Benefits of Merino in Sports ActivewearPrint

In almost every activity at every level, and in every climatic condition, sportspeople are benefitting from the extraordinary properties of Australian Merino wool.

Soft next to the skin, breathable and anti-static, it keeps you warm when the climate is cold yet releases body heat and moisture when it’s hot. So it helps athletes perform at their peak, from sea-level to mountain top.

Merino’s natural elasticity keeps clothing in resilient good shape, and it’s even odour-resistant too, all of which makes it the perfect choice for:

• Lower impact activities - such as yoga and walking
• Higher impact activities - such as running, athletics, cycling and rowing
• Adventure activities - such as climbing, sailing, skiing and boarding.

And while Merino performs like no other fibre in sporting environments, its natural qualities lend themselves perfectly to the design of comfortable and stylish leisurewear too.

Excellent moisture management

Merino garments transfer moisture vapour away from the body helping you keep cool and dry during exercise or hot weather. Exceptional breathability keeps you cooler and drier in Merino clothing when compared to synthetics. That’s because Merino fibre can absorb up to 35 per cent of its dry weight in moisture vapour and still feel dry to touch. This causes the micro-climate above your skin to become less saturated with vapour, so you feel less clammy and sweat droplets are less likely to form on your skin’s surface.

Efficient temperature regulation

Merino offers excellent protection from extremes of temperature. Merino is an active fibre with a natural crimp which creates a lot of very small insulating air pockets. That’s how it helps keeps you warm in cold conditions, and cool in hot conditions. This not only keeps you comfortable but can also be essential for those exercising in the outdoors, especially when adventuring in severe conditions.

Effective odour control

Merino helps you sweat less and smell better. Unpleasant smells during and after exercise are caused when sweat degrades. The complex chemical structure of Merino wool actually locks away these unpleasant odour molecules. And because Merino is able to absorb moisture vapour, it also reduces the amount of sweat - and therefore odour - left on the body in the first place. So your Merino clothes will remain fresher for longer than cotton or synthetic garments, and are cleansed more easily when washed.

Comfort and shape retention

Merino works in total harmony with the wearer’s body due to the fibres’ excellent natural elasticity. When you’re exercising, you do a lot of stretching - and you want a garment that stretches with you and then returns to its natural shape. At microscopic levels, Merino fibres are like coiled springs, returning to their original state when pressure is released. Merino garments are ideal for stretch-related activities such as gym workouts and yoga. And as Merino fibres are so fine, they feel luxuriously soft next to the skin.

Easy care and stain resistance

Merino stays cleaner for longer and is easy to wash too. Unlike synthetic fibre, Merino fibre has a natural protective outer layer that prevents stains being absorbed and makes cleaning easier. And even when they do need washing, many garments can now be machine washed and tumble-dried for easy-care convenience.

High UV resistance

Merino clothing provides good protection from the sun. As a natural fibre, evolved over millions of years to protect sheep against the elements, Merino absorbs UV radiation providing protection from the sun. This makes it a good choice for a wide range of outdoor activities.