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The Technical Guide from The manufacturers

Merino Wool

The merino is the most numerous breed of sheep in the world. It is a breed prized for its wool, although more recently the low price of wool has led to more of an emphasis on carcass (meat) characteristics. Super fine merinos are regarded as having the finest and softest wool of any sheep. Poll Merinos have no horns (or very small stubs), and horned merinos have long, spiral horns which grow close to the head.

The merino is an excellent grazer and very adaptable. It is bred predominately for its wool, and its carcass size is generally smaller than that of sheep bred for meat. The South African Mutton Merino and Merinofleischschaf have been bred to balance wool production and carcass quality.

Merino wool is tightly crimped and springy. Staples are commonly between 2.5–4 inches (65–100 mm). A Saxon Merino produces between 3 and 6 kg of unwashed wool a year while a good quality Peppin Merino ram will produce up to 18 kg of unwashed wool a year. Merino wool is generally less than 24.5 micrometers ( microns, µm) in diameter. Medium merino wool is between 20.6-22.5 µm, fine medium is between 19.6-20.5 µm, fine is between 18.6-19.5 µm, superfine is between 17.6-18.5 and ultra fine wool is between 12.5 to 16.9. Ultra fine wool is suitable for blending with other exclusive fibres such as Silk and Cashmere

The term "merino" is widely employed in the textile industries with very varied meanings. Originally it was restricted to denote the wool of the merino sheep reared in Spain, but owing to the superiority of Australian and New Zealand wools the term now has broader use. In the dress-goods and knitting trades the term "merino" still implies an article made from the very best soft wool. "Merino" is sometimes employed to mean knitwear produced with a special worsted yarn made of 100% wool.

The beauty of the fiber itself is evident in intense, cold-weather or high-performance applications, where merino distinguishes itself from cotton and polyester fabrics by offering superior breathability, temperature regulation, moisture control, and inherent anti-microbial properties. Unlike "traditional" wool, merino is much finer, softer, and, best of all, itch-free for all but those with severe sensitivities or lanolin allergies.