Why 100% Merino Underwear Feels Different - and Why That’s a Good Thing

Underwear is the garment closest to your skin, so fabric choice has a big impact on comfort, temperature regulation and skin health. If you’re used to cotton or synthetic blends, pure Merino wool underwear can feel different at first - and that difference is intentional and scientifically supported.

At Merino Country, most of our underwear is made from our 100% Australian Merino jersey fabric with no elastane or synthetic fibres. Below we explain how Merino behaves, how it compares to other fabrics, and what the research says about its benefits - including moisture control, skin comfort and even sleep quality. 

Fabric Information & Comparison Guide

This guide explains how 100% Australian Merino behaves compared with cotton, blended fabrics, and synthetic fabrics, and why it may feel different during wear.

1. 100% Australian Merino 

What it is:

• Made entirely from natural Merino wool fibres
• No elastane, nylon, or polyester
• Plastic‑free and breathable

How it behaves:

• Naturally relaxes with body heat and movement
• Moulds to the body during wear
• Returns to its original shape after washing due to natural fibre memory

Key benefits:

• Excellent temperature regulation (cool in heat, warm in cold)
• Highly breathable and moisture‑wicking
• Odour resistant
• Soft on skin when made from fine Merino

Things to be aware of:

• Will not feel ‘firm’ or ‘springy’ like fabrics containing elastane
• May feel looser during extended wear before washing
• Comfort is very personal and differs from cotton or blends

2. Cotton 

What it is:

• Plant‑based natural fibre
• Often blended with elastane in underwear

How it behaves:

• Holds shape reasonably well, especially when blended
• Absorbs moisture but dries slowly

Key benefits:

• Familiar feel
• Generally structured

Limitations:

• Can feel damp when worn for long periods
• Less temperature regulating than Merino
• Retains odour more easily

3. Synthetic Fabrics 

What they are:

• Made entirely from man‑made fibres
• Often blended with natural fibres or used alone in underwear

How they behave:

• Hold shape very well
• Stretch and recover depending on fibre mix
• Trap moisture against the skin if not specifically treated

Key benefits:

• Durable and strong
• Often cheaper and easy to care for
• Maintain a firm fit consistently

Limitations:

• Reduced breathability compared to natural fibres
• Can retain odour and heat
• May cause skin irritation for sensitive skin
• Less eco-friendly due to plastics and microplastic shedding

Why We Choose 100% Merino

At Merino Country, we intentionally use 100% Australian Merino because:

• We prioritise natural, breathable fibres
• We avoid plastics and synthetics against the skin
• We value comfort, temperature control, and sustainability over rigid shape retention

Because of this, our garments will not behave the same way as cotton, blended, or synthetic underwear, and this is an expected and normal characteristic — not a fault.

Our Recommendation for First‑Time Customers

Due to the unique feel and behaviour of pure Merino, we recommend that customers new to Merino underwear try a single pair first to ensure the fabric and fit suit their personal preferences.

If you have any questions about our fabrics or would like advice on which styles may suit you best, our team is always happy to help.

How 100% Merino Underwear Actually Works

Merino wool is a natural fibre that interacts with your body temperature and moisture in ways synthetics simply can’t. When worn next to skin:

·           Merino absorbs and releases moisture vapour efficiently 

·           It supports a stable microclimate between fabric and skin 

·           It adapts to changing body heat and humidity rather than clinging tightly

This is called dynamic breathability, and it means the underwear helps maintain comfort by regulating humidity and micro‑temperature close to the skin. (Dynamic Breathability)

Moisture & Temperature Regulation Scientific Findings

Research funded by Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) and conducted at institutions like North Carolina State University shows that 100% Merino wool fabrics outperform both synthetic and natural textiles in supporting thermal comfort across activity and rest phases - thanks to dynamic moisture transfer and thermoregulation. (Thermoregulation Research)

Highlights from this research: - Merino wool’s moisture buffering capability is 96% better than polyester and 45% better than cotton. (Thermoregulation Research) - Merino helps stabilise the micro‑climate next to your skin, minimising discomfort from sweat or changing temperatures. (Thermoregulation Research)

In underwear, this translates to less clamminess and more consistent comfort, especially during warmer weather, activity, or long hours of wear.

Skin Comfort & Sensitive Skin Studies

Recent dermatological research challenges the old misconception that wool irritates sensitive skin. Studies show that Merino wool can actually benefit people with atopic dermatitis (eczema) and sensitive skin when worn next to the body. (Merino Wool Eczema Research)

Key findings include:

- People with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis experienced statistically significant improvements in symptoms when wearing Merino wool garments compared with standard clothing. (PubMed Study)

- Merino wool acts like a dynamic buffer, stabilising humidity and temperature at the skin surface - which can reduce itch and irritation. (Merino Wool Eczema Research)

This research is why industry bodies like Allergy Standards Limited now recognise Merino as asthma & allergy friendly when processed and selected appropriately. (ASL Recognition)

Comfort & Sleep 

While most sleep studies focus on bedding and sleepwear, the mechanisms - namely temperature regulation and moisture control - are extremely relevant to underwear too. Research from the University of Sydney found that wearing superfine wool sleepwear:

·            Shortened time to fall asleep 

·            Improved overall sleep quality and sleep continuity

by helping maintain a comfortable microclimate around the body throughout the night. (Wool & Sleep Research)

This supports the idea that fabrics that better manage moisture and body temperature - like Merino - can contribute to comfort whether worn in bed or all day long.

How Merino Compares With Other Common Underwear Fabrics

Fabric Type	Moisture Handling	Breathability	Skin Sensitivity	Thermoregulation
100% Merino Wool	Excellent (absorbs/releases moisture)	High	Great for sensitive skin when superfine	Dynamic regulation
Cotton	Moderate	Moderate	Neutral	Less effective
Blended w/ Elastane	Good shape hold	Variable	Can irritate	Static (limited)
Polyester/Synthetics	Low	Limited	Can trap moisture	Poor

The above reflects the consensus in fibre science: natural fibres that manage humidity and temperature more effectively tend to be more comfortable next to skin — especially for underwear that stays in contact all day. (Wool Science Overview)

In Summary

If 100% Merino underwear feels different, that’s because it works differently — and that difference is backed by science:

It regulates moisture and temperature more effectively than cotton or synthetics.  Dynamic Breathability

It supports a stable microclimate next to skin, helping comfort during activity and rest. Thermoregulation Research 

Superfine Merino can benefit those with sensitive skin or mild dermatitis. Merino Wool Eczema Research

The properties that make it great for sleepwear also apply to comfort all day long. Wool & Sleep Research

References

1.    Australian Wool Innovation — Dynamic Breathability & Moisture Buffering 

2.    Superfine Merino & Skin Health Research (Allergy Standards Limited) 

3.    Merino Wool & Eczema Research 

4.    PubMed Study: Clinical Trials with Superfine Merino & Atopic Dermatitis 

5.    University of Sydney — Wool Sleepwear Research 

6.    Wool Science Overview: Moisture & Microclimate