Because of its thin diameter, merino isn’t itchy or rough like thicker wools but still offers impressive warmth and moisture wicking capabilities. Regular coarse wool can be 40 micron or more, but merino is much finer, starting at about 24 micron down to 15 micron and below.
From a technical perspective, the diameter of wool is measured in microns, and the lower the micron the finer and more expensive it is. Merino is a breed of sheep highly prized for its soft and finely crimped wool. To tip you off on our conclusions: merino undoubtedly is expensive but worth it for those who value the comfort or need the performance. But is it worth the hype? Below we break down the pros and cons of merino wool, including next-to-skin comfort, warmth, moisture wicking capability, stink prevention, and more. Merino wool, the ultra soft fabric most commonly found in performance baselayers and socks, is one of the most sought-after materials in the outdoor gear world.
