MerinoPerform

MerinoPerformTM

Merino. Inspired by nature

The Woolmark Company – is a not-for-profit enterprise driving the research, development and marketing of Australian wool.

Owned by over 29,000 Australian woolgrowers, we invest along the global supply chain for Australian Merino wool – from woolgrowers through to retailers – to promote Merino’s position as the premier natural fibre.

We own and license the Woolmark logo

The Woolmark brand - The Woolmark logo is one of the world’s most recognised textile symbols and respected brands. In 2011, the logo was selected as the No.1 “top logo of all time” by Creative Review magazine.

The Woolmark logo on a product provides consumers with an assurance of quality. To feature the Woolmark logo, the garment must contain 100% pure new wool and meet strict quality and fabric performance criteria.

Over 2 billion garments have carried the prestigious logo since its creation in 1964. In addition to the Woolmark brand, we offer brands for blends. The Woolmark Blend logo indicates that the product contains 50%-99% wool. The Wool Blend logo indicates that the product contains 30%-49% wool.

marketing resources technical innovations sourcing opportunities a Merino wool related knowledge base

designers retailers brands garment manufacturers knitters weavers processors woolgrowers

We are the global authorityon Merino wool

We can provide toour business partners

with the global supply chain forWe have strong partnerships

Australian Merino wool, including:

Merino is one of the world’s most technically advanced fibres, with unique moisture & temperature regulation properties

Merino A Natural FibreToday, Australia enjoys a global reputation as one of the most scientifically advanced wool growing countries in the world.

Australian Merino is regarded by many as the finest and softest wool produced globally.

Australia is the global “home of Merino”, supplying over 80% of the world’s Merino wool for apparel.

Centuries of evolution, aided by selective breeding have created a super soft, high performance Merino fibre with a number of unique properties.

Inherently natural, biodegradable and renewable, Merino is well placed to address the increasing global preference for natural and environmentally assured products.

For generations, farmers who produce this fine wool have shown how the Australian rural landscape can be managed effectively while protecting the natural environment, supporting rural communities and meeting the needs of increasingly environmentally aware customers.

Merino is an entirely natural fibre grown year-round by Australia’s 70 million Merino sheep, consuming a simple blend of water, air, sunshine and grass.

Unlike most man-made fibres, when Merino fibre is disposed of, it naturally decomposes back into the earth in a matter of years. Most synthetics on the other hand, are extremely slow to degrade.

Every year Australian Merino sheep produce a new fleece, making Merino a completely renewable fibre source.

Natural Biodegradable Renewable

The Performance FibreMerino is one of the world’s most technically advanced fibres, with unique moisture and temperature regulation properties.

How the unique structure of wool affects its performanceThe chemical bonding within a Merino fibre has the effect of allowing the fibres to pull moisture vapour into them.

Without this effective dispersal system, the vapour simply condenses to form sweat droplets on the skin’s surface.The diagram represents this unique fibre structure of Merino’s electronically charged side chains.

Why does temperature control matter?Temperature control is essential in sustaining human life.

Merino garments protect the wearer from extremes of temperature (hot or cold) because they offer superior insulation and breathability compared to other fabrics of similar structure and weight. This insulation capacity has made wool synonymous with warmth, while its breathability protects the wearer from heat.

Understanding moisture transportationIn hot climates or during strenuous exercise, the micro-climate above the skin becomes saturated with vapour. This will make the individual clammy unless their clothing can transport this moisture away from the skin.

Cell membrane complex

Para cell and ortho cell cortex

Left-handedcoiled coil rope

Right-handed-helix

Four outercuticle layers

Macrofibril

Matrix

Microfibril

The structure of wool fibre

α

Cell membrane complex

Para cell and ortho cell cortex

Left-handedcoiled coil rope

Right-handed-helix

Four outercuticle layers

Macrofibril

Matrix

Microfibril

The structure of wool fibre

α

Merino fibre can absorb up to 35 per cent of its dry weight in moisture vapour. Therefore, in hot climates or during strenuous exercise, a Merino garment close to the skin actively transfers moisture vapour molecules away from the body. This causes the micro-climate above the skin to become less saturated with vapour, thereby making the wearer less clammy and it less likely for the vapour to form sweat droplets on the skin’s surface.

