How to care for your Merino Wool this Winter
Merino wool has earned a loyal following for good reason. It’s soft, breathable, naturally regulates temperature, and feels just as comfortable on a crisp winter morning as it does once you’re indoors. And, with the right merino wool care routine, those qualities will stay true of your garment for years.
Here’s how to care for merino wool, from washing and drying through to storage.
Why Choose Merino Wool?
Merino wool behaves a little differently from other knitwear fabrics, mainly due to its texture and natural benefits.
Because the fibres are incredibly fine, merino feels soft against the skin, not scratchy like heavier wools. By nature, it’s designed to regulate body temperature as conditions change, and can also draw moisture away from the body to keep you comfortable in all weather. It’s also resistant to odours, which means you can wear it a handful of times without the need to wash.
Learning how to care for merino wool will help your favourite sweaters retain their shape and softness season after season. Explore Verge's knitwear collection to discover timeless merino pieces we know will become a favourite in your wardrobe.
How to Wash and Care for Merino Wool Clothing
Much to some people’s surprise, Merino wool is actually relatively easy to care for, but there are a few simple tips that protect the fibres and extend the life of your garments.
- Always check the care label. While most merino has similar care instructions, it's worth checking each garment before washing.
- Hand washing is ideal. Use cold or lukewarm water with a mild detergent designed for wool or delicate fabrics.
- If you're wondering, can you wash merino wool in a washing machine? The answer is yes! Choose a gentle wool cycle, use a wool detergent, and turn your garment inside out before washing to reduce friction.
- Avoid wringing or twisting. Instead, gently press excess water out using a clean towel.
- Dry flat. Reshape your garment while it's damp and lay it flat to dry, away from direct sunlight or heaters. Hanging wet knitwear can stretch the fibres and affect the fit.
- Store folded. When considering how to store merino wool clothing, folding is always preferable to hanging, particularly for heavier sweaters and cardigans.
- Remove pilling gently. Areas that experience regular friction may develop small pills over time. A fabric shaver or sweater comb is the safest way to tidy them up.
- Air garments between wears. Thanks to merino's natural odour resistance, a little fresh air is often all your knit needs before wearing it again.
- If you're packing garments away at the end of winter, make sure they're completely clean and dry before storing them for the season.
Common Merino Wool Care Mistakes
Most problems with merino come from treating it like you would cotton or more robust fabrics. Hot water, tumble drying, harsh detergents, or hanging heavy garments can all shorten the life of the fibres.
We’re often asked, “does merino wool shrink?” and the answer is yes. Merino wool can shrink, but almost always because it's been exposed to heat rather than because of normal washing.
Explore Verge's Merino Collection
Want to add more merino to your wardrobe? Discover Verge's premium merino sweaters and timeless knitwear, or browse our new arrivals to find beautifully made pieces designed for warmth, comfort, and daily wear.
