In summer, merino wool feels soft and surprisingly cool against your skin. In winter, it keeps you warm even when wet. It dries quickly and has natural antimicrobial properties - the list goes on. But among its many features, some wonder if merino really rivals synthetics, particularly for everyday athletes who run, cycle, and hike regularly. So what's behind the buzz, and should you choose merino wool for sports and daily wear too?
First things first: what is merino wool
If you haven't discovered the joys of wearing merino wool, it's time. The fiber comes from Merino sheep, layers beautifully, and naturally resists odors. It's also a natural thermoregulator - a lot of natural benefits, yes. When worn next-to-skin, this means even when wet, you'll stay warm, and in summer heat, the fabric stays cool and wicks sweat effectively.
One of merino's best features is its reusability - you can wear merino t shirts and other merino garments repeatedly between washes without developing odors. Seriously. We've used simple merino t shirts for multi-day bikepacking trips, worn them at home for a week straight, even through multiple running sessions in heat - no scent at all. This utility makes merino wool apparel a staple for multi-day hikers and travelers alike.
But merino wool for running: how does it actually perform
Good question, and one we get asked often. For several winters now, we've been cycling, running, and sweating in merino wool clothing, mainly because it's warm (especially heavier-weight options like 260gsm) but also because it wicks moisture reasonably well. While it's not as effective as synthetic materials at moisture management, where it differs for running is its exceptional thermoregulation properties.
If you run year-round outdoors, this detail will interest you. Even during high-tempo runs where you sweat heavily and get wet, you still stay warm in cold conditions. Yet almost surprisingly, the opposite holds true in summer. Running in a merino t shirt gives you most of the fast-drying features of synthetic materials (though it may hold moisture slightly longer), but with enhanced comfort thanks to the incredibly soft fabric, especially around sensitive areas.
Why merino wool earns its all-star reputation
Whether skiing, bikepacking, running, or multi-day hiking, merino wool apparel has rightfully earned its "all-star" status. Depending on the season, if you finish your run and jump in the shower or lake while still wearing your merino shirt, simply remove excess water with a towel, hang dry, and it's ready to go first thing in the morning - all its miraculous performance features intact. While different garments have individual use cases, merino wool really is an all-rounder.
The bottom line on merino wool performance
Choose merino wool because it's natural, or because it performs - either way, if you haven't tried it, visit a store to experience what we mean. The versatility of merino wool clothing makes it suitable for everything from base layer applications to everyday casual wear, all while maintaining the same exceptional performance characteristics that have made it legendary among outdoor enthusiasts.
What you experience wearing merino wool might just surprise you. From the initial softness against your skin to the way it continues performing throughout the most demanding activities, merino wool represents a perfect marriage of natural sustainability and cutting-edge performance that synthetic alternatives struggle to match.