We know that merino wool clothes are ideal for both winter and summer, but does this mean you can wear the same outfit in both seasons?
For starters, what makes merino wool suitable for wear in a variety of weather conditions is its excellent thermoregulating properties that help regulate body temperature in high or low temperatures, allowing the skin to breathe and eliminate perspiration. The best example of this is the fact that sheep do not suffer from cold in winter or heat in summer.
What distinguishes merino wool products is the weight of the wool used. The weight, often given in grams, is the weight per square metre of material. Simply put, the higher the weight, the thicker the material.
Materials that weigh less are normally recommended for higher temperatures and those that weigh more for lower temperatures. However, in cold climates, many customers prefer a thin merino wool product as a base layer - which combined with the outer layers provides excellent insulation from outside temperatures.
In the reference table below you will find a brief guide to the weights of merino wool used in Merinito garments.
Weight range
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Season / Outdoor temperature
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Low weight 135-170g/sqm
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Lightweight material, recommended for 4 seasons, for high temperatures as a t-shirt/hoodie but also for low temperatures in combination with outer layers (has the advantage that it is lightweight, dries quickly).
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Average weight 175-200g/sqm
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Recommended thickness for 4 seasons, thicker material (similar thickness to a normal cotton T-shirt).
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High weight 210-280g/sqm
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Recommended material for 3 seasons, provides better insulation in cold conditions.
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Merino wool fibre is 17-21 microns thick (which is fine enough to be worn directly on the skin), compared to standard wool which is 25-50 microns thick or human hair which is 60-100 microns thick. As a comparison - premium cashmere products have a fibre thickness of 14-17 microns.
As a natural, organic material of high fineness, it is affected by the same external factors regardless of weight/sqm (it can cling, it can soak when in contact with other abrasive materials, it can be damaged by detergents that are not special for wool, it can be attacked by moths). However, thicker materials, with the yarn made up of several fibres twisted together, have relatively higher strength. If we respect the care/washing conditions and protect them from external factors that can damage them, we can enjoy the comfort offered by merino wool products for a long time.
The Merinito collection is varied, you will find garments for all seasons, for city, casual or sport wear, and in colours to suit all tastes. Find out more here!