Merino 101: how to wear and care for merino

Merino is the backbone of our men's range, from the Merino Speed T-Shirt to the Merino Sol Tank and our merino sports underwear. If you're new to it, merino can feel a little different from the synthetic kit most of us grew up training in. Here's how to wear it, wash it and keep it going for a long time.

What is merino?

Merino is wool from merino sheep. Its fibers are much finer than traditional wool, which is why it feels soft against your skin rather than scratchy. Our merino pieces are made from 100% merino wool, made into a lightweight sport fabric designed for moving and sweating in.

Why we use it for sport

• It breathes. Merino lets heat and moisture move away from your body, so it feels comfortable through long sessions.
• It resists odor naturally. Merino tends to stay fresher than synthetic fabrics, so you can often wear it more than once between washes.
• It's light and soft. Our sport merino is thin enough to wear on warm days and soft enough to forget you're wearing it.

How to wear it

On its own. On warm days, a merino tee or tank works as your only layer for runs, lifting sessions, climbs and everything in between.

As a base layer. When it's cold, wear merino next to your skin and add layers on top. It's comfortable across a wide range of conditions, which makes it a good first layer for hikes and mountain days.

Next to skin, all day. Merino underwear is made for long days: saddle sessions, training, travel. Pick your usual size, or size down if you like a snugger fit.

Air it out between wears

After a session, don't leave your merino balled up in the bottom of your gym bag. Hang it somewhere airy, ideally outside for a little while, and let it breathe. Often that's all it needs before you wear it again. When it does need a wash, you'll know.

How to wash merino

• Wash cool and gentle: a cold or wool cycle on your machine, or a quick hand wash.
• Use a mild, wool-friendly detergent, and skip the bleach and fabric softener.
• Turn pieces inside out and wash them with similar colours.
• Keep merino away from zips, velcro and rough fabrics in the wash to avoid snags.
• Always check the care label on your piece first.

How to dry it

Air dry, either flat or over a hanger, away from direct heat like radiators. Avoid the tumble dryer: heat and tumbling can shrink wool and change how it fits. Merino is light, so it usually dries quickly anyway.

Storing your merino

Make sure pieces are clean and fully dry before you put them away, especially for longer stretches of time. Fold your merino rather than hanging it for months, so it keeps its shape. Moths like wool too, so a clean drawer or a sealed bag is a good home for anything you won't wear for a while.

A note on pilling

Fine natural fibers can pill a little in high-friction spots, like under backpack straps or where your arms brush your sides. It's normal, and it doesn't mean anything is wrong with your piece. A fabric comb or de-piller will tidy it up in a minute.

The short version

Wear it often, air it out, wash it less, wash it cool and gentle, and dry it flat. Look after your merino and it'll look after you for a long time.

Questions about your piece? Email us at hello@sportsorganics.com. We love talking merino.