Merino Wool Material Guide

In a world saturated with synthetic promises and marketing noise, merino wool stands apart as the thinking person's choice. This isn't just another natural fibre, it's an intelligent material that adapts, performs and endures. While fast fashion cycles through microtrends, merino quietly delivers what matters: comfort that doesn't compromise, quality that doesn't fade and elegance that doesn't shout.

Not all wool is created equal. The best tells a story of care, craft and comfort. At Rise & Fall, we believe materials come first. Never as an afterthought, but as the foundation of everything we create. When you understand merino wool's unique properties and potential, you begin to see why it forms the backbone of a thoughtful wardrobe.

What Is Merino Wool?

Merino wool comes from Merino sheep, a breed originally popularised in Spain, but after becoming a valuable export is now predominately raised in Australia, New Zealand and South America. The merino wool we know today is the product of the sheep evolving to the extreme temperatures found in these countries, creating some of the world's finest wool fibres.

Origins, Properties and Characteristics

Merino sheep were first bred for their exceptional fleece quality over 700 years ago, unlike commercial sheep breeds which were developed primarily for meat production.

What makes merino special lies in its microscopic structure. Merino wool fibres measure between 15-22 microns in diameter, which is significantly finer than regular wool, which typically ranges from 25-40 microns. To put this in perspective, human hair measures about 75 microns. 

The fibre structure itself is also complex: each strand has a natural crimp (curl) that creates tiny air pockets, or “loft”, that provides its signature lightweight insulation. This crimp also provides natural elasticity, allowing garments to maintain their shape wear after wear.

Before processing, merino fibres contain traces of lanolin, a natural wax that provides water resistance and antimicrobial properties. While most lanolin is removed during processing and used in skincare like topical salves, residual amounts contribute to the wool's natural softening and odour resistant qualities.

How Merino Differs from Other Wools

At Rise & Fall, our materials-first approach means we source only top-grade merino fibres. We work directly with suppliers who understand that the story begins in the pasture, not the factory. This commitment to quality at the fibre level translates into garments that are, at their essence, materially better.

Benefits of Merino Wool

1. Softness: Suitable for Reactive Skin

Perfect for those with delicate or tender skin that’s prone to reacting to woolen or scratchy textures, merino wool’s ultra-fine fibres bend when they contact skin rather than poke and scratch. This makes merino suitable even for those with reactive skin who typically avoid wool entirely.

While most wools we’d recommend layering with cotton underneath, merino comfortably lays against skin. See for yourself with our women’s superfine merino wool knitted t-shirt - your everyday tee for a lifetime.

2. Temperature Regulation: Warm but Never Hot

Merino wool's thermoregulatory capabilities make it an exceptionally durable winter fabric and perfect for transitional season wear. The fibre’s natural loft creates a highly sought-after breathable insulation that leaves you warm but never hot.

This makes merino perfect as a capsule piece in any winter wardrobe, whether beneath your well-loved waxed walking coat or paired with smart trousers for days in the city. It’s lightweight enough to carry you from autumn to spring. For that classic understated English elegance, let our merino wool men’s and women’s jumpers do the heavy lifting for years to come.

3. Breathability and Odour Resistance: Perfect for Day-Long Wear

Unlike synthetic fabrics that trap odours and moisture, merino naturally resists bacterial growth. The lanolin and protein structure create an environment where odour-causing bacteria struggle to thrive. This means you can wear merino garments multiple times between washes without concerns about cleanliness.

Paired with its breathability, merino allows air to circulate, keeping you feeling fresh throughout long days, from back-to-back meetings to your evening plans.

4. Moisture-Wicking: Ideal for Active Lifestyles and Layering

While merino wool itself won’t keep you from sweating, it is naturally hydrophilic and absorbent.  Merino can absorb up to 30% of its weight in moisture while still feeling dry to the touch. This is why you’ll often see merino wool socks or base layers used by outdoor enthusiasts. 

However, we love it for our day to day as well, with its sleek construction perfect for layering without the bulk, whether you're walking to work on a crisp morning or travelling across time zones.

5. Natural Elasticity: Pieces That Stay Timeless

Quality merino clothing naturally returns to its original shape after stretching, thanks to the fibre's crimped structure. This elasticity means well-made merino garments maintain their silhouette and fit over time, resisting the sagging and stretching that plagues lower quality materials.

Certain knitting and weaving techniques can also enhance a garment's stretchiness without the need for elastane or other synthetic materials, allowing our designers at Rise & Fall to create well-fitting capsule pieces made with authentic natural fabrics. 

6. Sustainable and Biodegradable: Chic For You and the Planet

Merino wool represents true sustainability as a renewable and biodegradable material that requires no synthetic chemical production. Sheep grow new fleeces annually, making wool a genuinely renewable resource when managed responsibly.

