{"id":34166,"date":"2026-02-06T10:30:50","date_gmt":"2026-02-06T09:30:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lanagatto.it\/?p=34166"},"modified":"2026-02-05T16:03:24","modified_gmt":"2026-02-05T15:03:24","slug":"merino-wool-features-uses-and-sustainability","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lanagatto.it\/en\/merino-wool-features-uses-and-sustainability\/","title":{"rendered":"Merino Wool: features, uses and sustainability"},"content":{"rendered":"

Merino Wool: Nature\u2019s Finest Fiber<\/strong><\/p>\n

Merino wool is a premium fiber obtained from the Merino sheep<\/strong>. Most of the world\u2019s production comes from Australia<\/strong> and New Zealand<\/strong>, but not everyone knows that this breed actually originated in Spain.<\/p>\n

Merino wool is our true flagship<\/strong> \u2014 the heart and soul of our collections. At Lana Gatto, we\u2019ve always pursued excellence, using Extrafine or Fine Merino Wool in most of our classic yarns<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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MERINO WOOL VS. TRADITIONAL WOOL<\/strong><\/p>\n

Merino wool is especially loved for its incredible softness and fineness<\/strong>, made possible by its micron count. The Merino fiber is extremely thin \u2014 ranging from 15 to 24 microns<\/strong>. Traditional wool<\/strong>, on the other hand, can reach up to 30 microns, making it coarser and stiffer<\/strong>. Because thicker fibers bend less easily, they can feel rough or itchy against the skin<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Even when knitting, Merino wool is a dream to work with \u2014 smooth, light, and pleasant to handle. Just ask any experienced knitter!<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

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PROPERTIES AND USES<\/strong><\/p>\n

One of Merino wool\u2019s most remarkable features is its natural temperature regulation<\/strong>. It acts as an insulator both against the cold and the heat, absorbing moisture without feeling wet, and releasing it through evaporation. This makes it perfect for all seasons<\/strong> and a wide range of uses \u2014 even in outdoor and activewear<\/strong>, thanks to its natural SPF protection of up to 50<\/strong>, depending on the density of the knit.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s also antibacterial and odor-resistant<\/strong>, thanks to the lanolin in the fiber, which prevents bacterial growth and odor absorption. That means you can wear it longer between washes \u2014 a real bonus!<\/p>\n

Another highly appreciated property is its shape retention<\/strong>. Merino fibers are naturally elastic, so garments hold their shape beautifully. Even when stretched, they spring right back to their original form<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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CARING FOR MERINO WOOL<\/strong><\/p>\n

Always follow the washing instructions on the yarn label<\/strong> or garment tag, but in general:<\/p>\n