To begin with, let's try to define what is merino wool?
Merino wool is a fine sheep's wool that is used to produce woolen fabrics and woolen products that are durable, soft, lightweight, hypoallergenic, thermoregulating and moisture repellent.
There is great controversy about who is the birthplace of the merino wool, but it is assumed that the ancient Romans first began to breed such a breed of sheep. However, to date, the Spanish are considered the most famous breeders. The name of the merino sheep is derived from the Spanish word "merino".
For many years Spain had a monopoly on the production of merino wool, and violators were punished with death, but fortunately that is in the past now.
Years later, Australia is now the largest producer.
Merino wool is technologically no different from other materials with natural fibers of animal origin. They are produced from yarn.
What are the stages of merino wool production.
1. Haircut.
2. Sorting and Processing.
3.When the fibers enter the spinning mills, they begin to produce yarn.
4.The yarn is then sent to the weaving industry where the finished textile is produced from the yarn.
What distinguishes merino wool from ordinary wool?
Merino wool, like regular wool, has the property of retaining heat, this is due to the presence of many tiny, unconnected cavities filled with air. However, what sets this wool apart from others is that it retains heat the best. This is because Merino sheep have the thinnest hair of any sheep.
What exactly is merino wool?
Merino wool is considered the best option for sheep's wool. This wool is odorless, hypoallergenic, meaning it is safe for allergy sufferers and children, non-irritating, very soft and warm. It is also breathable and protects against dangerous UV rays. Australian merinos are distinguished by high-quality combed wool, the thickness of the fibers is only 15-25 microns. Despite such a small indicator, the yarn made from this wool is particularly durable. On average, the thickness of the merino fiber varies from 14 to 23 microns, in contrast to ordinary sheep's wool, whose size is from 30 to 35 microns. It is the thickness that affects the hypoallergenicity of the wool fabric. If the fiber is thicker than 25 microns, the fabric made from such a yarn already becomes quite dangerous for people prone to allergic reactions and skin irritations.
If we have to compare the amount of wool of an ordinary sheep with a merino sheep, the merino sheep gives twice as much wool. About 15 kg is the average amount of wool that a merino sheep gives in one year. This amount is enough to sew more than 30 clothes.
Another interesting and surprising fact is that merino wool is three times softer than natural silk and five times more elastic than cotton. Impressive, isn't it?
Merino wool products are considered useful for people suffering from frequent colds and lung diseases, arthritis, back problems.
Why is merino wool so highly valued?
Because Merison wool is hygroscopic and perfectly absorbs moisture.
Because merino wool is hypoallergenic and causes absolutely no allergies.
Because merino wool is difficult to get dirty, since the structure of the fibers is elastic and does not allow any dirt and foreign bodies. It is enough just to shake the garment more vigorously and it will be clean.
Because it is almost impossible for a merino wool garment to absorb a bad smell, due to the creatine in its composition.
Because merino wool cannot yet be imitated by any synthetic or other artificial material.
Merino wool undoubtedly has many advantages, but let's be objective and look at it from another angle and list the disadvantages.
Disadvantage 1: The price. Merino wool is much more expensive than ordinary wool. Of course, the quality justifies the price.
Disadvantage 2: Maintenance. Any natural wool needs more careful and regular care. You should be careful with washing and ironing products made of such material.
If there is nothing we can do about the first drawback, then we can give you very valuable advice about the second.
How to properly care for merino wool clothes?
All woolen products require delicate dry cleaning. If you still decide to wash these products at home, we recommend that you use special detergents for woolen clothes, making sure that the water temperature does not exceed 30 degrees. Note: Do not use the washing machine and wash carefully with your hands!
Drying also has a few specific things. Under no circumstances should you dry your merino wool clothes in a dryer or on a stump in the sun, because you will damage the structure of the valuable material. The most suitable way of drying is to place the clothes on a towel, which it will take away the moisture. Be careful when ironing.
