Merino wool is an excellent fiber. The perfect merino wool clothes someway manages to be comfy in 95-degree warmth, and merino base layers preserve you heat properly beneath freezing. Not like artificial fibers derived from petroleum, merino wool is pure and renewable.
Merino wool’s versatility means there’s a bewildering array of blends and choices to select from. Listed here are our favourite merino wool merchandise that we have examined by sporting and washing (often in chilly water, and hung to dry, though we do machine dry them simply to see what occurs) over the course of months and even years in some instances. When you’re executed right here, do not forget to take a look at the remainder of our attire guides, just like the Best Merino Wool T-Shirts, Best Base Layers, Best Puffer Jackets, Best Hoodies, and Best Hiking Boots.
Up to date April 2026: We have modified out prime choose boxers to Wool & Prince, added extra hoodies, and the Ibex ladies’s Goat quick sleeve. We additionally up to date costs and hyperlinks all through.
Desk of Contents
Why Is Merino Wool So Nice?
Merino wool is nice since you’re stealing a sheep’s means to maintain itself heat or cool primarily based on the temperatures it is in, a course of also known as thermoregulation. Should you’ve solely ever worn the form of itchy wool sweaters your proverbial grandmother supposedly made, you may marvel what all of the fuss is. The reply is that Merino sheep have thinner, softer wool, which has advanced to maintain them comfy throughout a variety of temperatures and is comfy to put on subsequent to your pores and skin. Wool is sustainable, too.
One sheep can produce 4 to five kilos of wool per 12 months. That is as a result of the sheep that make merino wool drink solely the purest alpine waters and examine the artwork of consolation below the tutelage of these stuck-up Pashmina goats, who, let’s face it, may know a factor or two about splendidly pillowy softness. Simply kidding. Merino sheep do have that softer wool although, and merino wool is a outstanding cloth that is turn into the cornerstone of my wardrobe.
Merino wool is available in totally different weights, which you’ll incessantly see listed as “200 gsm” or one thing comparable. (The “gsm” refers to grams per sq. meter, generally listed as g/m.) What’s necessary is the dimensions and the place your garment falls on it. On the low finish, you’ve T-shirts and underwear, that are sometimes 150 gsm, although we’ve seen some as little as 120 gsm. Usually, something beneath 200 gsm can be an excellent base layer or T-shirt. From 200 to 300 gsm are your mid-layers, and something above 300 is a heavier garment.
Should you’re extra acquainted with artificial rankings like these usually used on fleece, know that, in my expertise, about 120–160 gsm wool corresponds to 100-weight fleece, 160–200 gsm wool roughly matches 200-weight fleece and 200+ wool is like 300-weight fleece. In each occasion, the wool is hotter as a result of it is higher at trapping warmth, particularly within the wind. (That stated, there are causes to go along with fleece at instances, like how extremely light-weight it may be.)
Nuyarn is a merino wool/artificial hybrid weave, whereby merino wool is wrapped round a nylon core for heat, lightness, and additional sturdiness. The concept is to get the temperature regulation advantages of merino, however so as to add among the longevity of nylon. In my expertise, Nuyarn largely works. It is our prime choose for base layers, although I discover it much less obligatory in additional informal clothes, the place I want one hundred pc wool.
Methods to Take care of Merino Wool
Most merino merchandise may have care directions. Probably it will likely be to clean chilly and lay flat to dry. The latter is necessary, as hanging wool to dry will stretch it out (due to the water weight). Whereas most merino labels say the garment will be machine washed, my expertise has been that hand-washing merino will lengthen its life. That is notably true of very light-weight (150 gsm) merino base layers and T-shirts. The exception is Minus33’s Microweight Raglan quick sleeve T-shirt, which is machine-washable and dryer-friendly. Having executed each to mine for over a 12 months, I can vouch that it does certainly maintain up.
I’ve by no means had an issue storing merino in my closet between wears, however for long-term storage, I like to recommend you are taking precautions towards moths, that are infamous for consuming holes in wool. I’ve misplaced merino clothes to moths.
