Merino Wool – “Nature’s Wonder Fibre”
At the heart of Merino wool is the sheep itself. But where does our wool come from, and what makes it so special? Discover everything there is to know about this natural and sustainable wool. For our basic collections, we use wool from Merino sheep in South Africa. Their fleece is white and of particularly high quality, making it the softest type of sheep’s wool. These Merino sheep live on vast farms in an entirely natural habitat with rich food sources. Due to the varied climatic conditions—both hot and cold—the wool they produce is especially fine. This is just one of the reasons why South African wool is known for its outstanding quality.
by CALIDA
June 4, 2025•3 min reading time
The story behind our wool
What is Merino Wool?
Merino wool is a natural fibre that absorbs moisture without feeling damp. It wicks the collected moisture away from the body, helping to prevent your body temperature from dropping. This naturally creates a pleasantly warm and, above all, dry feeling. In addition, Merino wool has antibacterial properties, meaning that unpleasant body odours do not develop. It is also finer than conventional wool, making it far less itchy.
The fleece of the Merino sheep consists of particularly light, fine, and breathable hairs. This helps the sheep cope with summer heat. In winter, they grow a long-haired coat, which protects them from the cold. Hidden within the dense fleece is also down hair – an especially fine, strongly crimped fibre that provides warmth during colder months. Normally, Merino sheep are shorn once a year, yielding 2–4 kilograms of wool (top-performing sheep can produce up to 10 kg per year). Regular shearing is essential, as their wool grows continuously!
Benefits of Merino Wool
Temperature-regulating
The wool fibres provide excellent insulation against both cold and heat. Merino wool cools in summer and warms in winter. Thanks to its thermoregulating properties, which adapt to the external environment (just as they do for the sheep in the wild), Merino wool helps maintain the body's optimal temperature. The naturally crimped fibres can contain up to 85 per cent air, storing body heat and insulating against cold from the outside.
Moisture-regulating
Merino wool is highly breathable. Its fibres are hydrophilic (water-absorbing), making Merino wool truly unique. When we sweat, the wool can absorb up to 35 per cent of its own weight in moisture. This moisture is drawn into the core of the fibre, so the fabric feels warm and comfortable even when damp. Moreover, the wool dries quickly, helping to prevent a drop in body temperature, even in cold weather.
Soft
Merino wool is exceptionally fine and non-itchy. The fibres are so soft that they bend when they come into contact with the skin, making them feel pleasant. At CALIDA, we use only “superfine” quality fibres. If you still experience any itchiness, you might opt for blends such as MicroModal® and Merino wool for added comfort.
Easy to care for
Merino wool products can be machine washed at 40° Celsius. Thanks to the unique structure of the fibres, Merino wool is self-cleaning, which means frequent washing isn’t necessary.
Odour-neutral
Merino wool has antibacterial properties. Its unique fibre structure prevents bacteria from settling in the first place. The wool’s chemical composition also helps break down odour-causing bacteria. After intense physical activity, Merino garments often only need airing out.
Eco-friendly and sustainable
Merino wool is a renewable natural resource that biodegrades without leaving residues. It fits perfectly into CALIDA’s sustainability strategy. Woollen fabrics also boast a particularly long lifespan and require less washing thanks to their self-cleaning nature.
How sustainable is Merino wool?
Merino sheep can be shorn up to twice a year and produce up to ten kilograms of wool annually. This makes Merino wool a renewable raw material that is significantly more environmentally friendly and resource-saving compared to synthetic fibre production.
Discover CALIDA’s Warming Underwear
The outstanding properties of Merino wool make it perfect for the colder seasons of autumn and winter. It is especially ideal for outdoor activities like hiking or skiing. Even when sweating, the wool absorbs moisture and releases it to the outside, keeping your skin feeling dry and comfortable. The temperature-regulating fibres of Merino wool also offer excellent insulation against the cold. When combined with silk, the material becomes even softer and more luxurious.
Discover our warming Merino wool and silk products for women:
And our warming products for men:
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