Merino Health Benefits | BaregaMerino

Finding The Best Comfort In Merino Base Layer

Barega Merino Merino Health Benefits May 12, 2017July 28, 2018merino base layer, merino next to skin, next to skin comfort 0 Comment

Merino wool in next to skin wear or merino base layer garments have many attributes that offer the wearer a unique experience that differs from many other fibres.

While merino wool attributes of moisture wicking warmth, summer coolness, odour resistance and fibre elasticity in the base layer merino garment are a given, finding the right merino comfort experience in your next to skin garment can be a challenge.

How do we as consumers select the most comfortable merino base layer for our activity whether running, hiking, travel or everyday wear?

What is Merino Base Layer Comfort

We begin by understanding that there are different levels of comfort that can be measured in merino base layer or next to skin garments.

Each measured wool comfortmeter (wcm) score or rating, comes with a recommended best level of activity for that garment to ensure a good user comfort experience, in another words no prickle or itchy discomfort on the skin.

There are two WCM activity groups:

1. Active sports wear
2. Everyday fashion wear

Each of these two activity groups has three recommended merino comfort scores allocated to each activity level.

Lets take a closer look at what is behind merino base layer comfort

How is the WCM rate translate onto merino base layer garment descriptions for the consumer
Understand how merino comfort is measured in next to skin wear
How does merino comfort score relate to merino base layer in sport and everyday wear
What other information is on the merino next to skin garment label
What is the recommended merino fleece specifications for consistent good user comfort experience when using wcm score in merino base layer fabrics

1.How Does the WCM Score Translate onto Garment Swing Tags for the Consumer?

How do we find that perfect option among the fantastic new base layer merino garment styles, fabric weight and fibre combinations are regularly coming onto the market.

To gain some perspective on what information is available to the consumer, we looked at a selection of quality online merino base layer garments tested for comfort level and noted the recommended activity type for the wcm score along side the garment swing tag or website descriptions. These very well-made merino base layer garments were tested through AWTA on the Wool ComfortMeter in December 2016 and early 2017.

Merino Base Layer Brand	Fabric Weight	Fabric Composition	Garment Activity Description Label	Logos	WCM Score	WCM Recommended Activity Level for Comfort	Merino Base Layer Brand Website	Product Order Description
Macpac Singlet	150g/m²	100 % merino	Like a second skin, lightweight superfine and regulates your temperature.	Garment brand logo	77	Active wear-elite performance	Macpac Merino Thermals	Merino 150 singlet W 113521-BLKOO-10
Bluey Merino Singlet	140g/m²	90% ultrafine merino 10% polymide	Ultrasoft 16.3 micron luxurious sports singlet	Garment brand logo, made in Australia logo	84	Active wear-elite performance	Bluey Merino baselayers	Womens sports singlet SKU ext-140-WS-GA-s
Icebreaker Cami	200g/m²	100% merino	Everyday light weight cami bodyfit basics	Garment brand logo	191	Active wear-elite performance	Icebreaker Merino Thermals	Wmns Eday Cami blk 101307001
Kathmandu Tshirt	195g/m²	96% merino wool 4% nylon	Next to skin comfort natural performance temperature control	Garment brand logo	277	Active wear-performance enhanced	Kathmandu Merino Baselayer	Gallium Wmns Merino Top v2 sku 14456/466/10,
Kathmandu Singlet	140g/m²	85% merino 15% silk	merinoLINK natural performance temperature control	Garment brand logo	52	Active wear-elite performance	Kathmandu Merino Silk	Tag missing bought off the hanger in store
I/O Merino Tshirt	170g/m²	96% enigma merino wool 4% elastane	100 %Australian merino, luxurious soft performance in urban arena. MicroMerino®	Garment brand logo	311	Active wear-performance enhanced	IO Merino Next To Skin	Traverse (Altitude)Active Tee sku 14-111-59-03
Baselayers Vest	200g/m²	Pure merino wool	Perfect layer for cooler weather soft fine micron wool	Brandell logo	261	Active wear-active everyday	Baselayers Merino Wool	Model B4400(b) 1x1 rib
Dhbsport Merino Sleeveless	150g/m²	100% merino wool	Lightweight superfine merino base layer for thermal regulation natural performance 18.5	Garment brand logo	152	Active wear-elite performance	dhb merino base layer	Womens merino sleeveless base layer M_150 1608-5360113848
Cederberg Thermal Top	?g/m²	100% virgin wool merino	Light weight first layer undergarment, all types of cold weather activities	Garment brand logo & Woolmark pure wool logo	620	Fashion everyday wear	Cederberg Merino Thermals	Long sleeved top Cederberg Adult's Baba Merino unisex
Ortovox Merino Long Sleeve Tee	185g/m²	100% merino wool	Rock'N'Wool developed for mountain use	Garment brand logo	208	Active wear-elite performance	Ortovox Merino Mountainwear	Merino 185 Rock'n'Wool model # 333006
Mountain Design Tee	150g/m²	100% merino wool	Merino base layer ultralight base layer or solo for travel or activity	Garment brand logo, woolmark pure wool logo	364	Active wear-active everyday	Mountain Design Merino Base Layers	MD 150 merino SS Tee W code 150586

