Merino fibres are finer than standard wool — under 24 microns — which is why they do not itch, and also why they are more fragile in the wash.
How to wash merino wool
| Garment | Wash | Dry | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Merino Wool | 20–30°C (68–86°F) on a wool cycle | flat | wool wash, no enzymes, no softener |
Use a wool cycle, spin under 800rpm cycle and wool wash, no enzymes, no softener. Fabric softener coats merino and destroys the moisture-wicking that makes it good for travel and exercise. Skip it entirely.
Drying and ironing
Dry flat. For ironing: cool steam if needed.
Merino resists odour well enough that many people wear a base layer for a week of travel. Airing overnight genuinely resets it.
How long it should last
Three to eight years; thinner base layers wear through at friction points first.
Quick reference
Merino Wool at a glance
- Wash: 20–30°C (68–86°F) on a wool cycle
- Cycle: wool cycle, spin under 800rpm
- Detergent: wool wash, no enzymes, no softener
- Dry: flat
- Iron: cool steam if needed