Wondering about the best clothing material for winter wear? The answer is merino wool! In this post, we will uncover what is merino wool and what its qualities are that make it a perfect choice for extreme winters, and everything in between.
Kosha, the winter travel wear store | Buy Merino wool clothes here
What is merino wool and its qualities
Wool is one of the world’s most versatile fibres, Merino wool being its most valuable contender. It is 100% natural and in our environmentally conscious times, its sustainability and biodegradability are a plus.
Merino Wool
Merino wool makes for great winter apparel. This gifting season, gift merino! For the environment-conscious travel enthusiasts, buy them merino wool gift cards! You can buy these as presents for your friends, family and colleagues as this fabric is pretty durable. One can’t help but applaud its utility as it can be worn on almost any and every occasion.
Yet, these are but a few qualities to its credit. Read on to know more.
What is merino wool?
Merino wool finds its origin in the country of Spain. However, it is a belief that the world’s finest merino wool is produced by Australian woolgrowers. Apart from Australian merino, fine merino wool is also grown on the South Island of New Zealand. Farms across the United States have different sheep breeds out of which merino sheep stand out to meet the rising demand of this fabric.
This particular kind of wool, as mentioned, is procured from merino sheep which means it is a very natural method of getting a sustainable kind of fabric. This material suits well and matches with the views and standpoints of the environmentally-conscious consumers of today.
Merino wool natural fibers
This is a very sustainable, nature-friendly material that is softer than most other kinds of wool. Merino wool is known to be softer than both silk and cashmere! In addition to this, this wool is pretty easy to maintain.
In terms of pricing, this wool, being super natural and eco-friendly, can be considered expensive. However, it is less expensive than other luxury types of wool-like Cashmere.
Merino Wool Qualities
The three key winter layers are base layers, mid-layers, outer layers or shell layers. Maximum use of this fine merino wool can be seen in the base layers. Base layers are the innermost lining of any winter clothing. That is also the reason why they have to be made out of the softest kind of fabric – due to their constant touch with the body.
Another major function of base layers is that they prevent the body heat from escaping. They also make sure that the cool, chilly winds are not felt by the skin. Other than base layers, merino wool also is used for making winter accessories.
Cotton is another fabric that is used extensively in winter clothing. Kosha uses cotton for winter garments, especially mid-layers like pullovers and hoodies. Organic cotton and Supima cotton are the main variants. Supima cotton refers to superior quality Pima cotton. Both of these fibres are a very sustainable choice, especially for environmentally conscious people.
Winter accessories are the fourth layer of winter clothing. These accessories cover the otherwise exposed areas of the body. Winter accessories include gloves, mufflers, scarves, mittens, socks, stoles, shawls, beanies, monkey caps etc. Each one of these has a distinct feature. Apart from adding to your winter look aesthetics, the scarf makes sure that your neck region is covered and insulated.
Gloves keep your hands warm and make sure you get the necessary grip that is required in icy-cold regions. Beanies and monkey caps cover the human hair from extreme cold. They also cover the ears thus shielding them and preventing the chilly air from seeping in.
Although merino wool is a material that is highly in demand, being water-proof is not one of its qualities. This restricts its usage in the make of winter accessories like gloves etc.
However, the rising demand for this fabric is proof of its distinct properties. Look at all the qualities mentioned below and tell us merino doesn’t lead all types of wool! Go on!
The qualities of merino wool are –
BREATHABILITY
In extreme exertion, you need a garment that ‘breathes’, which means it must be able to absorb perspiration and release it into the air. No fabric does that quite like Merino.
The hydrophilic core of the Merino Wool fibre has an amazing capacity to absorb liquid – up to 35% of its own weight – so it’s better than synthetics at removing sweat from the skin, moving it away, and releasing it as vapour.
As mentioned, merino wool works very well, especially in base layers. The main objective of wearing base layers is to prevent the body heat from escaping. In such a scenario, it is necessary to have a fabric that sticks to your body whilst giving you the necessary amount of breathing space.
MULTI-CLIMATE
While synthetics are passive, Merino Wool is active, reacting to changes in one’s body temperature to keep you warm when you’re cold, but releasing heat and moisture when you’re hot. It is a fun fact to note that this feature of merino wool is called thermoregulation. That means that this material adapts and adjusts to the changing temperature of your body. Who knew clothes could do that?
ELASTICITY
The natural elasticity of the merino wool fibre means they stretch with the wearer but then return to their natural shape. Hence, there is a lower chance of garments sagging or losing their shape.
As it is a prerequisite for the innermost layer to be skin tight, the elasticity feature of merino wool is a win-win thus making this material a leading choice for the base layers.
