Our Perspective on the Merino vs. Synthetics Debate
The merino wool versus synthetics debate is one of the hottest conversations in outdoor apparel right now.
By: Tom Clive
15.10.2025
Strong opinions abound, and with just a quick search, you’ll find countlessvoices passionately advocating for one side or the other. Merino wool often takes centre stage - praised for its natural origins, sustainability credentials, and impressive performance.
At Odlo, we agree that merino wool is a fabulous material. It’s nature’s original performance fibre - warm, breathable, and wonderfully soft. That’s why, for AW25, we’ve put the spotlight on our merino offering with our Wool Expertly Elevated campaign. This campaign showcases the range and just how far natural 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 2026 onward, we’ll take it a step further by transitioning to Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) certified wool. This ensures even higher levels of animal welfare, sustainable land management, and full traceability throughout the supply chain.
Why We Still Advocate Synthetics
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 fibers. 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.
The Real Choice: Preference, Not Superiority
Ultimately, the choice between merino and synthetics comes down to personal preference and intended use. Both materials perform exceptionally well at high intensity, both insulate when wet, and both can be highly breathable.
There’s also nuance to the sustainability conversation. While merino is often seen as the more sustainable choice simply because it’s natural, the reality is a little more complex.
Merino wool is a precious resource grown using natural resources (livestock).
However, merino’s odour-resistant properties mean fewer washes, extending garment life and reducing environmental impact. Even with fewer washes, durability of synthetics will always be greater than wool.
Our Take: It’s Not a Question of Either/Or
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.