![Merino sheep](https://www.superyellowheadwear.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Lammas-6.jpeg)
WHAT IS MERINO WOOL?
Merino wool is softer and finer compared to regular wool. The merino wool we use is the best quality and it comes from Argentina, New Zealand and South Africa. The merino fiber is long and curly and during processing it keeps its natural softness. Many great characteristics of merino make it the best choice when you are looking for a 100% natural, sustainable and comfortable material.
WHY MERINO WOOL IS SO GREAT?
As 100% natural material, it is able to adjust to the climate conditions and it can be used around the year. It keeps you warm every day, even when it rains. It absorbs moisture, which means the merino fibres still feel dry against your skin. It is breathable material, and it adjusts to your own body temperature.
One of the best characteristics of merino wool is its softness. Other wool qualities might feel itchy against your skin, but merino doesn’t and it can be used even when your skin type is very sensitive. Merino wool is a comfortable and long-lasting choice.
Merino wool is easy to take care of. The merino fibres are wrinkle-resistant as the fibres always return to their natural shape. It can be machine washed, but luckily it is stain resistant and naturally antibacterial, which means it cleans itself. Therefore some airing once in a while is often enough. For more information, check our merino wool care guide.
![Merino wool](https://www.superyellowheadwear.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Lammas-3.jpeg)
WHAT IS MULESING FREE?
The merino wool we use is 100% mulesing free. This means that the wool we use comes from farmers who are not harming their sheep. Especially common in Australia where wool is mass-produced, the sheep breeders remove skin from the sheep to prevent the sheep getting infected by insects. Mulesing is a surgical procedure, where a part of skin from the sheep’s breech is removed in order to make the nesting environment less attractive for the blowflies. This is an extremely painful for the animals and there are other non-painful ways to keep the sheep save from the infections.
![CARIBOU merino wool beanie vanilla](https://www.superyellowheadwear.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/CARIBOU_Vanilla3.jpg)
IS MERINO WOOL SUSTAINABLE?
Merino is 100% natural and renewable material, as the merino sheep produce new fleece every year. When merino wool is disposed of, it will naturally decompose in soil releasing nutrients back to earth. Merino wool can be reused or recycled.
Due to the natural qualities of merino wool, it is a long-lasting and high-quality material. Therefore, merino products can be used for decades, whereas many other materials are not that long-lasting. Merino products rarely require machine wash, which saves water and energy consumption.