Holding the Line: Our First Major Price Update in Nearly Two Years
Quality without compromise.
At Smart Merino, our goal is to bring you the highest quality sustainable clothing without the premium price tag. For nearly two years, we are proud to have held our prices remarkably stable across almost our entire range, even as the global market shifted dramatically.
But we have reached a tipping point. Global demand for natural, plastic-free fibers has skyrocketed. While this shift away from petrochemicals is excellent for the planet, it means that high-quality raw merino and strong wool now come at a record premium.
To ensure we never have to lower our standards or use cheaper, blended fabrics, we will be making a targeted price adjustment—primarily aimed between 5% to 10%—effective May 1st.
The Industry Reality
While we held our rates steady, here is what we’ve been navigating:
We refuse to "blend down" our gear with cheap synthetics to save money. We’d rather provide quality that lasts.
Your April Advantage
By announcing this now, we are giving our community the rest of April to shop our entire collection at their original, 2024 rates. If you’re preparing for winter or refreshing your favorites, now is the perfect time to stock up.
Thank you for supporting New Zealand-made sustainable wool.
Warm regards,
Saphire & Chris
Shop Original Rates
Secure your favorites before the targeted adjustment takes effect.
New pricing takes effect midnight, May 1st, 2026.Frequently asked questions
Why is merino wool getting more expensive?
Two main forces. First, global demand for natural plastic-free fibres has risen sharply as consumers move away from synthetics. Second, raw merino prices rose around 40% over 2024–2026. Logistics costs rose roughly 30% over the same period.
Why don't you use cheaper merino blends to keep prices down?
Blending merino with cheap synthetic fibres would reduce our raw material cost, but it also reduces the performance and longevity of the garment. We'd rather make fewer, better products than more cheaper ones.
What is "strong wool" and why is demand up 130%?
Strong wool is coarser wool from New Zealand sheep — the kind historically used for carpets and insulation. As the world moves away from synthetic carpet and packaging, demand for strong wool as a natural alternative has surged. It's affecting prices across all wool grades.
Will Smart Merino prices keep rising?
Our policy is to hold prices as long as possible and adjust only when raw material economics force the issue. We'd rather raise prices once every couple of years than chip away at quality continually.