Moisture vapour

Microclimate

MerinoPerform™ base layer

Heat transfer occurs via mass transfer

of vapour

Moisture vapour contained in the side chain reservoirs within

wool fibres (before being released into the atmosphere),

thus keeping fabric dry

Efficient dispersal

into atmosphere

Chemical attraction quickly draws vapour

molecules through fabric thus reducing possibility

of condensation

Skin

Merino Breathability

C

CH

NH

NH

NH

NH

NH

NH

NH

CH

CH

CH

CH

CH

CH

CH

C

N

N

H

H

H

H

H

H

H

H

H

H

H

H

H

H

H

C

C

C

C

CO

O

O

O

O

O

O

O

O

O

O

O

O

OH

OH

O

OC

C CH2

R4

R3

CH2δ-0

δ-0

δ-0

δ-0

δ-0

δ-0

Hδ+

Hδ+

Hδ+

Hδ+

Hδ+

Hδ+

Hδ+

Hδ+

Hδ+

Hδ+

Hδ+

(CH2)4

(CH2)4

R1

R2

C

C

A molecular view of a wool fibre

Protein Backbone

Lysineside chains

Lysineside chains

Aspartic acidside chains

Aspartic acidside chains

Water vapouurmolecules


Electricattractions

Electricattractions

Electricattractions

Electricattractions



Moisture uptake

Relative Humidity (%)

Wat

er V

apou

r Upt

ake

(%)

0 50 100

Wool

Cotton

Polyamide/Polyester

Polyacrylic

35

25

15

5

-5

Merino A Performance Fibre

Moisture Management

Natural Comfort

Merino fibres are finer than traditional wool, so they feel luxuriously soft next to the skin. And they work in total harmony with the wearer’s body due to their excellent natural elasticity. So Merino in next-to-skin garments is ideal for stretch-related activities such as gym workouts and yoga.

Breathability

The scientific term for “breathability” is moisture buffering. Moisture buffering refers to the fabric’s capacity to absorb moisture vapour from the micro-climate above the skin and release it again if the humidity drops.

When someone says a garment “breathes” they are referring to its ability to dissipate perspiration so that the wearer doesn’t feel clammy or uncomfortable.

The weight of vapour absorbed by a fibre as a percentage of its dry weight is known as its regain. Merino has a high regain which means that it is better suited to absorbing the moisture vapour produced by the wearer and releasing it into the atmosphere. This results in lowering the humidity in the micro-climate between the skin and the garments resulting in minimised sweating.

This ability to release moisture and minimise sweating will reduce the clamminess felt by the wearer, providing increased comfort during exercise.

Temperature RegulationSweating is nature’s temperature regulator – the evaporation of liquid from the skin’s surface producing a very efficient cooling effect. Potentially, clothing can obstruct this process causing overheating. However, compared to clothing made from other fibres, Merino’s process of vapour transfer results in cooler muscles that are able to work at higher intensity levels.

Temperature Control

Merino fibre has a natural crimp which provides Merino garments with superior insulation and breathability. Merino garments protect the wearer from extremes of temperature, keeping the wearer warm when the outside temperature is cold, yet cool when the temperature is hot.

Anti-static

The ability to dissipate static electricity means that Merino garments have a reduced attraction to lint and fluff. They will also not cling uncomfortably to the wearer, which synthetics often do during exercise, resulting in a more comfortable workout

CSIRO wear trial resultsMoisture absorbed (% increased in weight of garment)

Clamminess Rating: 1=None 5=Extreme

PredictedWool

Polyester

4

3

2

1

0

3

2

1

0

0 10 20 30 40

Measured

Minutes of Exercise

0 10 20 30 40

Minutes of Exercise

MeasuredWool

Polyester

Wool

PolyesterPredicted

A wool T-shirt absorbed more persperation during exercise, and felt less clammy than anidentically-knitted polyester garment.



PredictedWool

Polyester

4

3

2

1

0

3

2

1

0

0 10 20 30 40

Measured

Minutes of Exercise

0 10 20 30 40

Minutes of Exercise

MeasuredWool

Polyester

Wool

PolyesterPredicted


Easy CareMerino fibres have a natural protective layer that prevents stains being absorbed, and due to them being less prone to static build-up, Merino fibres do not readily attract dust.

