Merino vs synthetics: does one really beat the other?
The merino wool versus synthetics debate is one of the hottest conversations in outdoor apparel right now.
By: Tom Clive
26.10.2026
Neither is superior. The right choice depends on personal preference and intended use. Merino is warm, breathable, soft and odour-resistant. Synthetics are durable, flexible and excellent at moisture management. What matters is how each is made and how well it suits the way you move.
At a glance
Merino and synthetics both earn their place; neither is superior in every situation.
Choose merino for warmth, softness and wool’s ability to resist odour.
Choose synthetics or merino blends for stronger moisture management at higher intensity.
What matters most is how each fabric is made and how well it suits the way you move.
Table of contents
What makes merino wool stand out?
Why Odlo still advocates synthetic fibres
Merino or synthetic: which is right for you?
Odlo's take on merino and synthetics
What makes merino wool stand out?
Merino wool often takes centre stage - praised for its origins, credentials, and impressive performance. At Odlo, we agree that merino wool is a fabulous material. It's warm, breathable, and wonderfully soft. Back in AW25, we put the spotlight on our merino offering with our Wool Expertly Elevated campaign. This campaign showcases the range and just how far merino fibres can go in delivering technical warmth, comfort, and breathability for outdoor performance. But the story doesn't end with performance. Sourcing matters. All our merino wool comes from farms that avoid mulesing. And from FW27, we'll take it a step further: all our 100% merino base layers will be Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) certified. This ensures even higher levels of animal welfare, land management, and full traceability throughout the supply chain.
Why Odlo still advocates synthetic fibres
We’ve been innovating with synthetic fibers since 1948 - and for good reason. Synthetics remain essential to high-performance sportswear. They’re incredibly durable, flexible, and excel at moisture management, making them ideal for everything from alpine pursuits to everyday training. As with merino, responsible production is non-negotiable. • All our base layers, first layers, and mid layers are OEKO-TEX® 100 certified, ensuring they're tested for harmful substances and safe for your skin. • We're rolling out bluesign® standards, which set some of the strictest chemical management criteria in the industry. • We carefully select fabrics made from recycled fibres. And we're fully transparent: you'll find the exact recycled percentage on our website, on the care label, and in the Digital Product Passport.
Merino or synthetic: which is right for you?
Choosing between merino and synthetics comes down to personal preference and intended use. Both insulate when wet and can be highly breathable, but synthetics or merino blends generally perform better than pure merino at very high intensity because they manage moisture more efficiently. Neither material is the automatic winner. The better choice is the one that suits the way you move.
Merino is often assumed to be the better environmental choice simply because it comes from a natural fibre, but the reality is more complex. Merino wool is a precious resource grown using livestock, although its odour-resistant properties can mean fewer washes and a lower care impact when it is aired instead of over-washed. Synthetic fibres offer reliable performance across a wide range of conditions, and their impact depends on factors such as material choice, production standards, recycled content and product lifespan.
Odlo's take on merino and synthetics
We’re proud advocates of both merino wool and synthetics. We believe there’s a rightful place for each in the world of outdoor performance. Rather than focusing on which is “better,” we're committed to ensuring that every fabric we use - whether knitted or woven - meets the highest possible standards for performance, comfort, and responsibility.
The real conversation should be about how each is made and how well it serves you on your next adventure.
Frequently asked questions
Conclusion
Merino and synthetics both earn their place. Choose merino for warmth, softness and wool’s ability to resist odour; choose synthetics or merino blends for stronger moisture management at higher intensity. What matters most is how well it’s made and how well it suits the way you move.
Need help finding the right base layer for you? Explore the Odlo base layer system.