The extraordinary properties of Merino Wool

The Point6 merino sheep is a resilient creature whose wool has evolved to withstand the rigors of day-to-day life. Sourced from different origins around the globe, some hot and dry, others cold and wet – the one constant is that this fiber responds to each accordingly. It knows what to do to keep you comfortable. Merino sheep are free range and live in a pristine, earth-friendly environment, which also contributes to the high quality of the Merino fiber.

Shearing
Sheep shearing is the process by which the woollen fleece of a sheep is cut off using electric trimmers wielded by the swift hands of experienced shearers. After shearing, the wool is separated into four main categories: fleece (which makes up the vast bulk), broken, bellies, and locks. The fleece is what we’re after. The quality of fleeces is determined by a technique known as wool classing, where a qualified person called a wool classer groups wools of similar gradings together to maximize the return for the farmer or sheep owner. Before being auctioned all merino fleece wool is objectively measured for micron, yield (including the amount of vegetable matter), staple length, staple strength, color and comfort factor.

Scouring
Wool straight off a sheep is known as "greasy wool”. Before the wool can be used for commercial purposes, it must be scoured, or cleaned. The Point6 method of cleaning is kind to the fleece and the environment.

Quality
The quality of wool is determined by the following factors, fiber diameter, crimp, yield, colour, and staple strength. Fiber diameter is the single most important wool characteristic determining quality and price. Merino wool is typically 3-5 inches in length and is very fine (between 12-24 microns). The finest and most valuable wool comes from the merino fleece. Damage or breaks in the wool can occur if the sheep is stressed while it is growing its fleece, resulting in a thin spot where the fleece is likely to break. Point6 takes care to ensure our merino wool is strong and of consistent quality throughout the fiber.

Point6 merino is exceptionally easy to care for. Unlike Grandma’s itchy and scratchy “hand wash” wool, all Point6 products are machine-washable and dryer-friendly. Point6 merino is highly durable and will stand the test of time over multiple washes. Merino garments can also be washed less frequently thanks to their natural resistance to odor.

For best results and to maximize the longevity of Point6 products, use cold-to-warm water, drying on low heat and turning products inside out before beginning the process. No need to separate Point6 items from your other laundry, but stay away from bleach as it damages the natural wool fiber, and try to avoid drying with clothing that has velcro closures as these can damage wool fibers.  Be sure to check the inside cuff to ensure the right size socks get reunited in your sock drawer.

smell fresher for longer

When our bodies produce sweat, microbes feed off components in the moisture producing an odorous by-product. Merino fiber is made up of 90% keratin. This very resilient protein doesn’t support bacteria. If the bacteria that cause odor can’t build up on the merino fiber, you stay fresher for longer, even during intensive activity over extended periods of time.

Merino wool regulates moisture and keeps the skin dry.  The micro climate next to the skin remains fresher for longer.

merino fiber vs synthetic

It’s a simple test to conduct. Wear a synthetic garment for a 48 hour period. Then do the same with a merino garment. The difference is alarming. Your nose will know that merino is superior immediately.

stay dryer for longer

Each merino fiber has a waxy coating of cuticle cells, which help repel water as a liquid but let water move through in a vapor state, which is then evaporated away from the fabric.

Merino fiber absorbs moisture vapor from the high humidity environment next to your skin and releases it into the less humid environment outside the sock. This process of absorbing and releasing moisture is known as “hydrogen bonding” where the negatively charged oxygen atom in the water vapor molecule is attracted to the positively charged hydrogen atom in the wool’s protein (keratin) backbone.

moisture management - merino fiber vs synthetic

Synthetic fiber doesn’t control moisture as a vapor. It uses a capillary action and must wait for the vapor to condense into liquid before it can wick moisture away from the skin, but in the liquid state the moisture cannot pass through the outer garment or footwear layer, thus remaining within the clothing system. Merino is much more efficient than synthetics as it moves moisture as a vapor before it condenses and doesn’t need as many steps to maintain moisture control.

Merino reduces the effect of this condensation on wearer comfort and can absorb up to 30% of its own dry weight in moisture, removing it from teh skin.  Your body heat will evaporate the moisture within the fiber, passing it through the layers of garments to the outside.  This natural moisture management system keeps you feeling drier for longer with no plastic or chemicals added.

natural air conditioning for your feet

The crimp of the merino fibers creates millions of tiny pockets of air, providing a buffering layer of natural heat control helping the body maintain a stable core temperature.

In hot humid conditions, merino fibers remain cooler than the body. As a merino garment touches the skin, heat is transferred to the garment, acting as a coolant.

In cold climatic conditions, merino fabrics actively generate heat through the ‘heat of sorption’ response. As merino fibers absorb moisture they release stored molecular energy in the form of body-warming heat. As the fiber dries and moisture is released, the energy is renewed and replaced.

heat regulation – merino fiber vs synthetic

Merino fiber shows more favorable heat emission than a synthetic like polyester . Lower heat retention in merino fiber means your core temperature stays lower so lactate build-up does not occur as much. You experience improved heat control and can work harder for longer.