Most of what you remember about wool is true — about the wool your grandparents wore. Modern merino is a different fibre. Here are the ten most common myths and what is actually correct in 2026.
Myth 1: "All wool is itchy"
Outdated. Wool itch is caused by fibres thicker than about 25 microns triggering nerve endings in the skin. Fine merino is typically under 19.5 microns; superfine is under 18.5. At those sizes, the fibre is too soft to cause itch on the vast majority of people, including most who think they are allergic to wool.
Myth 2: "You have to hand-wash merino"
Outdated. Modern merino is engineered to be machine-washed on a gentle wool cycle at 30°C with mild detergent. Hand-washing is gentler and extends garment life slightly, but is not required.
Myth 3: "Merino shrinks if you look at it wrong"
Half-true. Merino shrinks when subjected to hot water plus agitation, or hot tumble drying. Avoid both and it holds shape indefinitely. Many of our garments stay true-to-size for 5+ years.
Myth 4: "Merino is only for winter"
Wrong. Lightweight (150gsm) merino is excellent in summer. The fibre wicks moisture and resists odour better than cotton in hot weather, which is why one-bag travellers and desert hikers wear it year-round.
Myth 5: "Moths will eat your merino"
Half-true. Moths are attracted to dirty wool with skin oils and food residues. Clean garments stored in a sealed container with cedar, lavender, or a moth-deterrent sachet are safe.
Myth 6: "Merino is a luxury fabric"
Outdated. 30 years ago, merino was hard to find outside high-end Italian knitwear. Today, mid-range merino is mass-produced and accessible. Premium NZ-made merino remains a quality investment, but not a luxury exclusive.
Myth 7: "Synthetic is just as good"
Wrong on key dimensions. Synthetic dries faster, but holds odour, sheds microplastics, and is not biodegradable. For longevity, comfort, and environmental impact, merino wins.
Myth 8: "You can't wear merino in the rain"
Wrong. Merino retains insulating value when wet — one of its biggest advantages. It needs a shell over it for serious rain (so does any base layer), but a shower will not ruin it.
Myth 9: "Wool is bad for sheep"
Depends on the farm, not the country. Mulesing is a real welfare issue and the most important question in merino ethics. NZ banned mulesing in 2018; in Australia it is still legal but pain relief is now standard and a growing share of farms are mulesing-free. The cleanest answer for any consumer is to choose brands that can name their farms or supply relationships, rather than relying on country shorthand.
Myth 10: "Merino is high-maintenance"
The opposite. Merino is the lowest-maintenance natural fibre most people own. It needs washing rarely, doesn't need ironing, doesn't pick up smells, and holds its shape between wears.
Most merino myths come from coarse wool of 50 years ago. Try a single 200gsm merino tee and the lived experience clears up the rest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is merino itchy?
No — fine merino is too soft to trigger the itch response.
Can I machine-wash merino?
Yes — wool cycle, 30°C, mild detergent, no softener.
Does merino shrink?
Only with hot water + tumble drying. Cool wash + air dry = no shrinkage.
Is merino only for winter?
No — 150gsm merino is excellent year-round.
Will moths destroy my merino?
Only if stored dirty. Clean, sealed storage with cedar/lavender is safe.
Try Merino, Settle the Question
One 200gsm tee and most of the myths debunk themselves.
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