How to Care for Your Merino Wool Garments

Merino wool garments are the ultimate investment in comfort and style. It is a unique fiber that provides natural warmth, breathability, and odor resistance making it an ideal choice for those seeking ultimate luxury in their clothing. When cared for properly, merino wool garments can last a lifetime and maintain their original softness and fit. Here are some tips on how to care for your Alpine Fit and other merino wool garments: 

Read the Care Label: Before washing any Merino wool garment, it’s important to read the care label. This will tell you the best way to care for the garment, such as the recommended water temperature and cycle. In general, wash with cold water, by hand, and hang to dry.

Wash Gently: Merino wool is a delicate fiber and should be washed gently. When washing merino wool, use a mild detergent designed specifically for delicate clothing such as a wool wash. Wool-specific detergents do exist but are not essential. Placing the garment inside a mesh lingerie washing bag can go a long way in helping protect the fabric in the washing machine. Front loading washers are better than top loading, but for best results, wash by hand.

Use Cold Water: Most of us have experienced a dramatically smaller wool sock or sweater out of the washing machine. Don’t heat wool! If the wool content is high in a garment it is highly unlikely to survive a hot wash without some shrinking. Some wool fabrics have either a construction or a treatment that helps prevent shrinking, but either way, best to avoid heat. Heat is not your friend when it comes to caring for wool!

Avoid Over-drying: Drying merino wool too quickly can cause the fibers to become stiff and brittle, so it’s best to air-dry the clothing. Using a dryer is a gamble, and the higher the wool content of the fabric, the more likely it is to get damaged.

Handle with Care - When wearing, avoid pulling or stretching the fabric and try to minimize contact between rough surfaces. It is very common to end up with a small hole near the cuff or in the center front of the body where the delicate natural fibers can get caught in zippers!

Spot Clean Stains - If spills or stains occur, spot clean the area right away. Use a small amount of mild soap and cool water, and dab the stain gently rather than rubbing. By following these tips, you can help ensure that your merino wool garments last for years to come and maintain their luxurious softness. Enjoy the unique warmth and comfort of your merino wool garments and keep them looking their best!

For mixed-fabric garments, those with both merino and polyester, err on the side of caution and wash as you would the most delicate fiber in that garment. That will usually be the wool. Polyester, fleece, and other outdoor fabrics are typically more robust. As a comparison see our blog post on care of polyester fabrics