Merino Fleece Is Ecologically Ahead In The Garment Industry

The average person may have never heard of Merino fleece. So when they are asked what they think of wool garments, they often say beautiful but too itchy and uncomfortable to wear except in the coldest weather. Some people even shy away from garments that are wool blend because of the stigma of coarse wool clothing of the past. If a person were to be asked about wearing wool underwear, the picture of prickly baggy long johns on an old prospector from days gone by quickly squashes the idea of wearing wool against the skin.

So what does Merino fleece have to do with all this? Merino fleece is changing the way people feel about wool. Ranchers, researchers, ecologists, and others have joined forces to produce some of the finest fiber in the world. They have studied all aspects of wool production from choosing the breeding stock of the sheep, to providing pristine calm and peaceful surroundings for the sheep. This renewable resource is taking on a whole new section of the garment industry.

The finest of the fine is called Smart Wool. No fibers larger than 30 microns are allowed to be woven with Smart Wool as the end result. It has a feeling that rivals silk; it has great elasticity, durability, and is a multi-climate fiber. Creating a soft, breathable fiber is the secret to making Smart Wool an all season choice rather than saving it for the coldest of winter.

Wool has many characteristic that make it a dependable fiber as well as being ecologically friendly for those who are hoping for a greener world. Because the fibers absorb moisture it tends to be anti-static which is very useful for work wear that would require a spark free environment. Since it is a natural fiber, it is a breathable fiber that allows the passage of perspiration away from the body during hot weather and holds warmth during cold weather. This also tends to dispel the notion that wool is for cold weather only.

But the idea that has put the garment industry on its ear is the fact that Smart Wool is completely machine washable and dryable. It is often treated to ensure little if any shrinkage and its elasticity and durability allows it to stretch when needed and spring back into shape. Smart Wool is the Cadillac of Merino fleece and is bound to be a growing part of the industry in the future.

By: Alan Stables

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Alan Stables trades in greasy wool. For this, Alan has to have an understanding of sheep skins , the characteristic of a merino fleece, types of wool and wool testing to produce accurate details of the product on sale.