2.How is Merino Base Layer Comfort Measured?

Retailers, spinners and garment makers now have access to a Wool ComfortMeter (wcm) through Australian Wool Testing Authority (AWTA) to help assist them to produce merino base layer or next to skin merino garments to a measured level of comfort for specific types of activities of their customers. This opportunity enables retailers and garment manufactures measure the fabric or the yarn to be used in the next to skin garment for a consistent comfort score rate that will give good user experience.

The flow on benefit for us as their customers, is we are able to access merino base layer garments that give no prickle next to skin experience or a good comfort level when wearing the garment for the recommended level or activity type. Research has demonstrated that the handle or feel of softness in the merino next to skin garment is not a good predictor of wearer comfort.

3.How Does Merino Comfort Score Relate to Activity

Basically, the recommended wcm scores are rated to cover two merino next to skin or base layer wearer groups known as active sportswear and everyday fashion wear.

The group names define the types of activities of the two wcm score groups and reflect the expected level of activity or exertion of individuals in those groups.

Each activity level or type of activity within these two groups has a number of wcm score recommendations for the the most comfortable merino next to skin garment for that user.

Essentially, the lower the WCM score the more comfortable the merino base layer experience next to skin when the skin temperature is raised during high activity levels or exertion.

Recommended WCM Score Active Sport Wear

Active and sport wear group recommend the lower wcm 250-400 score range where skin temperature levels are expected to be elevated more than normal due to physical exercise and exertion.

Recommended WCM Score Fashion Everyday Wear

The everyday and fashion wear group will enjoy great next to skin experience with the recommended wcm score of 400-600 range where skin temperatures will be close to normal with little variation.

Read for more detail and tables on wcm score or rating of next to skin wear and their recommended activity type, read the ATWA and Sheep CRC: Next to Skin Wool Comfort and Handle

4.What Other Information is on the Merino Next To Skin Garment Label

Other information found on the next to skin merino labels aside from care instructions, give useful information which is helpful to understand the merino base layer garment.
4.1.Merino base layer fabric weight
4.2.Merino base layer brand
4.3.Merino logo
4.4.Merino base layer composition

4.1.Merino Base Layer Fabric Weight

Often described as grams of merino per square metre in the merino base layer garment and is usually located beside the garment brand, either on the swing tag or packaging. Typically base layer merino is next to skin or the first layer of clothing and typically the amount of merino will range between 150 to 200 gms per square metre.

4.2.Merino Base Layer Brand

Behind every brand there is description of the brands values or ethos of what they are about, what is important to them and their commitment to those values. These may also cover the micron range (ultrafine, superfine or fine), traceability of merino sourced for their merino next to skin garments, animal welfare and environmental ethics associated to their merino source.

Once familiar with the garments brand, their standing within the merino next to skin and merino wear retail sector, you will associate previous experiences of their merino garment comfort, quality and style with their company brand or logo.

Brand websites do give information on their merino base layer or next to skin garments which varies widely from specific to general. Click on the image in the table to see the base layer garment brands website descriptions.

4.3.Logos on the Next To Skin Merino Garment

Base Layer Brand Logo

Some merino base layer garments may also have extra information through the addition of an accredited body’s logo signifying further compliance of a specific sort or meaning.

Pure Wool and Wool Blend Logos

Some well-known logos including Woolmark’s merino mark apparel logos cover the quantity of merino in the merino base layer garment from pure merino to various merino blends, fabric quality, range of micron and the activity group that the particular merino mark logo is best suited.

