Why Merino Wool?

Merino wool is a naturally grown fibre from the merino sheep. The combination of clean air, grass and water is all that is required to produce merino wool. 

Picture of a mob of merino sheep in a green pasture looking towards the camera.

Grown on farms in Australia, New Zealand and across the world, merino wool is a 100% sustainable fibre. Not only is it 100% natural but is 100% renewable and 100% biodegradable. For the animals welfare, the woollen fleece is removed from sheep annually through a process called shearing. The wool is then cleaned and spun into yarn that is made into clothing, homewares, furnishings and even insolation for houses. Just when you thought this sustainable fibre couldn't get any better, turns out is is 100% biodegradeable! Once the lifecycle of wool is completed, whether the animal or a woollen product, merino wool biodegrades into into the soil or nutrient full compost which can be used to grow food for ourselves and grass to feed happy merino sheep. What a perfectly sustainable circle!

Picture of a mans hand holding merino wool fleece freshly shorn from the sheep

Now we are feeling all warm and fuzzy about how good wool is for the environment here are the ins and outs on why it is the ideal fibre to wrap and dress your little ones in. 

Merino wool and the yarn we use in our knitwear is nearly four times finer than a human hair! This makes it incredibly soft and gives it the ability to bend and move creating a luxuriously gentle yarn and fabric which is ideal for wearing next to the skin.

Whilst little babies cannot manage their temperature for themselves and kids are far too busy being active to stop adventuring, merino wool has the perfect trick up its sleeve. Merino wool can thermoregulate temperature.. thermo-what I hear you say?! Basically it has the ability to keep the wearer warm when the weather is cold and keep them cool when it is hot through the crimps in the merino wool fibre and it's very clever moisture wicking system. Again, moisture-what?! Merino wool can pull up to 30% of its weight in moisture away from the wearer, meaning you don't have to worry about them getting hot and clammy. 

On a serious note and one that often has parents worried is how to keep your little ones safe. Merino wool is naturally fire resistant, not only will your little one sleep soundly and play comfortably but you will have peace of mind knowing if they were to come in contact with a fire will be safer in wool than dressed in alternate fibres. According to research by the Australian Wool Innovation 'the high ignition temperature, high limiting oxygen index and its self-extinguishing behaviour' makes wool naturally resistant to burning, even when exposed to an ignition source for a long period of time. 

And just when you're thinking how can wool get any better I'll tell the wonder feature of the merino wool we use.. it is machine washable! Gone are the days of labouring over the laundry sink, accidentally shrinking and felting those lovingly knitted booties from Granny whilst your cuppa goes cold. Modern day technology means that wool has been treated in a way to make it machine washable so add easy care and drinking a warm cup of tea to the list of reasons why wool is the perfect way to dress and bundle your loved ones.

So can you think of a reason to dress your little one in anything other than wool? I can't. The Woolly Brand, 100% Australian Merino Wool Knitwear that is gentle, durable and machine washable.