The study, spanning four years at North Carolina State University, identified that Merino wool’s dynamic breathability allows it to adapt to changing conditions by managing heat and moisture during intense activity and preserving warmth during periods of rest.
Merino wool offers a distinct advantage over conventional synthetic activewear by regulating body temperature effectively during periods of activity and relaxation.
Go deeper with GlobalData
This property helps to eliminate the unpleasant feeling of after-chill that is often associated with outdoor athletic activities, promoting energy conservation and ensuring comfort when it’s most crucial.
Specifically, wool showed 96% better moisture buffering than polyester, 45% better than cotton, and 26% better than viscose.
The ability of wool to regulate the microclimate next to the skin was confirmed by test participants and a new test method, which found that only wool maintained comfort throughout sporting activities.
Woolmark managing director John Roberts said: “This is about the ongoing transition from activity to recovery. With wool’s structure designed by nature to enhance wearer performance, it responds in real time to changing physiological needs.
US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?
Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.
By GlobalData“It automatically keeps athletes close to their comfort zone, allowing 100% focus on the challenge, especially in unpredictable and high-output activities, such as cycling or rock climbing, where a base layer is often all they wear.”
Key findings from the study:
– In human trials within a climate-controlled chamber, all fibres performed similarly during active phases, but only wool excelled in both active and rest phases.
– Merino wool’s dual-layer structure, being hydrophobic on the outside and hydrophilic on the inside, allows it to absorb up to one-third of its weight in moisture vapour without feeling wet.
– Tests indicated that Merino wool keeps the microclimate between the garment and skin steadier during repeated stop-go activities, thereby reducing the body’s workload to remain comfortable.
“What this study shows is what athletes have been telling us anecdotally for years: that wool breathes, buffers and performs better across a range of real-world conditions,” Roberts added.
The findings of the research have captured the attention of sportswear brands seeking to create apparel that enhances athletic performance, according to a statement from Woolmark.
Woolmark is currently engaging with brands and organisations to facilitate informed design decisions based on the insights from this new research.
Last month, Woolmark launched The Wool Lab Denim Edition, which serves as an extensive guide for sourcing wool denim fabrics.
