Hiking, camping, running, climbing - whatever you’re doing, merino has you covered. Insulating and moisture-wicking, this exceptional material works wonders in next-to-skin items like baselayers, socks and underwear. Paddy Pallin stocks a wide range of merino items from top brands like Icebreaker and Smartwool.

FAQs

What is Merino Wool?

Merino sheep have a unique coat structure that keeps them warm through the winter and cool in the summer. Transfer this quality to clothing, and you have a fabric that performs well when conditions and exertion levels vary. Made with ultra-fine and flexible fibres, merino wool is three times thinner than regular wool, making it a lot more breathable, insulating, and comfortable to wear next to the skin than thicker wools.

Is merino wool too hot for summer?

The short answer is: no. The words wool and summer aren’t generally uttered in the same sentence, but not when it comes to merino. Merino is a lot finer than regular wool and has temperature-regulating properties that cool you down as well as heat you up. Most outdoor adventurers swear by merino wool during the summer months.

Is merino wool itchy?

Because of its finer fibres, merino wool is not itchy like regular wool - in fact it is actually very soft. Some people with particularly sensitive skin might experience slight irritation with any kind of wool, so it’s always worth trying before you buy to see if it’s for you.

Does merino wool shrink?

Merino wool will shrink if you put it through a dryer. You can stick it in the washing machine on a cold cycle and then  leave it to air dry. Luckily, because of its odour resistant properties, you shouldn’t need to wash your merino too often.

When should I wear merino?

Because of its thermoregulation properties, merino performs best during high-exertion outdoor activities. It’ll keep you warm during your lunch break at the chilly summit, and keep you cool as you work hard to get there. You can wear merino during the winter as an insulating base layer, and during the summer as a standalone since it’s super effective at wicking sweat away from the body.

How do I wash merino wool?

When you do need to wash your merino, you’ll want to ensure you follow the instructions on the label.The best way to wash your merino garments is:

1. Turn the garment inside out.
2. Machine wash on a gentle cycle in warm or cool water, with regular powder or detergent. Don’t use bleach or softeners as this will affect the natural performance properties of the merino fibres.
3. Air dry by laying flat to maintain shape.
4. Store folded rather than hung.

What is ZQ Merino?

When browsing merino products, you might notice some products have a ZQ-certified label. Merino sheep can often be subjected to inhumane practices like mulesing if unmonitored. ZQ is the most widely established merino wool certification standard, and adheres to five values: animal welfare, environmental sustainability, social responsibility, fibre quality, and traceability. For wool to be ZQ-certified, sheep must be given their Five Freedoms: freedom from hunger and thirst, freedom to roam free, freedom from discomfort, freedom from distress, and freedom from disease. Every ZQ-certified grower adheres to requirements laid out in the ZQ Grower Standard, and farms are audited on a regular basis by a third party Certified Accreditation Body (CAB). This is not to say that merino that is not ZQ-certified is not responsibly sourced, however the certification acts as evidence that the wool in your garments is upholding both ethical and environmental standards.