Base Layer Merino Traceability

Other logos include traceability from farm to finished product, an emerging story about the identity of the merino garment beginning where the merino is sourced at the farm gate.

Ethical Merino Logos

Other merino base layer garment logos include country of origin labels and where garment is made to animal welfare logos to signify ethical non-museled merino to no tail docking merino wool.

4.4.Merino Base Layer Fabric Composition

Pure Superfine Merino

As mentioned earlier the measure is given in grams of merino per square metre of the merino base layer fabric. The higher the grams the more merino in the fine knit fabric. The amount of merino in base layer merino will depend on the primary need your activity level, whether for sport comfort or extra base layer warmth.

Superfine Merino Blends

The other level of merino relates to the composition of the fabric, how much of the next to skin fabric is 100% merino or merino blend. Base layer merino blends can include other natural fibres such as silk and cashmere. The blends can also include of varying levels of specialist polyester fibres, each in balance to enhance merino garment performance and comfort level.

Merino Base Layer Fabric Description

The composition descriptions are usually found on the garments inner tag. Some merino base layer garments may also have a logo or tag that will specify the micron of the merino used or the activity the blend is designed, i.e. Woolmarks merino perform, cool wool or merino sport.

5. Recommended Raw Merino Fleece Specifications For Best Merino Base Layer Comfort

There are a number of factors that contribute to wcm score in a merino next to skin garment from the raw or greasy merino wool type sourced to factors along the wool processing line.
Briefly it appears that a major determent toward a favourable wcm score is in sourcing the right superfine merino for processing, whilst processing factors such of yarn spin quality and fabric evenness and tenacity are considered secondary contributing factors

Primary Determent of Comfort in Merino Next to Skin Fabric

When sourcing s baregamerino ultrafine merino uperfine merino wool for a low wcm score for increased comfort next to skin, the major determents are micron and coarse edge micron (CEM).

Current recommendations are superfine merino of 18 micron or less with a CEM 30 of less than 3% in the raw merino fleece measurements.

Superfine merino by definition is 18.5 to 15.6 micron. CEM measures how far from the mean micron the stronger or coarser fibres are in the sample. CEM 30 refers to those fibres are over 30 micron identified as responsible for the prickle sensation in wool next to skin in previous research. The higher the percentage over 30 micron the more skin irritation experienced.

Merino Base Layer Comfort Identification for Consumers

There is a wide range of quality stylish merino base layer garments on the market with a comfort rating to suit a variable array of activities from everyday comfort and fashion to increased comfort need in active wear next to skin merino garments.

While wcm scores or uniform rating are yet to be translated to labels and swing tags to assist the consumer, there are some marketing label descriptions that do assist. It does seem that for consumers to confidently find the best merino base layer comfort for a specific activity level in mind, is a bit of challenge without a uniform comfort level for activity descriptions being used.

Sources

http://www.sheepcrc.org.au/files/pages/fact-sheets/pw21-measuring-and-managing-wool-quality/Practical-Wisdom—Wool-2014.pdf

Bruce A McGregor, Maryam Naebe, Henry Wang, David Tester, James Rowe. 15 October 2015. Relationships between wearer assessment and the instrumental measurement of the handle and prickle of knitted wool fabrics. Textile Research Journal. DOI: 10.1177/0040517514551460

Wang, Henry, Quiniou, Cecilia, Naebe, Maryam and Crowe, David 2016, Predicting fabric prickle propensity by testing yarns on the Wool ComfortMeter, in IWTO 2016: 85th International Wool Textile Organisation Congress: Wool for Future Generations, IWTO, Brussels, Belgium.

Australian Wool Exchange Ltd. 2016-2018 Classing Superfine. Code of Practice Preparation of Australian Wool Clips. Pg 56

Merino Comfort & Wool Quality for Next-To-Skin Merino

Barega Merino Merino Health Benefits, Superfine Merino Wool March 24, 2016September 18, 2016next-to-skin, superfine merino, Wool ComfortMeter, Wool HandleMeter 0 Comment

Wool’s place in high-end fashion and suiting is well established but a new emerging market of next to skin merino, base layer merino and intimate merino appeal is gaining momentum.
New merino testing technologies gives these emerging markets, both retailers and consumers alike, consistent results of wearer merino comfort and quality for next to skin merino wear.

