Name an animal fabric with luxurious characteristics that are often not priced like a luxury. It’s none other than merino wool fabric! Merino wools can be as thick as regular wool, to even finer than cashmere. The finer the wool, the more expensive it is. Luckily, due to mass production and huge supply chains, it almost never costs as much as the luxury of vicuna and cashmere. Still, the price can be fairly high depending on the brand and quality.

If you wanted to get a luxury wool fabric, but could not afford due to the excessive price, merino wool should not disappoint you. Merino wool can easily be called the king of sheep wool. It’s soft, fine, durable, and quite versatile. 

Hi, this is the team Muslin Dhaka. We are a group of fabric experts, fashion designers, and marketers. For the last few years, we have been working with Dhaka muslin, vicuna, cashmere, merino, and many other luxury fabrics from around the world. With our contemporary knowledge and experience about the luxe wool fashion, we can easily provide the most insightful information to you.

In this article, we will explore all the characteristics and experiences of Merino fabric. We will also discuss the history, uses, care instructions, and what makes it different from other types of luxury wool.

Let us start with an introduction. 

What is Merino Wool?

Merino wool is a hair fiber from a very specific breed of sheep called the merino sheep. Unlike regular sheep, merino sheep produce fine and softer wool. Fine merino wool is softer than cotton. Marino wool can be so fine that the finest merino wool can be 1/10th of a common human hair. Marino sheep wool is produced in many different parts of the world. But the majority of the merino wool comes from the United States, Australia, Spain, and South Africa. Although it comes from sheep, it has some major differences from regular sheep wool. If we consider its fascinating characteristics, it can easily be put in the category of luxury. Let’s check out the key features of merino wool. Later, we will also discuss Marino fabrics.

• Versatility

Marino wool fibers are quite versatile and can be used to make different types of garments and winter wear. You can find merino wool sweaters, jackets, and also t-shirts, tops, etc.

• Durability

Merino wool is quite durable and suitable for regular use. This makes it different from other luxury wools. Other luxury wools are mostly delicate and prone to damage. But you can be comfortable with merino wool.

• Anti-odor 

Merino wool comes with anti-odor properties. So it can be worn for a long time, even multiple days, without worrying about body odor.

• Water Resistant

Merino wool is water-resistant and does not absorb much water. It keeps insulating even in the rain. 

• Hypo-allergic

Unlike other types of wool, merino wool comes with hypoallergenic properties. People with allergies and sensitive skin can easily wear it.

• Hard to catch fire

Merino wool does not burn so easily.

• Smooth

If you look at the microscopic characteristics of merino wool, this will be clearer. Merino wool fiber has fewer uneven spots than regular wool, which makes it smoother. However, it is not ultra-smooth like cashmere. But comes with a good feel to the skin.

So those are the basic characteristics of merino wool fiber.

Now let’s get back to the Merino fabric. Here are the highlights of merino wool fabric.

At a Glance Merino Fabric

Industrial Name	Merino wool fabric
Origin	Spain
Other Names	Spanish wool fabric
Construction	Can be woven or knitted
Weight	Medium.
Color	Natural White.
Airflow	Medium.
Moisture Absorbance	Low.
Weaving	Knitted or woven with twill and other techniques.
Stretch	Comes with a natural stretch.
Heat Insulation	High.
Shrinkage Ratio	No.
Usage	Used to make garments and home accessories.

History of Merino Wool

The history of merino wool goes back to the 12th to 13th centuries. In the beginning, everything was equal. European countries used to compete in the production and importation of wool. However, in the 1300s, the Spanish discovered merino wool, which gave them an uneven advantage in the wool industry. Merino wool was a lot finer than regular wool. But it is unclear where the breed came from.

It was believed that merino wool came from Morocco to Spain. But it was not accurate; a more accurate assumption was that it was bred between a Moroccan ship and a Spanish rum. More modern research shows that merino sheep have genes from many other breeds, like English sheep and other good breeds of sheep. So it is quite a mystery how exactly they achieved such a higher level of breeding techniques. 

