Merino wool for sport and outdoor – four reasons why
Enjoy the natural properties of wool when you’re working out.
Synthetic fibres such as polyester have been the most common choice for sport and outdoor wear for many years now. However, merino wool has started to give it competition, and not without reason. In merino wool, nature has created a material that will help keep you warm, dry, and odour free, all-year round.
It is common knowledge that wool is great at keeping you warm when it is cold, but it is also suitable for use in the great outdoors at any time of year. It is ideal for those early morning runs in the spring, bicycle rides in the summer, or hikes in the autumn as nature’s colours begin to change. DILLING believe the excellent properties of wool make it a miracle material.
1. Keep you warm when it is cold and cool when it is hot
The structure of merino wool consists of lots of small air pockets which allows it to insulate against the cold and also keep you cool. In its naturally setting, wool successfully keeps sheep a comfortable temperature throughout the year, and will do the same for you.
2. Absorbs moisture and keeps you dry
Merino wool can absorb up to 33% of its own weight in moisture without feeling wet. Once again that is due to the little air pockets in the wool’s structure. This makes the wool extremely comfortable for sports and general outdoor activities, as it does not become moist like other synthetic fibres or cotton sometimes do. Woolen underwear allows the skin to breath and if it does become wet, it will still keep you warm.
3. Protects against bad odour
One of the biggest advantages of wearing wool for sports and outdoor activities is that it will prevent you from smelling of sweat. Sweat itself does not actually smell. It is only once the sweat has hit your skin that it is attacked by bacteria, causing a smelly odour. If you are wearing wool, the sweat becomes bound by the wool’s structure and the bacteria cannot attack, therefore no smell emerges. As a result, the wool helps prevent sweat related odours and won’t smell itself as other fabrics (polyester) tend to. It is also perfect for travelling, as you can wear woolen clothing for several days without smelling.
4. Thin and wonderfully soft
Merino wool is perfect for underwear as it feels wonderfully soft on the skin. It is used for sports and outdoor wear because it is thinner and finer than other wool types, therefore you can benefit from the wool’s great natural properties in a lightweight and breathable quality, with plenty of room for movement.
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