Wool ComfortMeter And Wool HandleMeter

When evaluating Merino comfort and wool quality for next-to-skin wear, the most common concerns that people have are prickle, allergies, and itch. The misconception that wool lacks the softness that is essential for next-to-skin comfort is based largely on subjective estimates of the fabric’s handle and feel. However, the Cooperative Research Centre for Sheep Industry Innovation (Sheep CRC) and Australian Wool Testing Authority (AWTA) have made a break through testing meters available, Wool Comfort Meter and Wool Handle Meter. These two new measures of Merino comfort and wool quality are objective and unbiased and give retailers consistent, repeatable results on the quality of the merino products to ensure a superior merino next to skin consumer experience.

What Are A Fabric’s Comfort And Handle?

Merino Comfort

A merino fabric’s comfort refers to its level of smoothness and wearer experience often referred in the past as a level of prickliness. Comfort is dependent on the fibre’s diameter, the spin and yarn finish used in the processing of the wool fibre and the fabric construction.

In general the finer the micron (smaller the number) the softer and more comfort next to skin with fibres of a diameter of less than 18 micron deemed to be comfortable and is suitable for next-to-skin wear.

Superfine merino wool is defined as between 15.6 and 18.5 microns are excellent fabrics for base layer garments and ultrafine merino wool, 15.5 microns and finer ideal for next to skin merino and intimate appeal wear. Hear more about next to skin merino comfort and handle meters and an Australian superfine grower’s bid to ensure the comfort and wearer experience for ultrafine and superfine merino end users as featured on Australian Broadcasting Commission Landline.

Merino Fabric Handle

A fabric’s handle, on the other hand, refers to its softness or feel by hand. The handle is dependent on the fibre’s thickness, density, and weight. Contrary to what most people believe, tests have conclusively shown that a fibre’s comfort and handle are unrelated attributes.

A fibre can, therefore, be hard to handle, but can have a high comfort value with a low prickle. On the other hand, a fibre can be incredibly soft to handle, but can be associated with high prickle or discomfort.

How Can I Evaluate Merino Comfort & Wool Quality For Next-To-Skin Wear?

You may already know that Merino wool garments are sustainable and naturally breathable. You may also be aware that Merino is a moisture wicking and odour resistant fibre.

But are you confident that you want to wear a Merino garment against your skin?

To make this intimate decision, you don’t have to rely on a subjective evaluation anymore.

Two new measures of Merino comfort and wool quality developed following five years of extensive research by Sheep CRC, have taken the guesswork out of Merino comfort and wool quality for next-to-skin wear.

These two instruments empower retailers and consumers alike by providing increased transparency and confidence that Merino is the fabric of choice for base layers and next-to-skin wear with a superior feel and comfort factor that outperforms all other fibres.

Endorsed by the Australian Wool Testing Authority (AWTA) as commercially viable and effective methods of assuring quality and comfort, these new technologies are set to revolutionize how consumer expectations are met by providing predictable comfort and guaranteed softness.

1. What Is The Wool ComfortMeter?

The Wool ComfortMeter is a breakthrough technology and is a new measure of Merino comfort and wool quality. It works by counting the number of protruding fibres in a given area of the fabric or fibre and accurately correlates this to wearer comfort.

The higher the number of bulging fibres, the more is the associated discomfort. The Wool ComfortMeter is, therefore, a quantifiable measure of Merino comfort and wool quality for next-to-skin wear. It also has useful commercial applications as a quality assurance test for medical and baby products.

For the benefit of consumers, the predictive value of the Wool ComfortMeter (WCM) has been honed by large scale wearer trials conducted over a period of four years.

How Does the Wool ComfortMeter Work?

The meter is non-destructive and scans the fabric placed on its testing bed, providing a single value indicating the fabric’s comfort level, with lower the WCM score the higher comfort level experience for the consumer.
There are three comfort level ratings within two wearer descriptions of active wear and every day fashions.

1.1 Active Wear

The active wear description has lower value ratings of between WCM 250 to 400 making it ideal for next-to-skin wear with the average person perceiving no discomfort at this level.

It takes into account the raised skin temperature of the active wearer, which raises the sensitivity of the skin to any irritation and hence the lower WCM value levels for this wearer description.

They are describe WCM values of 250 or less as luxurious and premium comfort next to skin experience at an elite performance activity level.

