{"id":17849,"date":"2023-07-17T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-07-17T14:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.theprofessionalhobo.com\/?p=17849"},"modified":"2026-01-26T12:09:59","modified_gmt":"2026-01-26T17:09:59","slug":"merino-wool-clothing-for-travel-a-guide-to-choosing-the-best-brands","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.theprofessionalhobo.com\/merino-wool-clothing-for-travel-a-guide-to-choosing-the-best-brands\/","title":{"rendered":"Merino Wool Clothing for Travel: A Guide to Choosing the Best Brands"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

You need a travel wardrobe that can keep up with your adventures. And believe it or not, merino wool is your ticket. In this article, we\u2019ll delve into the advantages of merino wool clothing for travel and emphasize the importance of selecting the right brand. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I am writing this during a three-month carry-on only trip through Europe in summer. I have a travel capsule wardrobe made of only merino wool<\/strong>. Why on earth would I bring nothing but merino wool clothes to Europe in summer? Read on. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stay tuned for the secrets to staying comfortable, stylish, and prepared for any travel adventure that comes your way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. This means if you click through and make a purchase I’ll get a commission. This in no way affects your price, and it helps me to keep this site running and new content coming your way. Thank you in advance for your support! <\/em>
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\"Merino<\/figure>\n\n\n\n


At a glance: My Top Picks for Merino Wool Travel Clothing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

UNISEX: Unbound Merino<\/a><\/strong> – Super-fine (aka super soft) wool, sustainable brand, nice balance between fashion & function.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

WOMEN: Wool&<\/a> <\/strong>– Huge selection of fashionable clothes, creative fabric compositions such that you wouldn’t even know it’s merino!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

MEN: Wool & Prince<\/a><\/strong> – Men’s counterpart to Wool& (above). Great selection for an entire merino wool travel wardrobe that behaves like canvas, denim, linen, and more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n


The Basics of Merino Wool<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Merino wool is a natural fiber that comes from the Merino sheep, a breed known for its exceptionally soft and fine wool. This is one of the key characteristics that sets it apart from other types of wool and makes it incredibly soft to the touch, resulting in a comfortable and itch-free fabric that is gentle on the skin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to its softness, merino wool is highly breathable, which helps regulate body temperature and prevent overheating. Merino wool benefits also include natural moisture-wicking capabilities, drawing sweat away from the skin to keep you feeling dry and fresh in hot weather. It also has impressive odor-resistant and anti-bacterial properties due to the presence of lanolin, which gives merino wool garments the ability to stay fresh for longer periods without needing frequent washing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Merino wool can also be considerably more lightweight and less bulky than other types of wool, making it easier to pack and suitable for both hot and cold weather (depending on the weight of the piece of clothing, which we’ll get into later). Its natural elasticity also makes it more durable and resistant to wrinkling.

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Why Merino Wool Clothing is Perfect for Travel<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As you can probably tell from the merino wool basics listed above, it’s great for home use and outdoor adventures, and also for travel. Here’s why merino wool for travel is the way to go: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  • When cotton gets wet (from sweat or rain or whatever), it can\u2019t keep you warm \u2013 in fact, it lowers your core temperature. Merino wool still keeps you warm, even when wet.<\/strong> <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Merino wool is anti-microbial, anti-bacterial, and thus odor-resistant.<\/strong> Antimicrobial shirts are like magic. You can wear your merino tee for an entire week (or longer) without smelling. This means you don’t need to wash it as much, which makes it easier to care for on the road.  <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • It\u2019s soft and delightful to the touch<\/strong>. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • It\u2019s moisture-wicking and breathable<\/strong>. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • It regulates your body temperature<\/strong>. A relatively light weight merino wool shirt can still keep you warm, and also cool. (Magic). <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • It\u2019s easy to care for<\/strong>. Hand wash or machine wash on cold, hang to dry overnight. Done. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • It lasts forever<\/strong>. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • It\u2019s better for the environment<\/strong>. Some synthetic materials that have similar warmth and moisture-wicking properties also contribute to micro-plastic pollution. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
    \"Nora\n
    You might think wearing merino wool in the middle of summer would be strange, but it’s fabulous! This picture is from a 3-month carry-on only trip through Europe during summer; I brought a travel capsule wardrobe made of ONLY MERINO WOOL CLOTHES!<\/em><\/figcaption>\n\n\n\n
    In this picture I’m wearing a dress by Wool& (more info below)<\/em>

    <\/figcaption>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Merino Wool Terminology Explained<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    When you start shopping for merino wool clothing, you’ll see a lot of lingo. It’s important to understand this lingo so you can ensure you’re getting the right clothing for your needs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Two key terms are GSM<\/strong> and microns<\/strong>, which provide insights into the fabric’s characteristics and performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    GSM<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    GSM, or grams per square meter, is a measurement of fabric weight and thickness.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It tells you how warm and breathable a merino wool garment will be. A higher GSM value indicates a denser, warmer fabric, while a lower GSM corresponds to a lighter, more breathable material. When choosing merino wool clothing, consider the climate and activities you’ll be engaged in to select the appropriate GSM for your needs.
    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Microns<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Microns refer to the diameter of individual wool fibers<\/strong>, with a lower micron count indicating finer and softer wool. Lower micron counts often come with a higher price tag due to the superior quality of the wool used.
    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Other terms<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    In addition to GSM and microns, other relevant merino wool terminology includes anti-pilling treatments and UPF ratings<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Anti-pilling treatments help prevent fabric balls from forming on the fabric’s surface, which can be an annoying byproduct of many wool garments that makes them look older and more worn than they actually are. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) ratings indicate the level of sun protection provided by the fabric, which can be important for outdoor activities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It\u2019s also worth noting the concept of \u201cmulesing-free,\u201d which indicates that the wool used comes from sheep that have not undergone the controversial practice of mulesing; a treatment of the sheep that involves a painful procedure to remove problematic skin around the buttocks. 

    <\/p>\n\n\n

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