Should you do not wish to odor like mothballs, there are higher options. I make certain to clean and totally dry no matter I’m storing, then I seal it in a compression bag, like this. Another choice is to place your merino garment in a cotton bag or in any other case wrap it in cotton after which put it in a plastic bin. It is essential to ensure that the garment is totally dry earlier than utilizing any of those storage strategies, in any other case your wool will odor musty and moldy. Different choices embody storing your garment in a cedar chest, which is an effective pure deterrent for moths, or use moth traps or lavender sachets, which can repel the moths.
100 P.c Merino vs. Blends
Do you have to purchase one hundred pc merino or must you go for a mix? The reply is … it relies upon. On the garment in query, the use case, and your preferences. In all probability the easiest way to search out out is to strive a number of and see what you want. One benefit to blends is that they are stretchy, which makes them higher for energetic pursuits like climbing, mountaineering, and the like. I like one hundred pc merino for heavier mid-layers like hoodies or jackets, however I want blends for lighter layers. My expertise has been that the nearer I get to my pores and skin, the extra mix I would like, with Nuyarn being my prime choose for base layers.
There are additionally some alpaca blends on the market which can be additionally splendidly delicate (I really like the whole lot I’ve tried from Paka and Arms of Andes). Should you’re one of many uncommon individuals who do discover merino itchy, you is likely to be allergic to lanolin, which is the pores and skin oil produced by sheep. Alpacas do not make lanolin, and the fibers are thinner and finer than merino. That makes alpaca hotter and softer, nevertheless it’s additionally costlier.
Merino vs. Artificial Fibers
Which is best? The reply once more is … it relies upon (sorry). However often merino. By synthetics, I typically imply polyester, nylon, polypropylene, rayon, or blends of those and different materials—the whole lot however cotton, wool, and linen.
Synthetics typically win for wicking away sweat, which implies they have a tendency to really feel drier. In addition they are likely to dry quicker, so in relation to issues like socks and underwear, even most “merino” choices are sometimes greater than 50 p.c artificial. Synthetics are simply higher at dealing with moisture. How a lot this issues relies on a bunch of non-public components. For instance, I really feel bizarre and virtually clammy in something artificial, so I do not actually care how a lot moisture it wicks away.
The draw back to that moisture wicking is that synthetics retain odor. There are some chemical therapies that may assist, however I’ve by no means tried something artificial that was as odor-resistant as merino wool.
One other distinction is breathability. Synthetics are satisfactory on this division, nevertheless it’s the place merino actually excels. Should you’re sizzling and are climbing up an uncovered slope towards an open cross after which dropping down into the cool of a forest, merino is your pal, as a result of the breathability means much less sweat to chill you while you get out of the solar. Once more, how a lot this issues relies on your physique.
The ultimate issue value enthusiastic about is sturdiness. In some instances, synthetics will last more than pure merino, notably in eventualities the place abrasion is a serious supply of wear and tear. To my thoughts, that is simply one more reason to decide on a merino mix reasonably than going all the best way to synthetics, nevertheless it’s one thing to consider should you do a whole lot of off-trail climbing or mountaineering—any exercise the place your garments are going to take a beating.
Base Layers
To actually see how outstanding merino wool is, begin on the backside, with the garments subsequent to your pores and skin. Merino actually shines as a base layer. It is hotter for the load, wicks moisture properly, and in contrast to artificial materials, merino stays stink-free for days of wear and tear. Remember to learn our layering guide for extra on how you can put all of it collectively and keep comfy in any climate. We even have a separate information to the best base layers if you’d like know all of your choices, however listed below are our prime merino picks from that information.