These values give a wool comfort level described from luxurious though to everyday comfort depending on the level and intensity of consumer activity and well described in their Next-To-Skin, Wool Comfort & Handle pdf at www.woolcomfortandhandle.com

1.2 Everyday Fashions

The everyday comfort description group have a WCM value range of 450 to 600 in three user comfort levels.

Again the lower figure WCM value offers the best next to skin comfort experience to the most active consumer within this everyday fashions group.

2. What Is The Wool HandleMeter & How Does It Work?

This is a new measure of Merino (comfort and) wool quality that objectively evaluates the softness of a fabric by measuring the force required to push it through the Wool Handlemeter (WHM) instrument’s nozzle.

Like with the ComfortMeter, the HandleMeter does away with prior subjective assessments and gives a score rating or value on a number of the fabrics attributes including the fabric’s softness, warmness, smoothness, hairiness, and tightness. The WHM gives a value of between 1 to 10, and the higher the WHM value the softer the handle.

Unbiased And Repeatable Merino Comfort & Handle Values

It provides unbiased information about Merino comfort and wool qualityand handle values for next-to-skin wear. The Wool HandleMeter WHM is, therefore, an independent and objective calibration of a fabric’s handle or feel, which overrides previous subjective estimates and language barriers across global supply chains.

Read more about these new exciting technologies and down load their brochure at www.woolcomfortandhandle.com

Is Superfine Merino Wool Ideal For Next-To-Skin Wear?

Quite simply put, yes. New measures of Merino comfort and wool quality, by way of the Wool ComfortMeter and the Wool HandleMeter, have created clear product differentiation.

The bad reputation that wool had for being too itchy and prickly for base layer garments has been decisively repaired. It’s easier than ever for retailers to offer consumers quality merino next-to-skin and active merino wear.

Superfine and ultrafine Merino wool can now be independently certified as the most comfortable next-to-skin garments, offering unrivalled comfort and ultimate customer satisfaction. We now have the opportunity to confidently say that Merino comfort and wool quality for next-to-skin wear is unparalleled by any other fabric.

What Is Merino Next-To-Skin Wear?

Barega Merino Merino Health Benefits February 12, 2016September 18, 2016base layer, merino, next-to-skin 0 Comment

You have probably heard of ultrafine merino wool, and you are likely aware of the importance of a base layer merino, but are you wondering what is merino next-to-skin wear?

These similar terms refer to the layer or merino clothing worn closest or directly next to the skin.

Superfine merino and ultrafine merino wool is increasingly used in a wide range of wool clothing.

Ultrafine merino is worn ultra-close, next-to-skin in the form of merino underwear and thermal wear with superfine merino in the next closest to skin garment to complete the merino base layer.

Superfine Merino Wool and Wool Blends

Many people associate the word “wool” with a prickly, itchy, and uncomfortable fibre that is the least likely candidate for a good next-to-skin fabric.

However, in recent years, merino sheep farmers and textile processors have combined forces and used advances in technology to develop next-generation merino and merino wool blends that are ideal as a base layer.

Ultrafine and Superfine Merino Next to Skin

Wool is an inherently natural and breathable fabric that can keep you warm in cold weather and cool in warm weather, and it is this property that makes ultrafine merino and superfine wool especially suitable for next-to-skin garments.

Millions of air pockets in merino wool trap a layer of air next to the skin and retain body heat in cold weather. Ultrafine merino underwear as a first layer next to skin is, therefore, insulating and keeps you toasty warm in even the harshest weather conditions.

By transferring perspiration away from the body, regulating temperature, and keeping you well ventilated in warm weather, base layer merino underwear keeps you from overheating or feeling clammy.

New Research highlight Health Benefits of Superfine Merino

Recent research has highlighted that babies sleep for longer and more settled when sleeping with wool. It is thought that merino wool ability to control skin moisture encourages a more even body temperature, resulting is an increased level of comfort for improved sleep.

Further early research results are finding these natural merino characteristics are also assisting in the treatment of some skin conditions.

Performance Merino Clothing

Superfine merino and ultrafine merino is used in an increasing range of merino wool clothing from the traditional designer garments and suits to include a new fine light weight merino knit fabric, used in next to skin wear and base layer merino in the performance merino clothing arena.

Next To Skin Merino

The spectrum or range of next to skin wear and base layer merino in clothing includes underwear and casual everyday wear to travel wear, active wear to sportswear or performance wear merino and merino blends with users from inexperienced to elite levels across many sports and occupations.

