade and quality of yarn is highly specialised. As a result, there is a lot of "merino" out there that is definitely sub-standard.