Greatest Light-weight Base Layer
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Ibex
Woolies Professional Tech Crew
The Ibex Woolies Professional Tech base layer crew is the most effective light-weight merino base layer we have examined. If you need a hard-wearing shirt, this it it. Woolies are Nuyarn (see above), which is 85 p.c merino wool and 15 p.c nylon—the merino wool is wrapped round a nylon core, which will increase the heat whereas being lighter (5 oz for the lads’s giant) and extra sturdy. That is my prime choose for all issues technical. It is what I convey climbing, backpacking, and it is evaluations editor Adrienne So’s choose for operating, climbing and different high-aerobic actions when it’s chilly. I additionally love the Woolies Pro Tech Bottoms ($115), that are what I convey backpacking in all however the warmest of climate. There’s additionally a quarter zip version of the shirt should you want.
Except for consolation and heat, a bit a part of the rationale we suggest Woolies is that they final. Ibex is what passes for a heritage firm on this house; the corporate was based in 1997 and has been cranking out merino garment for a very long time. Adrienne’s mother and father purchased her two units of Ibex base layers in 2001 that she nonetheless wears right now, within the 12 months of our Lord 2025. Correctly cared for, Woolies will preserve you comfy heat for years to return.
Greatest Heavyweight Base Layer
SmartWool
Merino Traditional Lengthy-Sleeve
After I need one thing a bit hotter than the light-weight Woolies above, I attain for Smartwool’s Traditional lengthy sleeve base layer. These could also be the most well-liked merino shirts round, and for good purpose: They’re very comfy, tending to the looser facet, function heavy responsibility seams that do not rub, and sit off the shoulder for extra consolation when sporting a pack. At 87 p.c merino wool (blended with nylon), these are additionally very sturdy whereas remaining light-weight (10.3 oz for a males’s giant). This Smartwool shirt, together with the matching pants ($125), are nice for cold winter days.
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Courtesy of Unbound Merino
Unbound Merino
Lengthy-Sleeve Merino Crew
The picks above all have what my spouse calls “that sporty look,” which the trade refers to as “technical.” This one hundred pc merino shirt from Unbound is the alternative: it simply appears like a protracted sleeve shirt. It is extremely delicate and whereas it does tablet a bit should you run it by means of the dryer (do not), it is proved itself loads sturdy—I have been sporting it continuously for over a 12 months now and it nonetheless appears prefer it did once I bought it. It is the long-sleeve, base layer twin to our favourite T-shirt (see beneath). It is on the skinny facet for a base layer, which makes it excellent for these cool climate mornings within the shoulder seasons. It is versatile too; it may be used as a base layer, nevertheless it additionally works as a T-shirt when it isn’t too chilly. Match runs true to measurement, and if the one you need is offered out, be affected person; Unbound incessantly updates its inventory.
There are such a lot of! This is a number of extra to think about, however actually, go learn the base layer guide.
Turtle Fur
Merino Pipe Dream Neck Gaiter
Remember your neck. I stay on this Turtle Fur gaiter throughout the winter and I additionally use the lighter, superfine version for climbing at elevation in the summertime to maintain the solar off my neck with out resorting to sunscreen. It is splendidly delicate, not overly tight, and by no means smells.
Merino Mid Layers
Fleece has its place, however I not often put on it as of late. I want merino for my mid layers. It is higher at serving to your physique regulate its temperature. The one place fleece nonetheless wins for me is backpacking. It is virtually at all times lighter for comparable heat, at the least in mid layers.
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Just like the Northern Lights or the McRib, the thickest Ibex wool hoodie seems irregularly and with some fanfare. The Mammoth Hoodie is certainly an enormous, furry beast of a garment—it is mainly the load of the traditional American Big hoodie however product of 85 p.c wool lower with 15 p.c nylon for added heat and stretch. Ibex says it is the warmest hoodie they’ve ever made, and in my week of testing, I’ve used it instead of a jacket in mid-30s temps. It has an athletic lower with zippered pockets and thumb holes. I do put on a stocking hat with it within the chilly as a result of the scuba hood is supposed to suit below a helmet which implies it is too small to supply sufficient heat for my giant shaved head by itself. —Martin Cizmar