Merino Sportswear and Active Wear

Next-to-skin Merino can wick away moisture from the body for a dry and comfortable feel, making Merino active wear and Merino sportswear popular with both amateur fitness enthusiasts and professional athletes striving for peak performance.

It’s possible to stay fresh much longer with a merino wool base layer because it is odour resistant and can be worn for longer duration without any unpleasant smells.

Pure Merino and Merino blends outperform all other fibres when it comes to extreme sports.

Performance Merino clothing is the soft, comfortable, and friction-free alternative to uncomfortable synthetic fabrics or moisture-retaining and slower drying cotton.

With its low warmth-to-weight ratio, Merino is a lightweight and gently stretchable fibre that allows freedom of movement without chaffing, making performance Merino sportswear an unparalleled fabric to take your game to the next level.

Merino Next to Skin Wear Recommendation

Cold can mean just a slight nip in the air, but what is merino next-to-skin wear when it comes to extreme weather conditions? Merino wool is the base layer of choice for Tasmanian and Antarctic adventurer/guide Ewan Blyth who swears by next-to-skin merino underwear as the fabric of choice on the world’s coldest and windiest continent.

With a maximum recorded low of -89.6 degrees Centigrade, an average winter temperature of -50 degrees Centigrade, and sub zero temperatures in the summer months, not to forget the wind chill factor, keeping warm can never be more important than on the White Continent.

Blythe states his merino next-to-skin garments are resilient and easy to care for and that they keep him warm even when wet. He also finds merino base layers are astonishingly comfortable and don’t develop an offensive smell if he gets sweaty when he’s working hard showing visitors the spectacular scenery from sea kayaks.

Ultrafine Merino Next to Skin Wear for Warm and Cool Seasons

Cold weather is all very well, but you could rightfully be wondering what the role of Merino next-to-skin wear is in warmer climes? It may surprise you to learn that “wool is for cold climates” is a misconception and that lightweight Merino wool is an excellent warm weather fabric. Wool growers in Australia have worked with researchers in the textile processing industry to enhance the natural properties of Merino wool and make it suitable as a base layer for hot climates.

On account of its breathability and moisture wicking properties, Merino wool provides dry comfort in the hottest of weather conditions. Ultrafine merino in next to skin wear soothes your skin and keeps you cool in summer, protects and gives warmth in the winter. Australian merino sheep experience a vast range of climatic conditions from extremes of heat to cold, wet to dry with their merino fleeces sheltering them, keeping them safe from the elements.

Ultrafine Merino Base Layer Comfort Assurance

Whether you’re a fashion-conscious diva looking for a smooth fitting base layer or a busy mother of three for whom comfort is paramount, pure Merino and Merino blend base layers provide a lightweight, breathable, and luxurious fibre that is unmatched in comfort.

This is not an unsupported claim based on human estimation. Five years of trials and more than 25,000 individual assessments have led to the development of two calibrating instruments that can accurately measure a garment’s wearability and next-to-skin comfort.

Skin comfort from base layer Merino has been objectively measured and found to consistently surpass consumer expectations. There’s no guess work involved any more, and pure Merino and Merino blends have come out winners when it comes to comfort in next-to-skin wear.

Cool Wool

Cool Wool is a sub-brand of Woolmark and is the latest trend that all the leading and influential designers are showcasing, taking advantage of this versatile fabric’s incredible features.

Cool Wool has featured on the spring/summer and autumn/winter collections of designers all around the world, catering to the growing demand for a fabric that is natural, sustainable, and supremely luxurious.

Superfine merino is a soft and fine fabric that is the epitome of luxury and the last word in elegance. Cool Wool has also gained popularity as it is lightweight and wrinkle free, making it ideal for global travel.

What is merino next to skin Wear?

Next-to-skin superfine merino is easy to care for, elastic, incredibly light, crease-resistant, fire-retardant, odour-repellant, and UV protecting, making it an exceptional base layer fabric. Now if someone asks, “What is Merino next-to-skin wear?” you can tell them it is a naturally breathable sustainable fibre that is ideal for next-to-skin wear with a veritable laundry list of beneficial features.

