In recent years, people have begun to recognize the benefits of natural fabrics and fashion designers took note. We are seeing fashion lines utilize the natural cottons, silks, linens, and the very best fabric of all: wool. Wool has been used over the centuries because of its durability and insulating qualities. In modern-day, we find that wool suits travel well, wool socks wick perspiration as we hike, and wool shirts don’t hold odours.
As good as wool is, the highest quality of wool is produced by the merino sheep. Merino sheep are primarily raised in Australia (since 1788), and this wool breed tends to be a bit smaller than the meat breeds of sheep. The fibres of their wool are unique, for they tend to be very long and soft. The Merino fibre types are graded (as are other wools), and the fabric industry takes the very best of these, the ultra-fine wool, and blends it with silk and cashmere for an exceptional product. Anything made of Merino, however, is an excellent buy because of this superior wool.
Athletes have found that they can count on clothing made from Merino wool for it is high-performance sportswear. Most aerobic sports, including cycling, running, hiking, skiing, and even mountain climbing, have top-notch clothing lines designed using Merino wool. There are a number of reasons why this wool is especially good for athletic use:
- Merino is great for regulating body temperatures. To get the full benefit, it must be worn next to the skin, but if you do, the wool moderates the warm and cool of your body. Wool wicks moisture away from your body, which prevents you from getting chilled as the moisture collects on your skin during exercise.
- Merino is the softest wool on the market. Those long fibres and the scales on the fibres are minuscule, keeping the fabric soft as well as flexible. This elasticity, with the long fibres able to bend more than other coarse wool types, allows fabrics to stretch then return to their original shape, another nice benefit of this fine wool.
- Wool and cotton both can absorb a significant portion of water, but the difference is that cotton will become cold as the water is absorbed. Wool, on the other hand, will stay warm. The importance of this is that any athlete using wool in inclement weather or during extreme workouts can avoid hypothermia, for that athlete will not chill down.
- Wool, including Merino wool, is anti-bacterial because of the natural lanolin in the fibres.
- Wool provides a natural UV protection—this protection far exceeds any other fabric on the market.
With all of these benefits, you probably already realize that Merino wool sounds like a wonder fabric, which it is. The Merino sheep produce more wool every single year, which means that Merino wool is a naturally reoccurring renewable fibre. In addition, this fibre is biodegradable, breaking down after disposal within several years as opposed to synthetic fabrics which break down slowly or not at all.
Knowing all this about Merino wool will make you a much more savvy buyer of premium athletic and fashion wear. One of the top brands in this industry is an Australian company which produces Eco Gear Merino. Their Eco Gear Merino wear is carried by 4Promote because it is such a superior product well manufactured. The sportswear, as well as daily wear, are stylish and comfortable. Currently, 4Promote proudly carries vests, sweaters, polos, and hats of Eco Gear Merino, and invites you to try out one of these wonderful garments.
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