Is Merino Wool Itchy?

When we hear the question “is merino wool itchy?,” many of us may immediately think of an itchy sweater that I want to take off. At the same time, though, wool is one of the most beloved natural fibers out there. It’s widely used in clothing, hats, outdoor gear, and much more. The reason that wool is used so extensively is because of its natural, positive properties. We’ve put together a complete guide all about why some wool itches, what merino wool is, and its benefits.

 

Depending on its quality and the strength of its fibers, wool can either feel cozy and soft or it can feel itchy. Wool fibers have a scaly surface and which can lead to irritation when it comes in contact with skin. It all boils down to the strength of the fiber. Thick, stiff fibers do not bend, which leads to itching and irritation. 

 

The average thickness of normal virgin wool is around 37-40 micrometers. The human sensitivity threshold lies at around 25-30 micrometers. This means normal virgin wool can be uncomfortable for human skin. Yet, sensitivity can, of course, vary from person to person. The thickness of a particular  type of wool fiber depends on both the breed and habitat of the sheep it came from. If the sheep lives in a cool climate, its wool’s fibers are generally thicker to protect the sheep from the cold.

Merino wool is a type of wool that comes from  Merino sheep, originating in North Africa. Today, they inhabit Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and South America. Merino wool fibers are fine and crimped, making them incredibly soft. Merino wool’s fibers are only between 16.5 and 24 micrometers thick. 

Some wool can irritate your skin. Not all wool is itchy, though. Merino wool fibers are smaller and smoother on their surface. This means that they bend when they touch your skin, unlike more rough wool types. The crimped structure of the wool also creates small air chambers within itself. This is what makes Merino wool soft and comfortable instead of itchy. When it comes to the question ‘is merino wool itchy?’ The answer is simple: no. These are just a few of the qualities this material has which makes it ideal for making luxurious products. 

We know merino wool is soft and we know that merino wool isn’t itchy. What other amazing properties does this material have? There are 10 beneficial  properties of merino wool which make it the ideal material for making comfortable sneakers. Here are the reasons we love it:

Yes that’s right, not only is merino wool not itchy, but it’s machine washable too. The moisture wicking and antibacterial properties mean you shouldn’t need to wash your merino products very often. But if you do, you can  wash merino wool in the washing machine on a delicate wool setting.

Giesswein footwear makes use of the merino wool which isn’t itchy. Not only is merino wool sustainable, and ultimately biodegradable, but Giesswein commit to using only  mulesing-free merino wool. Using our unique 3D knit technology, non-itchy merino wool is shaped into the perfect sneaker for ultimate comfort. Our sneakers made from merino wool are soft and benefit from all the amazing properties of the material. Best of all, it isn’t itchy! Our sneakers made from this itch-free wool include:

We are a third-generation family business that cares about sustainability and making comfortable footwear. As part of our  Green Strategy, our goal is to use and re-use our resources and make sure none of our precious materials go to waste. That means even the smallest scraps of non-itchy Merino wool are never wasted. With  men’s trainers and  women’s trainers made from itch-free wool, you’ll be comfortable on your feet all day long. Enjoy cosy nights at home with super soft  men’s slippers,  women’s slippers, and  kids’ slippers.