Australian Merino Wool Explained
Merino wool is today one of the most versatile, resilient fibres known to man. Its benefits are wide-ranging and can be applied in a whole number of ways. From travelling the world to everyday wear, Merino wool will revolutionise the way you dress and experience the world.
Whether you're hitting the trail or heading into the office, Merino wool is your new best friend. It's thinner, softer, and lighter than regular wool, making it a great all-weather material. And because it's so soft, it's great for people with sensitive skin. No more itchy wool jumpers!
Merino Throughout History
For over 3000 years humans have been herding sheep and harvesting their wool. Back in the day, wool fibres were coarse and bulky. They were great for keeping warm, but the downside then was it was itchy, heavy, and far from stylish. As humans evolved and advanced with technology the way we grow, and nurture sheep changed.
What differentiates Merino knitting wool from other types of regular wool is that it’s sourced from a very different breed of sheep than traditional sheep.
As its name suggests, Merino wool comes from Merino sheep, a specific breed of sheep originally found in Spain. Today, most Merino sheep are raised and bred in Australia and New Zealand. Turns out our changing and extreme climate is the perfect place for Merinos to thrive.
The secret to Merino wool clothing is not changing or altering its fibres, and simply leaving Merino wool as mother nature already figured out. We take the natural properties of the Merino sheep wool and spin it into a stylish line of colours that we use to make our everyday essentials like sweaters, cardigans and coats.
The World's Most Ethical and Sustainable Wool
In Australia and New Zealand, there are about 70 million Merino sheep producing this amazing fibre all year round, raised on a simple diet of grass pasture. Each year, the sheep produce a brand-new fleece making this natural harvest of wool completely renewable and sustainable.
In fact, Merino wool is one of the most sustainable clothing options out there, even when compared to things like alpaca wool, organic cotton and plant-based natural fibres. We source our Merino wool from leading, sustainably run farms in Australia and New Zealand. The quality of life of the sheep, as well as the location of the farm both affect the quality of the Merino wool yarn.
All of Aklanda's merino wool garments are individually knitted at our factory in Reservoir, Victoria. This lets us keep a close eye on the production process and eliminate yarn waste as much as possible.
But Why Is It So Soft?
Merino wool has a very fine fibre of 21.5 microns - about 3 times finer than a human hair!
This makes it which makes it much softer than other types of wool, and even softer than some synthetic fabrics. The finer the wool, the smoother and softer it feels on your skin, and the better you'll feel while wearing it.
Furthermore, Merino wool is so sturdy and has such a fine fibre that it's able to maintain its shape and softness even after years of use and repeated washing. Ultrafine Merino wool garments are equipped with fibres that bounce back to their original shape after being stretched, providing natural wrinkle resistance. It's why they always look great and never need ironing!
THE BENEFITS OF MERINO WOOL
- Lightweight and super soft
- Manages moisture
- Helps regulate body temperature
- It's breathable
- Antibacterial
- Odour resistant
- Organic and biodegradable
- Resistant to wrinkling
- Ethical and sustainable production
HOW TO CARE FOR MERINO WOOL PRODUCTS
For best results and for your garment to last a long time follow the washing instructions below.
- Start by turning them inside out and putting them in your washing machine with a mild detergent.
- Then, run your washer on a gentle, delicate, or knit cycle, (usually gentle action at 40°C).
- Do not tumble dry.
- Line / Air dry - preferably flat.
- Do not wring to remove excess water.
- Do not use bleach.
- Do not use fabric softener.
- Do not dry clean.
- Use a cool iron if required.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT TUMBLE DRY MERINO WOOL.
If you're the proud owner of an Aklanda sweater, we hope you enjoy it! With proper care, it will last you for years and years to come, through every season. Want to learn more about our merino clothing? Come visit our factory outlet, or sign up for our mailing list and we'll keep you up to date about our new seasonal clothing lines.