HEALTH
It has a number of health benefits including improved sleep and a lower incidence of microbial infection for hospital patients. Owing to its extremely soft feel, this material is preferred for extremely sensitive skin. This has also led to its increased use in making clothing for newborns and toddlers!
ODOUR
Studies show that the wool fibre’s ability to absorb and neutralize unpleasant odours is far superior to that of other textiles.
Through its chemical composition wool can neutralize bodily substances which give rise to unpleasant odours, a considerable advantage when the opportunities for washing are limited. Comparative tests show that wool has absolutely the highest absorption capacity of all fibres.
SOFTNESS
Prickly wool clothing is a thing of the past. Merino wool is much finer than other types of wool and feels luxuriously gentle against your skin.
Base layer made of fine wool
Merino is the fabric that takes pride in its cushiony feel that any other type of wool might fail to provide.
As this material is used for the innermost layer, the gentleness in its texture is very necessary.
SWEAT/MOISTURE REMOVAL
Made out of natural fibre, merino Wool is more effective than synthetics at absorbing sweat next to the skin, and moving it away to evaporate, helping to keep you cool and dry during exertion.
The only element seemingly missing here is fashion.
Fashion – which is more about how you look, and less about how you feel. Here, too, merino scores a plus. With its soft and lush fabric in various knits and styles, wool is one of the most sought after fabrics this season. Merino Wool has numerous natural attributes that make it one of the most comfortable fabrics to wear.
Where to buy merino wool clothing?
At Kosha, feel free to check out our Tees and Thermals for both men & women, and also our speciality, Touch-enabled gloves. Its superfine merino wool fibres feel like silk next to the skin.
Wool merino gloves and accessories
Today winter clothing is a category ruled by the new arrivals of the century like winter jackets, parkas, and other such insulators. Wool, however, is still the frontrunner of the fashion industry as nothing says winter fashion better than classic woollen garments!
In the present world of online shopping, there are plenty of stores that have gained momentum with their specializations. Be it ready products like shawls, scarves, mufflers or raw fabrics like cashmere, silk and merino wool, everything can be at your doorstep at the flick of a button.
Depending upon your use of this material, it is available at various places. If you are someone who knits their sweaters or makes their winter wear, there are websites available where you can find the merino wool yarn.
Merino wool is a leading fibre when it comes to base layers.
Winter layering is a super crucial method of ensuring adequate insulation when it comes to winter outfits. Merino wool fabric is especially used in the base layers which are worn under normal clothes.
Kosha’s range of merino wool base layers is something to look out for! These base layers have a unique combination of merino wool and bamboo. Catering to old feedback that talked about the itchiness of merino wool, Kosha reinvented its product. Now Kosha’s bamboo and merino base layers make for the perfect fit!
These base layers have the feature of being moisture-wicking, anti-bacterial and durable. They also ensure anti-odour properties for consumers.
These are suitable for a temperature range that extends from 15 degrees Celsius to 10 degrees Celsius. They can be worn in lower temperatures that reach as low as -20 degrees Celsius by wearing the correct additional winter layers.
Check out Kosha’s base layers for men here.
Check out Kosha’s base layers for women here.
Kosha’s collection of merino wool fabrics is something to look out for! Although it can also be used in the making of other winter accessories like merino wool socks, scarves mittens and more.
Kosha’s no blister socks are of great utility to everyone heading out for any kind of work this winter. These breathable socks also include arch-support which is an additional benefit attaining the required grip.
Also note that these socks are stretchable, suitable for sub-zero temperatures. Like their name reads, these also make sure that they prevent the foot from any kind of blisters (mostly shoe bites).
Check out Kosha’s no-blister socks for men here.
Check out Kosha’s no-blister socks for women here.
For people looking for other ready-made merino wool items, there are some physical stores you can check out or various websites that provide this. While you are at it, check out the extensive range of base layers available at Kosha.
Kosha’s website, as well as the physical store, is open! Kosha has a very flexible order policy where it provides free shipping anywhere in the country.
An international order has a 50$ USD fee charged however, orders that cost above 500$ a free shipping facility. Once ordered, the product is shipped in 12 to 24 hours. For locals, you can expect the delivery in 3-4 days. In the case of international deliveries, expect it in 7-10 days.
Cancellations should be immediate and in case of returns, a return for another size or colour is possible for 15 days once the product reaches you required that the product you send is intact and it is in a good condition.
The Kosha store can be visited in Khar (west), Mumbai. You can drop in or book an appointment in case of any queries or consultation! (For free)
You can visit the Kosha website here.
This blog article is written/updated by Kosha Team Member – Sanika Totade.
