For generations, wool has been valued for its protective qualities in harsh conditions.
Today, these same attributes make Merino wool the ideal fibre partner for workwear and protection wear apparel. Whether it be uniforms, PPE or gear for emergency services, medical, construction, mining, transport or trades, Merino wool delivers natural performance benefits that enhance safety, next-to-skin comfort, and durability on the job.
PERFORMANCE MEETS PURPOSE
Merino wool’s versatility makes it perfectly suited to the demands of modern workwear. Its natural ability to regulate temperature, manage moisture, and resist odour ensures comfort and performance across a wide range of working conditions.
From lightweight next-to-skin layers that keep workers cool and dry, to insulating mid layers that retain warmth while allowing heat to escape, Merino provides adaptable comfort throughout the day. In outer garments, its resilience and weather resistance add another layer of protection against wind, rain, and extreme temperatures. Beyond comfort, Merino wool can be engineered for specialised performance needs, including flame resistance, high visibility, and durability. It also blends effectively with other fibres to create fabrics tailored to the specific requirements of different professions, while maintaining a natural, breathable feel that enhances wearer wellbeing and endurance.
MERINO WOOL BENEFITS
Moisture Management
Work environments often demand long hours and varying physical intensity. Merino wool naturally absorbs and gradually transfers moisture vapour away from the skin, reducing sweat build-up and helping to prevent post-activity chill.
Breathability
Merino wool’s unique structure ensures continuous airflow. It buffers changes in humidity, reducing clamminess and improving comfort for workers in both active and resting phases.
Temperature Regulation
Merino wool is an active fibre that reacts to body heat. It helps workers stay cool in hot conditions and warm in the cold, maintaining stable microclimates under varying workloads and weather conditions.
Fire Resistance
Merino wool is naturally flame resistant and does not melt or drip like many synthetics. This makes it suitable for occupations requiring additional protection from heat and sparks, such as welding, foundry work, or firefighting.
Odour Resistance
Merino wool’s fibre structure locks away odour molecules until they are washed out. This keeps garments fresher for longer and reduces washing needs, which is a practical benefit for work uniforms and multi-shift usage.
Elasticity
Merino wool fibres bend thousands of times without breaking. This gives garments excellent shape retention and resilience, ensuring long-lasting performance even under daily wear and demanding conditions.
PARTNERS
Hainsworth Eco Dry
Hainsworth Protective Fabrics developed ECO-DRY, an advanced wool-based textile protecting firefighters from heat stress and flames. Blending wool with Lenzing FR through Fibre Positioning Technology, ECO-DRY actively regulates moisture and temperature, keeping wearers cool and dry in extreme conditions. Its inherently flame-resistant composition ensures lasting thermal protection that never washes out. Lightweight, breathable, and durable, ECO-DRY enhances comfort and safety for firefighters worldwide.
Burlington Fabrics BodyshieldTM
Burlington Fabrics uses 100% Australian Merino wool to create BodyShield™, a flame- and molten-metal-resistant fabric for heavy industry. Holding the highest ISO 11612 D3/E3 rating, BodyShield™ combines safety with comfort, allowing molten metal to roll off rather than stick. Merino’s thermoregulation, breathability, and elasticity enhance comfort and durability, while its biodegradable, PFAS-free composition ensures sustainability. Designed with partner Noriske, BodyShield™ proves natural materials can deliver advanced protection.
Skypro Wool Knit Uniforms
Woolmark partnered with SKYPRO to develop innovative Merino wool uniforms offering superior comfort, stretch, and thermoregulation for professionals in aviation, hospitality, and beyond. Working with one of Portugal’s oldest mills, SKYPRO created two Woolmark-certified fabrics that combine breathability, durability, and easy care. These smart knits balance sustainability with practicality, ensuring long-lasting, low-maintenance garments that look sharp and perform under pressure. The collaboration highlights how Merino wool’s natural qualities elevate uniform design for modern workplaces.
WorkJay Smart Textiles
Made in Germany, the Workjay Smart Shirt combines intelligent textile technology with the natural performance of Merino wool to protect lone workers in demanding environments. Designed in collaboration with Born Knitting Engineers and guided by Woolmark’s technical team, the shirt integrates sensors that monitor heart rate and movement in real time. If inactivity or abnormal strain is detected, the system automatically sends an alert with GPS information to designated contacts, enabling rapid emergency response.
Engineered for soldiers, police, and isolated workers, the Workjay Smart Shirt delivers both protection and comfort. Merino wool enhances the experience with next-to-skin softness, moisture management, odour resistance, thermoregulation, anti-static properties, and elasticity.
Farage Australian Defence Force
Iconic Australian label Farage partnered with the Australian Defence Force to create a new General Duty dress for female personnel. Made from a 40% Australian wool blend, the tailored design balances durability, comfort, and elegance. Available in Navy, Army, and Air Force colours, the Woolmark-certified dress offers stretch, resilience, and breathability for daily wear. This initiative supports local wool producers while modernising ADF uniforms with a professional, contemporary aesthetic.
The Arctic Collection
In collaboration with BYBORRE and the Südwolle Group, Woolmark created high-performance Merino wool base- and mid-layers for Arctic explorers. The collection achieved 18% lighter weight, 26% higher thermal resistance, and up to 61% faster drying times than previous expedition gear. Technical blends of Merino wool, polyamide, and elastane provide warmth, breathability, and flexibility in extreme cold. The Arctic Collection proves natural fibres can outperform synthetics in the world’s toughest conditions.
