1. Itchy
Nope! Merino wool is one of the softest fibers on the planet. You will not be itchy in merino wool at all.
2. Hot
Wrong again! While synthetics are passive, Merino Wool is active, reacting to changes in one’s body temperature to keep you warm when you’re cold but releasing heat and moisture when you’re hot.
3. Only for Winter
NEGATIVE! Lightweight Merino Wool is fantastic for the warmer months. In extreme exertion, you need a garment that breathes, which means it must be able to absorb perspiration and release it into the air. No fabric does that quite like Merino. The hydrophilic core of the Merino Wool fiber has an amazing capacity to absorb liquid – up to 35% of its own weight – so it’s better than synthetics at removing sweat from the skin, moving it away, and releasing it as vapor.
4. Hard to Clean
On the contrary, it’s quite easy to clean merino wool. Recent innovations mean Merino Wool garments are no longer hand-wash only. Developments initiated by Australian Wool Innovation have delivered Merino Wool garments that can be machine-washed and tumble dried.
5. Not Active-Wear
Actually, it is one of the best materials to wear while being active or outdoors! Merino Wool has a range of attributes that help anyone from the casual hiker to the elite athlete perform at their peak. Merino’s warmth has been a literal life-saver but its breathability is possibly more extraordinary as it maintains body temperature in a range that is optimal for performance and comfort.
6. Retains Odor
Merino wool's antimicrobial properties absorb moisture and reduces the amount of sweat left on the body, which in turn lessens the amount of odor.
7. Flammable
Merino Wool insulates against high temperatures and doesn't readily catch fire. Even when it does, it self-extinguishes when the source of flame is removed. More importantly, when merino burns it doesn't melt and stick to the skin. This is why many fire-fighters’ uniforms are made from merino and why it’s an excellent fabric for bedding.