With the help of merino wool, Spain built an industry so large that it became the backbone of its economy throughout history. Until the 18th century, it was a serious offense to import merino sheep outside the country. 

After 1723, Sprain gifted some merino wool to the British Isles and Sweden. Within a short time, merino wool became common in the whole of Europe. With the help of British colonies, merino wool reached other parts of the world. But their production started in the most suitable environment for sheep. Australia and South Africa became some of the largest producers of Merino sheep. Due to merino sheep’s easy farming and environmental friendliness, merino farming is encouraged in many parts of the world. Today, merino wool products are integral parts of the fabric and fashion industry. 

How is Merino fabric made?

Making merino fabric with merino wool is a long, tiring process. Merino wool is more valuable than regular wool, so the production process is slightly different. There are many farmers who does everything by hand, and there are also dedicated industries for merino wool processing. Here are the detailed steps for making merino fiber.

Merino Sheep Farming: Farming merino Sheep for the best qualities of merino wool is quite hard. First, you must get a good and pure breed of merino wool that produces fine wool. Not all Merino sheep are equal. The sheep must be kept in a healthy, well-fed, and stress-free condition to get good quality merino wool from them. 

Shearing: Marino wool can be harvested once in 2-6 months. It depends on the sub-breeds of merino wool. The shearing process is done by the shearing machine.

Sorting: Once the wool is sheared, it is then sorted with careful and experienced hands. Wool from the belly and legs is often sorted out. Dirty, muddy ones are also removed from the wool. Then, more delicate sorting takes place depending on the thickness of the fiber.

Processing: Once the wool is sorted, a bale is made with it. The wool bale is sent to processing facilities where the wool is washed and processed. Sheep wool usually comes with oils. After washing all the oil and grease, the wool looks snow white. 

Spinning: After drying the wool, it is again processed for yarn-making facilities. Some people prefer handmade yarns with manual machines, but most of them are made automatically. 

Weaving and Knitting: After the wool yarn is produced, the woven fabric of knitted garments is made with merino wool.

Types of Merino Wool

Merino wool is usually categorized by its thickness. Depending on the merino wool thickness, the material can show different characteristics. Let’s discuss them below.

Board Merino Wool

Board merino wool is the thickest and heaviest. It looks and feels similar to regular sheep wool. It comes with about 23-224.5 micron fitness. Board merino wool is not suitable for making garments that touch the skin. Sometimes jackets and overcoats are made with this type of merino wool.

Medium Marino Wool

Medium Merino wools come with 19.6 to 22.9 microns of thickness. This wool is sometimes used for sweaters and other garments. But it’s still not suitable for delicate fabric or blending with cashmere or vicuna.

Fine Marino Wool

Fine merino wools are within 18.6–19.5 microns of fitness. Most garments and winter wares are made with fine merino wool. It is also suitable for blending with other materials.

Superfine Marino Wool

This merino wool has an excellent fiber diameter of 15–18.5 microns. It is closer to cashmere vicuna and other fine types of luxury wool. Superfine merino wool products are very expensive and sometimes luxurious.

Ultrafine Marino wool

Ultrafine merino wool is the best quality of merino wool. It comes with 11.5–15 μm. Only the luxury products are made with ultrafine wool. It’s even finer than the finest vicuna. Baby marinos are often used to make this quality of Marino wool.

Characteristics of Merino Wool fabric

In the previous part, we have done all the basic discussions about merino wool fiber. However, learning about fiber is not enough. Let’s discuss the Merino wool fabric characteristics in the following part.

Appearance

Marino wool fabrics have a rich and classy outlook. Merino wool comes in a natural white color, which is most preferred. But it is also dyed in different colors. Marino wool is prone to bobbling like all other wool products.  

Softness

The softness of merino fabric depends on the thickness of the fiber. The finer the fiber, the softer it is. 

Breathability

Merino wool fabric is moderately breathable. It will keep you warm and also allow some air to circulate, making you comfortable.

Heat absorption

This fabric is known for its UV-protective characteristics. It absorbs very little heat from sunlight, making it suitable for wearing outside.

