Why Wool?
Nature perfected performance fibers thousands of years before we invented polyester.
The Problem with Synthetic Activewear
Most workout clothes are made from petroleum-based, plastic synthetic materials like polyester and nylon that create problems for both you and the planet:
- Microplastic pollution: A standard load of laundry with synthetic-fiber clothes can release up to 700,000 microscopic plastic fibers into waterways
- Odor retention: Synthetic fabrics trap bacteria and smells that become difficult to remove
- Clammy feeling: Poor moisture management can leave you feeling sticky and uncomfortable during use
- Environmental impact: Synthetic fabric takes hundreds of years to decompose, contributing to textile waste
- Chemical treatments: Requires antimicrobial coatings that wash out over time
There has to be a better way. There is, and it's been here all along.
Meet Merino Wool: Nature's Performance Fabric
Merino sheep have been prized for for their incredible fleece for hundreds of years. The properties of the fleece mean that merino sheep stay thermo-regulated and dry in the harshest conditions. We've harnessed these same natural superpowers for your workout.
Temperature Regulation That Actually Works
Unlike synthetics that trap heat or leave you cold, merino wool actively regulates your body temperature. The fibers create micro air pockets that insulate when you're cold and release heat when you're warm. It's like having a personal climate control system built into your clothes.
Moisture Management Without the Clam
Thanks to merino wool's hydrophobic exterior and hydrophilic interior, it can absorb up to 30% of its weight in moisture while still feeling dry to the touch. The fibers wick sweat away from your skin and release it gradually, preventing that clammy, sticky feeling you get with synthetic fabrics.
Natural Odor Resistance
Not only does merino wool keep you dry, it also prevents odor-causing bacteria from building up in the clothes and on your skin.The fiber structure and natural lanolin create an environment where bacteria simply can't thrive.
What this means for you:
- Wear your merino pieces 2-3 times between washes
- Pack lighter for travel (fewer backup clothes needed)
- Never worry about post-workout smells lingering in your gear
- Save money on laundry and extend garment life
Incredibly Soft, Never Itchy
Our premium merino wool fibers are ultra-fine (18.5 microns, to be exact)—about 3 times thinner than human hair. This creates fabric that's softer than cotton and smoother than silk, with none of the scratchiness associated with traditional wool. The difference: Regular wool fibers are thick enough to irritate your skin. Merino fibers are so fine they bend before they can cause irritation, leaving a silky smooth feel.
Renewable & Biodegradable
Merino sheep grow a new fleece every year — with proper nutrition and treatment (aka plenty of frolicking space), it's a completely renewable fiber. At the end of its life, merino wool biodegrades naturally, returning nutrients to the soil instead of polluting it for centuries.
Every time you wash synthetic activewear, millions of microscopic plastic fibers flow into waterways. These microplastics:
- Enter the food chain through fish and shellfish
- Are found in 83% of tap water samples worldwide
- Have been detected in human blood and organs — as much as a spoon's worth of microplastics in our brains.
- Cannot be filtered out by water treatment plants
When you choose merino wool, you're choosing to be part of the solution. Because merino naturally resists odors and maintains its shape, you:
- Wash less frequently (using less water and energy)
- Replace clothes less often (reducing textile waste)
- Need fewer backup pieces (buying less overall)
Performance Benefits Athletes Love
Freedom of Movement
Merino wool has natural stretch and recovery—it moves with your body during exercise and returns to its original shape afterward. What's more, the smooth fiber surface and moisture-wicking properties reduce friction against your skin. Many ultramarathoners and long-distance hikers swear by merino for this reason.
All-Season Versatility
One merino piece works across seasons and activities. Use it for:
- Hot summer runs (temperature regulation)
- Winter outdoor workouts (insulation)
- Yoga classes (comfort and stretch)
- Travel (wrinkle-resistant and odor-free)
- Everyday wear (looks great, feels amazing)
The Bottom Line
Let's be real. Synthetic materials like polyester, nylon, and acrylic were introduced and are currently used for reasons that have nothing to do with health or well-being. They are simply convenient to mass produce. We've forgotten that we have more choices beyond petroleum- and plastic-based clothes.
Nature spent millions of years perfecting its performance fiber. Merino wool regulates temperature better than any synthetic blend, manages moisture without feeling clammy, resists odors naturally, and does it all while being completely renewable and biodegradable.
The question isn't "Why merino wool?"
The question is "Why would you choose anything else?"
Ready to experience the difference? Browse our bestselling items and feel what millions of years of evolution can do for your workout.