At the end of life, sustainable wool clothing biodegrades completely, returning nutrients to soil rather than persisting as microplastics. This natural lifecycle stands in stark contrast to synthetic alternatives that accumulate in landfills and waterways.

But don’t worry, this doesn’t mean your pieces will degrade on you, as with proper care, merino wool can last for decades, and even generations. 

Disadvantages of Merino Wool

1. Potential Sensitivity & Allergies

While those with typically reactive skin will find merino wool’s touch soft and light, it’s worth noting that if you have wool allergies, then it may not be suitable for you.

It’s also important to only buy true high quality merino wool, or else you risk buying products that will irritate and itch your skin as some companies will use lower quality wool or synthetic blends to achieve competitive price points. 

Wool’s “itchiness” is tied directly to the diameter of the fibre. The thicker the fibre, the more likely it is to feel scratchy against skin. Traditional sheep wool, with fibres ranging from 25-40 microns, often feels prickly because these coarse fibres don't bend when they contact skin, they poke and irritate.

Premium merino wool fibres, typically measuring 15-22 microns, are fine enough to bend rather than poke, and this is what we use in all our merino products. 

At Rise & Fall we pride ourselves on choosing ethically sourced and produced merino wool that prioritises maintaining its natural softness and structure, so you don’t have to worry about falling victim to itchy scratchy garments.

2. Shrinking or Losing Shape When Mishandled

Like all natural fibres, merino responds to heat and agitation. Incorrect washing, particularly hot water or aggressive machine cycles, can cause shrinkage or felting. Similarly, high heat during drying can damage the fibre structure, leading to shape loss or hardening.

This requires more thoughtful care than synthetic alternatives. However, when properly maintained, quality merino garments often outlast and outperform synthetic pieces significantly.

We provide detailed care instructions with every piece, and our care guide offers comprehensive guidance on maintaining your merino and cashmere-merino investments for years to come.

Best Use Cases: Merino as Your Everyday Workhorse

The best merino wool jumpers excel as the workhorse of polished everyday wear. Its versatility spans from early dawn meetings to dusk-lit evenings, making it invaluable for people who need garments that adapt as seamlessly to life as them.

Consider your typical day: morning commute, heated office, outdoor coffee breaks, afternoon meetings, evening plans. Merino naturally adjusts to these varying conditions. A well-fitted merino jumper maintains its elegance whether you're presenting to clients or meeting friends for dinner.

For weekend escapes or business travel, merino packs efficiently while resisting wrinkles and odours. You can wear the same merino piece for multiple days without sacrificing freshness, particularly valuable when packing light or during extended travel.

Merino is the best wool for layering and serves as the ideal base for sophisticated styles. Its slim profile prevents bulk under jackets or coats, while its temperature regulation prevents overheating in indoor spaces. Whether you're building a winter wardrobe or creating transitional season outfits, merino provides the foundation for versatile, elegant combinations.

Explore our collection of merino wool styles for women and for men to see how we pair this every day workhorse.

Choosing the Right Merino Piece

When it comes to choosing the right merino pieces for your capsule wardrobe, there are some factors that distinguish superior merino garments from low-grade variants:

• Fibre grade: Look for 15-22 micron merino for optimal softness and durability
• Gauge: Higher gauge knitting creates smoother, more refined surfaces
• Finishing: Quality finishing eliminates rough edges and ensures consistent hand feel
• Construction: Full-fashioned knitting and careful seaming prevent pulling and distortion

Premium merino garments should also exhibit consistent stitch quality, smooth seams and stable dimensions after washing. Colours remain vibrant, and the fabric maintains its hand feel over time. Inferior pieces may pill excessively, lose shape or develop uneven surfaces.

Start building your wardrobe with versatile basics: a classic crew neck jumper, an everyday cardigan and essential accessories. Choose colours that coordinate across your existing wardrobe, including neutrals like navy, charcoal or cream that provide maximum versatility.

Layer merino pieces with tailored separates, quality outerwear and carefully chosen accessories. The goal is creating combinations that feel effortless while appearing polished and intentional.

Choose Thoughtfully, Choose Rise & Fall

The decision to invest in quality merino reflects a broader philosophy about how we approach consumption and style.

And for us, the wool's story matters as much as how it feels. We prioritise suppliers who maintain high animal welfare standards, working with farms that are aligned with Responsible Wool Standard protocols.

We believe exceptional materials and craftsmanship shouldn't require luxury markups that prioritise brand prestige over product quality. Our direct relationships with makers and transparent approach to pricing means you invest in luxury wool jumpers without the markup.

Explore our thoughtfully curated collections and discover perfect pieces that will elevate your everyday experience. Clean lines, perfect proportions and thoughtful finishing create pieces that remain relevant regardless of fashion cycles. We strive to represent those who prefer building wardrobes rather than chasing trends.