Why Merino Wool?

The holidays are behind us and hopefully we are all doing our best to stay warm and prepare ourselves for the cold winter that still lurks ahead. Staying warm is a must but of course, we do not want to sacrifice fashion! Merino wool is an excellent solution for your winter wardrobe. So why Merino wool ? Merino is a type of s heep that is bred predominantly for its luxurious, soft fleece. Spain was most noted for its fine wool, particularly between the 12th and 16th centuries. Merino sheep have their origins in North Africa and the foundation flocks were most likely introduced into Spain at the end of the 12th century. Spain controlled the wool market for centuries, banning the export of their prized sheep. The breed was named Merino after the royal sheep inspectors, 'los Merinos.' Unlike other wools, Merino wool is soft and not scratchy. When wool is perceived as itchy, it is because there are course fibers in the wool. The softness of Merino wool is because of the fineness of the fiber. Because of the fineness, it blends beautifully with other materials. It is a strong substance whose elasticity enables its use in fine woven fabrics that retain their shapes, perfect for our tights and leggings . Merino wool is excellent at regulating body temperature, especially when worn against the skin. The soft crimped fibers trap large quantities of air and provide maximum insulation. Because of the crimps in the fiber, there are fewer contact points between the skin and the material, trapping more air and therefore providing an insulating effect against both heat and cold. It also contains lanolin that has antibacterial qualities. The surface of the fiber is water repellent, preventing bacteria growth. Our Merino wool tights look great with short skirts and make a fashion statement when worn with all boot styles. Stay warm and fashion forward in Merino wool !