You may ask, what is Merino wool? This special wool comes from the Merino sheep breed. These sheep possess the best and softest wool of any sheep. For many years, modern Merino wool has been domesticated. Therefore, if sheep are not regularly sheared, it is almost impossible for them to survive (shearing is cutting off the sheep's wool). This means they must be sheared at least once a year because their wool is still growing!
Temperature regulation and breathability
Most people know that wool has excellent insulation properties. Although regular wool may itch and be uncomfortable, Merino wool is more flexible and soft. But this is not the only reason why Merino wool is so special.
Merino wool fibers can absorb and retain up to 30% of their own weight of moisture while maintaining a dry touch. When your body gets hot, you start sweating. The excess moisture is then absorbed by the wool fibers and released into the environment outside the fabric. Therefore, the wool layer can keep your skin dry while allowing it to breathe. You may think that this system is only effective in cold winters, but that's not entirely correct. Due to the special structure of fibers, wool has both warmth and cooling effects. Therefore, it is a material that you can use throughout the year.
Durability, strength, and odor resistance
Believe it or not, the behavior of wool fibers is very similar to our skin. Because it is mainly composed of a type of protein called keratin (also present in our skin and hair) that can bend and stretch 30000 times in any direction! This is the durability of wool! But the benefits of Merino wool go beyond that. Do you know? In intense sports activities, you can even wear wool without worrying about body odor. We already know that the characteristics of wool include moisture regulation. Therefore, without a humid environment, bacteria that cause odors cannot reproduce.
Is Merino wool vs. cashmere itchy?
Nothing is more annoying than an itchy sweater or blanket. Especially natural wool, known for excessive itching. However, the Merino wool is a bit different. Its smaller fiber diameter makes them finer, more elastic, and more flexible. As a result, when they press on your skin, they will bend slightly, so they won't itch!
Can Merino wool and cashmere prevent odor? Is it durable enough?
These questions can be answered by reading each other's strengths and overview. Why? Because certain characteristics of wool, such as cashmere and Merino wool, are very similar. Cashmere has the advantages of Merino wool, such as softness, temperature regulation, breathability, odor resistance, and moisture control.
Nevertheless, cashmere is known as a luxury item for a reason. Unlike Merino wool, cashmere is very rare. Its ultra-fine fibers actually come from the incredibly soft undercoat around the neck - the Kashmiri (breed) goat. Each goat produces a very small amount of usable cashmere every year. Therefore, products made from cashmere can achieve very high warmth, much better than products made from sheep type wool. In addition, its fiber feel is very soft, making it very comfortable. Therefore, even though Merino wool is more durable and elastic, it cannot be compared to soft and lightweight cashmere
