Merino wool is hypoallergenic and safe for most sensitive skin, including skin prone to eczema. Studies commissioned by Australian Wool Innovation have shown that wearing superfine merino next to the skin can reduce eczema severity in infants, adolescents and adults.
This is the opposite of what most people assume about wool, and it comes down to one number: micron count.
Is merino wool itchy?
Superfine merino (under 19 microns) is not itchy for the vast majority of people. The "wool itch" most people remember from childhood comes from coarse wool fibres (30+ microns) that are stiff enough to poke the skin. Merino fibres are far finer and bend on contact, so they feel smooth.
Is merino wool hypoallergenic?
Yes. Merino is one of the few natural fibres considered hypoallergenic. Wool allergies are extremely rare in dermatological literature; what's commonly mistaken for a wool allergy is mechanical irritation from coarse fibres, which superfine merino doesn't cause.
Can merino wool help with eczema?
Several controlled studies have shown that wearing superfine merino next to the skin can reduce eczema symptoms compared with both cotton and rougher fabrics. The proposed mechanisms are: stable temperature and moisture against the skin, no chemical finishes, and the absence of mechanical irritation.
Is merino wool antibacterial?
Naturally, yes. Merino fibres contain lanolin and have a structure that resists bacterial growth, which is why merino garments don't develop odour the way synthetics do. The same property reduces the bacterial load on the skin during wear, which can matter for people prone to skin infections.
Does merino wool help you sleep better?
Research from Australian Wool Innovation and the University of Sydney has linked merino sleepwear and bedding to faster sleep onset and longer sleep duration, attributed to merino's ability to keep skin temperature stable through the night.
Is merino safe for babies?
Superfine merino is widely used in baby and toddler clothing for the same reasons it suits sensitive adult skin: it doesn't itch, regulates temperature without overheating, and is naturally flame-retardant — a safety benefit synthetics can't match.
Frequently asked questions
What micron count should I look for?
For next-to-skin garments, look for 17.5–19.5 microns (sometimes labelled "superfine" or "ultrafine"). Anything under 21 microns is generally non-itchy. Above 24 microns is upholstery or carpet wool, not for clothing.
Is merino better than cotton for skin?
For active or warm conditions, yes — merino keeps skin drier, which reduces the chafing and rashes that come from prolonged contact with damp cotton. For purely passive indoor wear, both are fine.
Is merino better than synthetic base layers for skin?
For most people, yes. Synthetics build up bacteria fast (and the smell that comes with it), and many people get heat rash or irritation from the static and moisture trapped against the skin.
Can I wear merino if I'm allergic to lanolin?
Lanolin allergies are rare but real. Modern processed merino contains very little residual lanolin, but if you have a confirmed allergy, look for "scoured" or "lanolin-free" labelled merino, or test a small piece against your skin first.
Skin-friendly merino, made in New Zealand
Smart Merino's Brass Monkeys base layers are made from 100% fine merino wool — soft enough for everyday next-to-skin wear, including for people with sensitive skin.
