The appeal of the natural high-tech material "merino wool"

Do you know what merino wool is?

At Runtrip Store, we sell several items that use merino wool, but many people may wonder, "Why wool for running wear?" Merino wool is already familiar to people who enjoy mountain climbing and trekking, and in recent years it has become increasingly popular among trail runners.

For those who often run around town or those who aim to run in a marathon, you probably don't have many opportunities to choose your clothing based on the material, so I hope that this blog will help you learn about the appeal of the natural high-tech material , merino wool .

What is Merino wool?

Merino wool is the wool of Merino sheep bred in Australia and New Zealand. It is considered the highest quality wool and is a natural material that is already being used in a variety of products in the outdoor industry.

Merino wool is a natural, high-performance material

Merino wool isn't hot

When you hear the word wool, you may think of "winter knitwear" or "something to wear when it's extremely cold," and it doesn't really seem like a good match for running, which can make you sweat no matter what season it is.

However, the characteristic of merino wool is that it is cool when it is hot and warm when it is cold . It is a dream material in a sense, as it combines high heat retention and good breathability. When it is cold, dead air (still air) accumulates inside the clothing, creating insulation, and when it is hot, it exhibits high breathability.

If you're looking for clothing that you can wear comfortably all year round, we recommend items from [sn]super.natural .

Merino wool doesn't get sweaty

Another attractive feature of merino wool is that its scaly surface gives it excellent moisture-regulating properties. Even if you sweat a lot, it doesn't get stuffy, and it keeps the humidity inside your clothes at a comfortable level.

Taking this characteristic into consideration, we recommend choosing underwear made from merino wool.

Men's BASE MID BOXER PANTS

*This is a men's item, but women can also use it. Please refer to the review section for details.

Merino wool does not make you cold due to sweat

Another feature is that it is more hygroscopic than synthetic fibers such as polyester. Although synthetic fibers tend to dry faster, merino wool has the property of gradually evaporating the moisture it absorbs, which gives it the advantage of not losing body heat as quickly as the moisture evaporates.

"After sweating profusely for a while, my running clothes become sticky..."

Wearing clothing made from merino wool will relieve you from these worries.

Merino wool doesn't smell

To reiterate, merino wool is "animal hair." Because it is a natural material, it has its own immune function and has anti-odor and antibacterial properties.

"When I run a lot, even my socks get soaked with sweat. By the time I put them in the washing machine, they have a pretty strong smell..."

Even if it's your own laundry, it's a bit unpleasant to smell a sour odor after a fun run, right? (laughs) If you have that problem, I would definitely recommend trying items made with merino wool.

Feetures｜MERINO10 MAX CUSHION QUARTER (Gray)

Merino wool is not itchy

Like cashmere, its fine fibers give it a smooth feel that is unusual for wool. If you're someone who doesn't like the itchy feel of wool, then you should definitely try merino wool.

Be careful! How to care for merino wool

"Since it's running wear, you can wash it the same way you normally would!"

If you think that and throw it in the washing machine as usual and wash it with your usual detergent, something sad will happen.

It's "shrinkage."

When washing items that contain merino wool, be sure to check the care label ! Here are some things to check:

1. Types of detergent
2. How to wash
3. How to dry

1. Types of detergent

There are detergents that can be used to wash merino wool and detergents that cannot. The best thing to do is to use detergent specifically for wool, but that's a bit of a challenge (lol). Many people probably have detergent for delicates (neutral detergent) at home. Make sure you have a neutral detergent for clothes, such as Emar or Acron, ready.

2. How to wash

・When washing by hand

Fill a bucket with lukewarm water (approximately 30°C), add neutral detergent and stir. After adding the items, gently press and wash them. Wash for about 5 minutes and rinse at least twice.

・If washing machine OK

Wash on a gentle cycle with a weak water flow, such as "delicates," "cleaning," "soft," or "hand wash." If you wash in a washing machine, it is best to use lukewarm water at around 30°C. It is also best to avoid using the spin cycle of the washing machine.

・Use a laundry net

Merino wool is a delicate material, so it is best to use a laundry net when washing it. This will help the item last longer, especially when washing in a washing machine, as there is a lot of friction involved.

3. How to dry

Wrap the washed item in a large bath towel to remove as much water as possible. Once the water has been removed, hang it up in a well-ventilated, shady area . If you are hanging it up indoors, we recommend using a circulator or fan to blow air on it, or hanging it up in a bathroom with a drying function.

Also, when drying, do not hang it on a hanger, but lay it flat using a special wire net, etc. This will prevent it from losing its shape and help it last longer.

Merino wool makes your running life more comfortable.

What do you think? Merino wool is a material with many benefits for people who want to enjoy running more. Use items made of merino wool to enjoy a comfortable running life.