If you’re a traveller, you need to consider Merino wool clothing. Whether jet setting in cities or hiking outdoors, staying active is simple when wearing merino clothes.
Merino wool clothes are some of the best travel clothes, for all kinds of travelers. They’re great for layering and keep you both warm and cool depending on the climate – amongst many other benefits!
Keep on reading to find out why Merino wool clothing for travel is so helpful for any traveller – plus, where to get some of the best merino wool clothes.
What is Merino wool
Merino wool is obtained from Merino sheep and is of high quality, with many unique properties.
Merino clothes are known for their softness, breathability, adaptability, and elasticity. It’s also not scratchy like other wool types. These are just some of the reasons why merino wool clothing for travel is so popular!
History of Merino wool clothes
We’ve been using Merino wool for centuries, as merino wool sheep were first bred in Spain and eventually moved to Australia in the 18th century. It was later in Australia where sheep farmers improved the wool quality drastically through selective breeding.
In the fashion world, Merino clothes became popular in the 1920s with Coco Chanel’s first fine wool jersey dress. Today, wool has become more prevalent in fashion and agriculture, and many different types are available. Australia and New Zealand are still major producers of Merino wool globally.
What’s so great about traveling with Merino wool clothing?
Merino wool clothes should be at the top of your packing list because it’s as close to ‘magic’ as you’re going to get.
Firstly, you can pack fewer clothes if you choose Merino wool travel clothing, as Merino wool is lightweight. The ‘magic’ happens as its fibres change depending on the temperature. When it’s cool, the wool fibres crimp and bend to trap in air, which will insulate you. In warm weather, Merino wool wipes sweat away quickly from your skin, helping you keep cool and dry.
Secondly, merino wool clothes are known for being wrinkle-resistant and elastic. They’ll look good after many years, as long as you are taking care of them. Merino is also antimicrobial by nature, meaning it’s odour-resistant, so you don’t need to wash them as often as other clothing.
Thirdly, you should know that merino wool travel clothing can help provides natural UV protection against the sun. Merino wool clothing has an Ultraviolet Protection Rating of around 40+, which is higher than cotton clothing that only has a score of 5. This rating means that Merino wool can block approximately 97% of UV rays from your skin.
Additionally, you should know that Merino wool is a sustainable material. Merino is a natural and environmentally friendly fibre, it’s also biodegradable and will disintegrate into the earth in about 1-5 years.
Finally, if you’re a hiker, you need Merino wool clothing for your next adventure – it’s the ultimate addition to your hiking gear.
Having a solid base layer for your hike is essential to keep your body temperature in balance, which is where Merino wool travel clothing truly shines. Due to its breathable and natural fibres, Merino wool is a recommended base layer as it is odour-resistant, quick-drying and soft. Its lightness pairs well with heavy jackets and overshirts in cold weather, and it works well on its own in warm weather.
Where to buy Merino Wool clothing
Some of the top Merino wool clothing brands include:
Merino Wool t-shirts
Choosing a merino wool t-shirt is an excellent idea because they’re simple yet stylish and will feel silky smooth on your skin. They’re suited for any activity you may encounter on your travels, whether backpacking through the city, going on a business trip or trekking on an adventure. Merino wool clothing for travel is naturally fast drying, too.
Here are a few great Merino wool t-shirts for men and women:
Merino Wool travel shirts (button-up)
Merino wool travel shirts are an ideal travel companion. You can dress them up or down for any occasion, whether you’re going hiking or having a fancy dinner out on the town. Their lightweight material won’t take up too much room in your suitcase.
Merino Wool long sleeve t-shirts
Wearing a merino wool t-shirt with long sleeves is perfect for the traveller on the go. They’ll work for any occasion. Long sleeve t-shirts are ideal as a warming base layer for hikes but are also suited for casual wear due to their elasticity and anti-wrinkle properties.
Merino Wool hoodies
A merino wool hoodie is a classic outerwear choice. It has enough comfort for daily travels and offers temperature-sensitive fibres that will keep you warm in cold weather. They’re also incredibly soft and will not scratch your skin like other wool types.
Merino Wool underwear
Merino wool is naturally moisture-wicking, and this can help it pull away sweat from your body, which could keep you drier than regular cotton underwear. It is antimicrobial, bacteria and odour resistant, so you will feel fresher for longer with merino clothes.
Merino Wool socks
Socks are perhaps the most popular merino wool travel clothing. They can protect your feet from a full day of walking on a hike or around a big city as they offer warmth and superior moisture management thanks to the Merino wool fibres. Some merino wool socks brands offer cushioned soles for added support.
Merino Wool travel dresses
Merino wool clothing for travel, such as a travel dress, offers superior comfort and quality. Merino wool clothing has excellent stretch thanks to its high elasticity, making merino dresses the ideal choice for any activity, whether travelling or working.
Merino Wool leggings
Merino wool leggings are an excellent choice for travelling. They offer unmistakable softness and natural odour control, so you could have a full day’s hike on a mountain and still feel fresh. The elasticity of merino wool clothes makes a difference and acts as a second skin, offering an extensive range of movement. The wool’s thermoregulation helps keep your body feeling cool when working out and warm when the weather is cold.
Merino Wool accessories
Merino wool accessories, such as beanies, gloves, buffs and scarves, are a great way to stay toasty. Merino wool clothing has natural thermoregulating properties, meaning you will stay warm in cold weather.
How to care for Merino Wool while traveling
We know that cleaning your clothing is the last thing on your mind while travelling.
The first step to take care of your merino wool clothing is to check your clothing’s labels. Most brands include recommendations for washing, such as suggesting to wash a merino wool t-shirt after every 10-20 wears. Generally, merino clothes can last longer between washes.
If you have limited access to facilities while travelling, you can hand wash your merino wool clothing in the sink. Turn the clothes inside out and use warm (but not hot) water with a neutral soap, with a pH level of around 7. Do not use fabric softener, as this can negatively impact the moisture-wicking properties of the wool.
You can leave your merino wool clothing to soak for up to 15 minutes, then rinse and lay it flat to dry to help it keep its shape. You can also hang your clothes, and you should be fine.
The best long-term travel clothes
If you are an avid traveller or simply want more high-quality, sustainable clothing to add to your collection, merino clothes are a perfect match.
Merino wool is renowned for its elasticity, anti-wrinkling, thermoregulating and anti-odour properties, meaning it will look good and stay fresh for longer than other materials.
Merino wool clothing for travel is also one of the softest wools available and will not scratch or irritate your skin. We highly recommend picking up a few merino basics – your suitcase will thank you on your next trip, as merino is lightweight and won’t take up too much room!
Whether you’re after a versatile merino wool t-shirt or warm merino hoodie, we think you’ll enjoy the luxurious feeling of merino no matter where you’re going.
Looking for more tips on sustainable travel? Check out these posts:
Travel DudesI’m sure you’ve had similar experiences I had whilst traveling. You’re in a certain place and a fellow traveler, or a local, tip you off on a little-known beach, bar or accommodation. Great travel tips from other travelers or locals always add something special to our travels. That was the inspiration for Travel Dudes.
