Armadillo Woolery: The Benefits of Merino Wool
Why Armadillo Woolery Uses Merino Wool — And Why It’s Better for You
At Armadillo Woolery, we specialize in ultra-comfortable, next-to-skin clothing and fire station wear made from the finest Merino wool, sourced directly from sheep raised in the U.S. A common question we get is: “Why Merino wool? Isn’t it scratchy?”
Let us explain what makes this wool so unique — and why it’s nothing like the itchy sweaters of the past.
What Is Merino Wool?
Merino wool comes from a specific breed of sheep known for producing incredibly soft and fine fibers. Of the 200+ sheep breeds around the world, Merino sheep stand out for their ability to thrive in extreme climates and for their luxuriously soft fleece. Originally from Spain, Merino sheep are now raised in countries like United States, New Zealand, Australia, Chile, and South Africa.
Once a year, the sheep are sheared — a gentle process much like getting a haircut. It’s completely painless and actually necessary for their health. The result? A highly sustainable fiber that’s naturally renewable.
Why We Use Merino Over Other Wool Types
Not all wool is created equal. Here's what sets Merino apart:
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Ultra-Fine Fibers: Merino wool is incredibly soft due to its fine fiber diameter. This means it won’t itch or irritate your skin.
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Stronger, Longer Fibers: Longer fibers make the fabric more durable and less prone to holes — ideal for active or demanding environments.
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Natural Crimp: The built-in wave (or crimp) in Merino fibers adds elasticity, insulation, and moisture-wicking ability — keeping you warm when it’s cold, and cool when it’s hot.
A Short History of Merino Wool
Spain (12th Century): Merino sheep were first bred in Spain and became highly prized. By the 18th century, their wool was considered royal property.
United States (1800s): Merino sheep were introduced in Vermont, sparking the “Merino Craze.” While the population has since shifted west, Merino played a major role in U.S. textile history.
Australia & New Zealand: Australia now leads the world in Merino wool production, with New Zealand following closely. Our Merino sheep are raised in New Zealand under ethical, humane conditions. Their fleece is renowned for long, silky-soft fibers — exactly what we use in every Armadillo Woolery garment.
Natural Performance Benefits of Merino Wool
Merino wool isn’t just soft — it’s a powerhouse of natural performance:
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Odor-resistant: Can be worn for days or weeks without smelling.
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Fire-resistant: Won’t melt or drip in high heat; naturally self-extinguishing.
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Moisture-wicking: Draws sweat away from the skin better than synthetic fabrics.
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Temperature-regulating: Keeps you warm when wet and cool when hot.
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UV Protection: Naturally blocks harmful rays with SPF 40+ coverage.
Why Our Wool Doesn’t Itch
We use only the finest Merino fibers — measuring just 17.5 to 18.5 microns (the lower the micron, the softer the wool). Traditional wool often used shorter, thicker fibers above 23 microns, which caused the itchiness you may remember from the past.
Merino is in a class of its own — soft enough for underwear, base layers, and socks.
Understanding Fabric Weight (GSM)
Wool fabrics are measured in grams per square meter (gsm). This determines how heavy and warm the garment feels.
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Very Lightweight: <150gsm
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Lightweight: 160–190gsm
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Midweight: 195–250gsm
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Heavyweight: >250gsm
Our garments range from 140gsm to 195gsm — perfect for layering and all-season wear.
Easy Care Instructions
Merino wool is naturally self-cleaning and resists odor, so you don’t have to wash it after every wear. When you do wash it:
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Machine washable: Wash on cold or warm (up to 40°C/104°F) with regular detergent.
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Quick-drying: Air dry or tumble dry on low or air-fluff. Avoid high heat and skip the dryer sheets — Merino doesn’t hold odors, and synthetic dryer sheets add unnecessary chemicals.
Experience the Armadillo Woolery Difference
We believe that your clothing should work as hard as you do. That’s why every Armadillo Woolery product is made with carefully sourced, ethically produced Merino wool — delivering unmatched comfort, durability, and performance.
