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About Merino Wool

Where Does Merino Wool Come From?

Merino wool comes from a breed of sheep called Merino, originating from Asia, and today most commonly bred in Australia and New Zealand. Merinos thrive best in mountainous areas where challenging weather conditions prevail. This primarily concerns significant temperature differences – in summer, thermometers often exceed 40 degrees, while in winter, the temperature can drop to even -20. Large differences also occur between night and day. Merino sheep had to somehow adapt to these variable conditions and, for this purpose, developed wool that protects them from cold while not causing overheating when the temperature rises. It is mainly due to this unique property that merino wool garments have gained fame worldwide, and the community of merino enthusiasts is constantly growing.

It is worth emphasizing that only sheep raised in good conditions produce truly high-quality wool. The wool we use in Paterns comes from sheep grazing on green pastures in New Zealand and is shorn with due delicacy. This is evidenced by RWS and Non Mulesed Wool certificates.

Discover the 8 Magical Properties of Merino Wool.

Thermoregulation (Thermal activity)

Merino wool clothing, just like sheep’s fleece, provides unmatched thermal comfort, both in winter and summer! Yes, contrary to stereotypes associated with wool, merino wool clothing is an absolute hit in summer and warm, even hot days! The secret lies in the structure of individual merino wool fibers. Merino sheep face extreme thermal conditions every day. In their natural environment, the temperature difference between night and day can often be as high as several dozen degrees! Therefore, to avoid freezing and overheating, merino sheep developed appropriate fleece. At night, the fibers curl up into “springs,” trapping all the warmth close to the skin. During the day, they straighten out, allowing air to flow freely and cool the body. Clothing made from merino wool works the same way. It envelops the body when it’s cold and allows the body to effectively ventilate when the ambient temperature rises.

Moisture Wicking

Merino wool excellently wicks moisture away from the skin and remains warm even when it is wet. So if you sweat in a woolen t-shirt or sweater, you won’t feel cold.

Softness and Gentleness – Merino Doesn’t Itch!

Thanks to its very long and very thin fibers (over 4 times thinner than human hair), merino wool is exceptionally soft and gentle to the touch. Therefore, our clothing made from merino wool doesn’t “itch” or “scratch.” It doesn’t even irritate very delicate baby skin and is recommended for people with particularly sensitive skin, including atopic dermatitis.

Self-Cleaning – Less Frequent Washing Needed

Merino fibers regenerate in contact with oxygen. As a result, merino wool refreshes itself perfectly through airing and doesn’t require washing as often. Sometimes it’s hard to believe how long merino wool garments can last between washes. Especially if they are regularly aired out!

Odor Neutralization

Merino wool has antibacterial properties, so it doesn’t allow microorganisms to develop in human sweat. As a result, the wool simply doesn’t smell. That’s why even for a longer trip, you can take only a small backpack with merino clothing and not worry about washing.

Easy Care

Merino wool can be washed in the washing machine, using the wool program and wool detergent. It’s best to dry it flat. Even better, just air it out, and wash it only as a last resort 😊

Wool for Summer

Wool for summer? Of course! Thin woolen fabric was once called “tropical,” Italians wear woolen suits in the heat, and Bedouins wear woolen robes. Why? Because merino wool wicks sweat away from the skin and doesn’t absorb odors. It allows the skin to breathe and provides a feeling of freshness. Bacteria don’t multiply in it, and it dries quickly. Additionally, it has a high UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor), which protects the skin from both harmful UVA and UVB radiation.

Fire Resistance

As an interesting fact, it’s worth mentioning that merino wool is flame resistant. Due to this property, wool is also used to produce fire blankets and underwear for firefighters!