All About Merino Wool
If you’ve shopped for socks on our site before, you may have seen Merino wool mentioned a time or two. Merino wool is the perfect sock material- it's durable, lightweight, great for year-round wear, the list goes on in this blog! Keep reading to learn all about the benefits of Merino wool, and shop some of our favorite Merino wool socks!
Benefits
Merino wool keeps you cool in the summer and warm in the winter. The fibers have a natural crimping pattern to them, which helps insulate your feet instead of trapping in your body heat. The crimped fibers also act as a buffer between your skin and the cold air. As for warm weather, the Merino fibers absorb moisture and pull it away from your skin to cool you down faster.
Did you know that Merino wool can absorb up to 30% of its weight without feeling wet? That’s almost unheard of when it comes to socks! It is also breathable and antimicrobial. The breathability of the fabric makes you sweat less and keeps your skin dry, so you won’t have to worry about irritation or blisters! Merino fibers fight against bacteria too, so you can say goodbye to potential odors or infections. In addition to being breathable, the fabric is also elastic. So, socks made with Merino wool are stretchy and comfortable, but also return to their original size.
Some more awesome benefits of Merino wool are that it is naturally UV-protecting, anti-wrinkle, anti-static, stain-resistant, quick-drying, durable, flameproof (don’t test that benefit, just take our word for it), and biodegradable on its own! Seriously, what’s not to love about Merino wool?!
Wash and Care
To keep your Merino wool socks looking fresh and long-lasting, there are some special steps to take while washing them. Don’t worry, it’s super easy. Just turn them inside out when you’re ready to wash them, and machine wash on the gentle cycle in either warm or cool water. Don’t use bleach or fabric softener, stick with your regular detergent. After they’re washed, you can either tumble dry on low or hang to dry! Easy peasy.
To store your socks, keep them lying flat in your sock drawer. Avoid folding or balling them up because it can distort their shape. If you wear your Merino wool socks year-round, that’s all there is to storing them! But if you need to store them long-term, keep them in plastic bags or boxes. If it’s been a year or more since your socks have seen the world, air them out since plastic doesn’t allow them to breathe. Another tip is to store your socks with a piece of cedar wood to keep moths and other critters away from your precious Merino wool!
Our Favorite Merino Wool Socks
A blog about Merino wool wouldn’t be complete without a list of our favorite Merino wool socks! Here are some of our top picks:
Stego TrailTec+ Cushioned Merino Wool Mid Crew Socks
These socks are created with Stego’s PolyTec+ Merino Wool Fabric Formula, which is a perfect blend of Merino wool and polyester. Why is this the perfect blend? Because it provides the ultimate moisture management to keep your feet dry!
Smartwool Everyday Classic Rib Socks
Guess what percentage of these socks is Merino wool? 63%! Yes, you read that right. Get ready to wear the softest, most stretchy, and most luxurious socks ever when you get these Smartwool ones.
Darn Tough T4033 Boot Heavyweight Tactical Sock with Full Cushion
If you have to work outside rain or shine, these Darn Tough socks are for you! They will keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer, and the Merino wool will keep you comfortable for the whole workday.
Stego EnduroTec+ Merino Wool Micro Crew Socks
Hiking in the winter? Backpacking in the summer? These socks will keep you comfortable and dry through it all. Plus, they are antimicrobial, so you don’t even need to sweat about bacteria or odors!
Darn Tough Women's Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Hiking Sock
If you’re looking for some comfortable and durable socks to wear for your outdoor adventures, check out these Darn Tough hiking socks! These are made with mostly Merino wool, plus they come in a bunch of fun color combinations to fit any style.
Smartwool Walk Light Cushion Crew Socks
Everyone needs a pair of regular, everyday Merino wool socks, so check out these Smartwool ones! They’re made with ZQ-certified Merino wool (which means sustainable and ethical Merino wool production!) that helps with odor and temperature control, so you’re dry and odor-free during any activity.
When you’re shopping for your next pair of socks, keep Merino wool in mind! It has great benefits, they’re easy to care for, and your feet will thank you for putting them in cool and comfortable socks.