Merino Wool: A Better Workout

PROBLEM

When you exercise, your body puts a lot of strain on it. You get too hot and feel uncomfortable. Your body struggles to calm you down and lower your body temperature, and you begin to sweat. This is an extremely natural response of the body called evaporative cooling. Your body uses this natural mechanism to optimize its temperature. Merino supports this natural mechanism. It has an inherent ability to handle heat and humidity, maintaining optimal comfort.

RESEARCH

The University of Otago in New Zealand conducted a study to better understand the impact of merino wool on sports and outdoor activities. He compared 3 fabric types: 100% Merino wool, 50% Merino wool, 50% Polyester-Synthetic blend and 100% Polyester-Synthetic. The subjects consisted of athletes exercising in hot and cold environments.

The results showed that:

-Merino showed the best performance in both hot and cold environments.

-Merino was perceived as the most comfortable fiber.

-Merino slowed down sweating.

-Merino wearers have the lowest feeling of wetness due to sweat.

SOURCE: 1. Laing, R.M., Sims, S.T., Wilson, C.A., Niven, B.E. and Cruthers. N.M. (2007), Differences in wearer response to garments for outdoor activity, Ergonomics, p1–19.

OK, WHAT HAPPENED?

Further validation trials were conducted at the University of Melbourne's Institute of Sport, Exercise and Active Life (ISEAL) to compare half Merino and semi-synthetic fiber garments with a running athlete in summer exercise conditions (25 °C, 50). %rH)

Woolnat Merino is a technical fiber with the ability to control temperature and humidity. This means you can exercise longer, better, more efficiently and more comfortably while wearing Merino wool in summer and winter conditions.