Stretch

Like all wool fabric, merino fabric comes with natural stretch. It is durable and has good memory. It’s less prone to losing its shape if maintained properly.

Water absorption

It does not absorb and hold much water. It has a natural water-resistant trait. This makes it a good choice for rainy weather. 

Shrinkage

Merino fabric does not tend to shrink. But it can lose shape if treated with harsh chemicals.

Durability

Compared to other luxury options, merino wool has better durability. It’s one of the fabrics you can choose for everyday wear.

Color retention

Merino wool fabric often comes in natural white. But when it is dyed, it retains the color very well.

Merino Wool Fabric and Environmental Sustainability

Merino wool may not be the most sustainable wool, but it can easily make it place among the top 10 list. The problem with merino wool is that most of its production is done by an automatic machine. Which is less sustainable than handmade wool products. Keeping that aside, merino wool, from farming to processing, requires no pesticides, harmful chemicals, or microplastics. The wool is also highly degradable. The fabric also lasts a very long time. 

The sustainability aspect of a fabric depends a lot on the consumers. Using a fabric for longer makes it more sustainable for the environment.

Uses of Merino Wool fabric

Marino wool is primarily used for winter wear and houseware. Sweaters, shawls, scarves, jackets, tops, and sweatpants are very common with merino wool. Knitted merino wool is used as winter wear. While woven merino fabric is similar to regular fabric. Different dresses, t-shirts, tops, and shirts are made with them. Coats and blazers are also not rare with Marino wool.

Marino wool also has applications in homeware. Blankets and comforters are quite popular.

The advantages and disadvantages of merino fabric

Let’s recap the pros and cons in the following section.

Advantages

• Inexpensive
• Fine like luxury wool
• Durable
• Hypoallergenic
• Water and fire-resistant
• Wrinkle resistant
• Odor-resistant

Disadvantages

• Prone to pilling or bobbling
• Quality ones can be quite expensive.

How to Care for Merino Wool Clothing?

The best way to care for any fabric is by looking at the manual and following the suggested methods. But that is not available all the time. In that case, follow the standard luxury wool care guides. You can either dry wash or hand wash merino wool products. Here are some instructions about hand washing merino wool.

• Wash with warm, normal, or cold water.
• Use wool-friendly, mild detergent.
• Don’t wring or twist, squeeze gently.
• Use a towel to dry out excess moisture.
• Do not hang; lay flat on a dry towel in the open air.
• Store in a dry, breathable place.

Merino Wool Fabric by the Yard

Merino wool fabric costs vary depending on the quality and fineness of the fiber. Low-end fabric can cost about $15 to $30. Those fabrics are lightweight but not the softest. Mid-range merino wool can cost 30$ to $60 per yard. Those are the most common, and for a good quality and merino experience, you can easily depend on it. Higher qualities of merino wool fabric by the yard are hard to find. You may have to spend over $60 to $150 for one yard of premium merino wool.

Where can you buy Merino Wool Fabrics?

Merino wool fabrics are fairly common, and you should not have much issue finding one for you. You can easily get merino wool products in your nearby winter wear shop. There are also some large brand that sells luxury merino products. You can visit their outlet. If you are okay with online shopping, things get much easier. Most brands nowadays have an online presence. Here are some of the brands and marketplaces you can choose from.

• River felt store
• Weir craft Store
• Happy Lucky Store
• NadyCat, etc.

To learn about the best brands of merino wool, check out our merino wool best brands and buying guide.

FAQ

Can you wear merino wool every day?

Yes. Merino wool is durable, odor-resistant, and comfortable. You can wear it every day.

Can you put merino wool directly on the skin?

Yes, merino wool is suitable for putting on the skin, considering its hypoallergenic characteristics. Board merino wool is harsh and not suitable for the skin. Fine merino wool is a great material for undergarments and winter wear. 

Conclusion

Quality merino wool experience is no less nice than other luxury wool. We tried to discuss with all our experience and expertise about this royal material. I hope this answers all your questions about Merino fabric.  

Want to read about more fascinating fabric? Read most expensive fabrics of the planet – A a tale of luxury.