New Research On Health Benefits of Superfine Merino

Barega Merino Merino Health Benefits February 3, 2016June 15, 2018merino benefits, skin health, sleep health 0 Comment

Scientists have studied the potential role of ultrafine Merino in sleep health and skin health, and have found it is beneficial to those afflicted with chronic skin conditions and that it promotes restful sleep.

Historically, there has been a general misconception that wool fibre is itchy and irritating to the skin, but new research has shown there are real health benefits of ultrafine and superfine merino worn next to skin.

Ultrafine Merino Benefits on Skin Health

Researchers at the Queensland Institute of Dermatology (QID) Australia, specifically focused on ultrafine Merino in skin health and its use in the treatment of chronic dermatologic conditions. The aim of the study was to challenge the common belief that wool fibre is bristly and prickly, and to explore any unrealized health benefits of superfine Merino wool in the treatment of skin disorders.

Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is a skin condition that affects up to 30% of children and 10% of adults. It is an immune-mediated inflammation of the skin resulting in itchy, red, swollen, and cracked skin.

Scratching the intensely itchy lesions makes sufferers of atopic dermatitis susceptible to bacterial and fungal infections. With no known cure, the only treatment for the condition is moisturisation and skin hydration to reduce the intensity and frequency of flares.

The new research has shown definite health benefits of superfine Merino in atopic dermatitis and other similar conditions. Given that the fibre is natural and chemical-free, the role of ultrafine Merino in skin health has come as no surprise.

Next To Skin Ultrafine Merino Helps Treat Dermatitis

The study has demonstrated that participants with inflammatory skin conditions had dramatically reduced symptoms of redness, dryness, itching, and pain after they started wearing superfine Merino.

Ultrafine Next To Skin Merinowear

These wool garments were worn in direct contact with body surface in the form of base layers or next to skin wear including gloves, and socks.

Merino fleece has been adapted by nature to allow merino sheep to survive unpredictable and sometimes harsh weather conditions.

Ultrafine Merino has skin health benefits due to its fundamental temperature regulation and moisture management properties.

Naturally breathable, the fibre draws moisture away from the body, preventing the skin from remaining damp or clammy.

While sensitivity to prickliness varies from person to person, in general, moist or sweaty skin and humid weather makes skin more sensitive.Ultrafine Merino keeps the skin dry and temperature controlled and makes the wearer much more comfortable and less prone to itching.

Ultrafine Merino in Sleep Health

Quality sleep in babies is right on top of every new parent’s wish list and is, in fact, imperative for the healthy growth and development of the wee ones. New research has shown health benefits of superfine Merino and a role for ultrafine Merino in sleep health.

Ultrafine Merino, A Natural Fibre

The natural breathability, exceptional softness, and luxurious feel of superfine Merino make it aparent’s instinctive choice. Parents of babies who use Merino wool wraps to swaddle them have found it is by far the best material to keep baby comfortable and promote undisturbed sleep.

Sleeping Temperature Regulation with Merino

One of the common reasons for babies waking up at night is being too hot or too cold, and the intrinsic temperature-controlling properties of superfine Merino wool keep baby’s delicate core temperature regulated by insulating in a cold environment and releasing heat in a warm environment.

Sleep suits, sleeping bags, sleeping gowns, and base layer sets in ultrafine Merino all promote sleep with their incredibly soft, warm, and breathable material that is lightweight, yet substantial, and soft as silk against baby’s delicate skin.

Sun Safe Merinowear

It doesn’t hurt that ultrafine Merino is stain resistant, resilient, and easy to care for, making it the obvious choice of busy parents.Merino wool offers ultraviolet protection with ratings up to UPF50+, and superfine Merino blankets are especially convenient for sun safety when baby is on the go.

Quality Sleep With Merino

It’s not babies alone that need a good night’s sleep, science results through new research has shown the health benefits of superfine Merino in the quality of sleep in adults as well.

A three-year study conducted at the University of Sydney Australia, to evaluate ultrafine Merino in sleep health has shown a direct correlation between woollen Merino bedding and sleep quality in adults.

The luxuriously soft Merino wool fibre was found to have a direct positive impact on sleep quality, sleep quantity, and sleep efficiency (time spent asleep versus total time spent in bed).

Natural Superfine and Ultrafine Merino

New research has shown the health benefits of superfine Merino, and it is the wool’s inherent ability to regulate temperature, manage humidity, and create a comfortable micro-environment around the wearer that makes ultrafine Merino so indispensable in sleep health and skin health.