A groundbreaking four-year study by North Carolina State University has confirmed Merino wool’s superior thermoregulation and performance benefits for athletes. Unlike synthetic fibres, 100% Merino wool base layers demonstrated dynamic breathability, helping the body maintain thermal balance during both activity and rest.
The research revealed that Merino wool buffers 96% more moisture than polyester, 45% more than cotton, and 26% more than viscose, keeping the microclimate near the skin stable. This advantage reduces after-chill during recovery, conserves energy, and enhances overall comfort in stop-go sports like cycling, hiking, golf, and rock climbing.
Human trials in climate-controlled chambers showed that while all fibres performed similarly during exertion, only wool sustained comfort across activity and recovery phases. Its unique dual-layer structure – hydrophobic outside, hydrophilic inside – enables moisture absorption without feeling damp, creating a steady next-to-skin environment.
Woolmark Managing Director John Roberts highlighted that Merino wool’s natural adaptability responds in real time to athletes’ physiological needs, allowing focus and performance in unpredictable, high-output activities. This research shifts the conversation from quick-dry synthetics to sustainable fibres designed by nature, positioning Merino as the ultimate performance fabric.
