ABOUT MERINO WOOL
EXPLAINER 101
MERINO WOOL
Wool, a revered fabric with a history as rich as its texture, has adorned the bodies of humanity for over a millennia. Yet, within this category of fibres lies a vast diversity that many may not be aware of. One of the most significant distinctions is between Merino wool and standard wool. While both serve as excellent fabrications for clothing and other textile products, the differences between them are profound.
Lets learn about the differences and how you can care for your Merino so it lasts for the long haul. Just how mother nature intended.
HOW MERINO WOOL IS MADE
A Deep Spanish Heritage, Perfected in Australia & New Zealand
Stop Counting
NOT ALL SHEEP ARE MADE THE SAME
Merino wool originates from the Merino sheep, a breed that hails from Spain and has been bred for its exceptional fleece quality. Over centuries, Merino sheep have been selectively bred to produce wool that is finer and softer than that of other breeds.
Standard wool, on the other hand, comes from a variety of sheep breeds, each contributing to a broader spectrum of wool types. These include the Romney, Lincoln, and Dorset breeds, among others, whose wool is typically coarser than Merino.
One of the most distinguishing characteristics of Merino wool is its fineness. Merino fibers generally measure between 15 to 24 microns in diameter, with the finest and most luxurious Merino fibers falling below 17 microns.
In contrast, standard wool fibers can range from 25 to 40 microns.
This difference in micron count significantly impacts the feel of the fabric. Merino wool is incredibly soft and smooth against the skin, making it ideal for garments worn directly on the body, such as base layers and underwear.
Standard wool, being coarser, is more likely to cause itching and discomfort if worn next to the skin, and is often used for outerwear, rugs, and upholstery.
CARE FOR MERINO
HANDWASH & DRY CLEAN
Merino wool is one of natures ‘super-fibres’, allowing for both breathability & retaining warmth. Due to the delicate nature of this knitted fabrication, often a careful spot clean & then airing the garment in the shade could be enough to keep your merino sweater looking & feeling fresh for regular wear.
To spot clean your Merino, simply dab the soiled area with water & light detergent (do not rub) then dry it off the damp areas by placing it over the arm of a chair in the shade.
If you do need to give it a full wash, due to the fine merino fibres our sweaters are made from & the intricate details in the embroidery,we recommend dry clean only for all Merino Wool garments.
STORING YOUR MERINO
HOW TO STORE YOUR MERINO
When clean, garments made of Merino Wool should be stored folded in a clean, dry area with a moth repellent. As these pieces typically sit close to the body, we recommend laundering prior to storage to reduce the risk of moth damage.
When storing your Merino, we recommend against hanging your Merino garments as they may result in stretching through the body & shoulders.
The Silk & Cashmere Companies' Merino Wool Garments are highly regarded for their luxurious wearability, modern style aesthetic and slim line silhouette, all of which are perfect for autumnal & winter season layering. We’ve shared some guidance to ensure that your gorgeous piece stands the test of time and can be enjoyed for years to come, just as it was designed to when we made it.
If you have any further questions, please submit a request to our client service team & we will get back to you
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