Why Elite Athletes Are Abandoning Synthetic Gear for Merino Wool

In the final years Tom Daley's high-flying and wildly successful career as an Olympic diver, he discovered a rather more sedate hobby to pass the time between flips: knitting. 

"One thing that has kept me sane throughout this whole process is my love for knitting and crochet and all things stitching," he told reporters at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.

Since retirement, he has run at the hobby with as much force and focus as he approached the diving board, starting a line of knitting patterns and, just this month, launching a knit kit of 100% merino wool, bringing the benefits of merino wool to the masses.

The yarns he sells are, according to him, "the real deal: natural [and] breathable." Though we haven't spoken to Tom directly (yet... Tom please reach out -- we're huge fans!), it's safe to say he's a fan of 100% merino wool. And he's not the only one.

Tom Daley knits between dives at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021

The Science Behind Superior Performance

Scientific studies reveal why merino wool has become the go-to choice for premium performance wear. Unlike synthetic materials, merino wool fibers can absorb up to 30% of their weight in moisture while still feeling dry to the touch. This unique property stems from the fiber's complex structure – each strand contains thousands of tiny air pockets that regulate temperature and manage moisture simultaneously.

A recent four-year study led by North Carolina State University found that "100% merino wool base-layer garments deliver superior thermal comfort and performance benefits during dynamic stop-go sports like cycling, rock climbing, hiking and golf."

A press release stated that "unlike traditional synthetic performance wear, merino wool maintains thermal equilibrium during both exertion and rest. This means wearers can avoid the negative skin sensation known as after-chill so commonly experienced in outdoor sports, and instead can be assisted in conserving energy and maintaining comfort when it matters most."

These properties are immediately alluring to elite athletes, who are all too familiar with the unpleasant sensations of after-chill after intense bursts of effort.

Elite Athletes Speak: Testimonials from the Field

Rock Climbing: 

Australian rock climber Andrea Hah is no stranger to merino wool, having encountered it in technical rock climbing gear for most of her career. But advances in weaving techniques meant that even she was surprised by the benefits. “The wool I wore was amazing at regulating the temperature. Living in the Blue Mountains (New South Wales, Australia) exposes me to large variations in climate, so this is really important. I love that I don’t have to do multiple outfit changes between running on the trails, climbing on the cliffs or training indoors.”

Marathon Running: Endurance Without Compromise

Three-time Olympic middle-distance runner Jeff Riseley values merino wool for its ability to regulate body temperature and minimize moisture. “I typically find it difficult to find a product that can keep me warm early in a run when I’m still cold, and that can cope once I’ve warmed up so that I don’t overheat or sweat. Wool minimizes the need for multiple layers that need to be shed as a run goes on, making it really versatile.”

Ballet: Flexible and Strong

Professional ballet dancer Rhys Kosakowski was pleasantly surprised by the move-with-you airiness and stretch of merino wool: “The feeling of the clothes was what really surprised me, because everything was really soft and fine,” he says. “It almost felt as though I wasn’t wearing clothes, which as a dancer is excellent as it gives me the freedom to physically move.”

Sport-Specific Applications: Where Merino Wool Dominates

Trail Running and Ultramarathons

• Temperature range: Performs optimally from 20°F to 85°F
• Moisture management: Wicks sweat 40% faster than synthetic blends
• Multi-day events: Odor resistance allows single-piece use for 3-5 days

Professional Cycling

• Aerodynamic benefits: Smoother fiber surface reduces drag
• Multi-stage comfort: Natural anti-bacterial properties prevent saddle sores
• Weather adaptability: Single layer works across 50+ degree temperature swings

Alpine Sports and Mountaineering

• Wet-weather performance: Maintains warmth even when saturated
• Layering compatibility: Works seamlessly with technical shells
• Extended expeditions: Natural odor resistance crucial for multi-week trips

CrossFit and High-Intensity Training

• Quick recovery: Superior moisture-wicking prevents post-workout chill
• Durability: Withstands repeated high-intensity sessions without degradation
• Versatility: Transitions seamlessly from gym to outdoor activities

The Technology Behind the Performance

Modern 100% merino wool processing has elevated this natural fiber to compete directly with high-tech synthetics. Advanced spinning techniques create fabrics that are:

• 30% lighter than traditional wool
• 50% more durable than standard merino
• Machine washable without special care requirements
• Naturally antimicrobial without chemical treatments

Leading sports science laboratories have confirmed that premium merino wool outperforms synthetic materials in thermal regulation, moisture management, and odor control – the three critical factors for professional athlete gear.

Why Elite Athletes Are Making the Switch

The transition from synthetic to 100% merino wool among professional athletes is driven by measurable performance improvements and mounting evidence of merino wool's benefits. When milliseconds and marginal gains determine career success, elite athletes choose gear based on scientific data.

The Future of Athletic Performance Wear

As professional sports continue to push human performance boundaries, the natural advantages of 100% merino wool become increasingly valuable. Unlike synthetic materials that rely on chemical treatments that wash out over time, merino wool's performance benefits are built into the fiber structure itself.

For athletes serious about performance, the choice is becoming clear. While recreational athletes debate synthetic versus natural, elite athletes have already made their decision. They've discovered that sometimes the most advanced technology comes from nature itself.

The secret weapon of elite athletes isn't a supplement, training technique, or high-tech gadget. It's a natural fiber that's been optimized by millions of years of evolution to provide exactly what human performance demands: intelligent climate control, superior moisture management, and reliable durability when it matters most.

While we haven't asked Tom Daley directly (again, Tom, please reach out), we're certain his wardrobe is filled with merino wool garments. And if Speedo were brave enough to make merino wool swimwear, he'd surely don a pair.

For aspiring athletes looking to gain every possible advantage, the message from the professionals is clear: invest in premium performance wear that works as hard as you do. Your performance – and your comfort – will thank you.