Recent innovations also mean that many Merino products can be machine washable and tumble-dried.

Naturally Safer Fibre

Merino fibres naturally absorb UV radiation, offering protection to wearers of Merino garments when exposed to sunshine.

The Merino fibreis also naturally fire resistant due to its relatively high moisture and nitrogen content.

Odour Resistance

Merino stays fresher for longer. Merino wool’s structure and moisture absorption properties reduce the tendency for build-up of body odours. Its complex chemical structure locks the odour molecules within the fibre and only releases them on washing.

Shape Retention

Merino fibre has a natural elasticity meaning it stretches with the wearer, and then returns to its natural shape. This means there is less chance of Merino garments sagging or losing their shape.

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

Cotton PolyesterWool

SP

F R

atin

g

UV ProtectionDry

The wearer trials showed that Merino socks were preferred for lack of odour after wear and also having less trace of odour after washing, especially when compared to polypropylene socks.

Preference After Wearing

Preference After Washing

After washing, Merino socks were more often completely free from odour than the others even though the Merino socks were washed in cooler conditions. Even very hot washing failed to diminish the occurrence of residual odour in polypropylene socks.

Polypropylene

After‘Mild’ Wash

After‘Severe’ Wash

Preference Votes

Acrylic

Merino

150 30

Merino

MerinoCotton

Polypropylene

% o

f so

cks

wit

h a

ny t

race

of

od

ou

r

Acrylic

Merino

Mer

ino

Acr

ylic

Acr

ylic

Po

lyp

rop

ylen

e

Po

lyp

rop

ylen

e

Mer

ino

Co

tto

n

Co

tto

n

Merino

MerinoCotton

Preference Votes5

25

50

0

0 10

Sock FibreType

Temperature &wash cycle length40°C / minimum 40°C / maximum

60°C / maximum60°C / maximum95°C / maximum

50°C / minimum50°C / minimum60°C / minimum

Temperature &wash cycle length

MerinoCottonAcrylicPolypropylene

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

Polyamide Acrylic Polyester Wool

Su

rfac

e F

ree

En

erg

y (m

N/m

) Fibre soiling propensity

Oil

Oil and water based stains do not easily adhere to fibres with SFE less than 30

0

10

20

30

40

60

50

The high stretch of wool fibre allows it to absorb sudden stresses.F

ibre

Str

etch

at

Bre

akin

g p

oin

t (%

) Stretch properties

Dry

Wet

WoolPolyamide CottonLow-pillPolyester

AcrylicPolyester

Wind & Rain

perspiration

perspiration

Body Warmth

Introducing MerinoPerformTM & the layering systemIn the area of performance apparel, the agreed concept of dressing is to use the layering system: Base layer, Mid layer and Outer layer. This gives the wearer the opportunity to always adjust the clothing to the environment as well as to the activity level. It is of utmost importance that these three layers work together, thereby not just giving the protection required but also to deliver maximum breathability. If any of the layers don’t perform, or interact with the other, the result can be either a too cold or a too warm and humid experience.

The unique moisture management, buffering, insulating and breathability properties of the Merino fibre work seamlessly together through all three layers. No matter the conditions; hot, cold or humid.

Next to Skin, Pro and AdvantageThe three fabric concepts cover all levels of activity.Merino garments in 19.5 micron or finer assure the wearer of a super soft and comfortable next-to-skin product with highly efficient breathability.

This layer is usually a stretchy garment and a “protection layer” against cold or wet weather. Wool’s superior insulation properties make it a perfect fibre for this.

With a wool lining in a hard shell jacket, condensation is minimised and the insulation properties of wool help stop chills penetrating through the fabric from the cold environment.In an all-wool garment, wool’s insulation and water resistance makes it ideal for all kinds of weather.

Base layer Mid layer or soft shell Outer layer

-20

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

0 10 20 30 40 50 60

% W

ater

up

take

Time (Seconds)

Uptake of liquid moisture according to AATCC 195

Water contenton inside

Water contenton outside



PredictedWool

Polyester

4

3

2

1

0

3

2

1

0

0 10 20 30 40

Measured

Minutes of Exercise

0 10 20 30 40

Minutes of Exercise

MeasuredWool

Polyester

Wool

PolyesterPredicted




PredictedWool

Polyester

4

3

2

1

0

3

2

1

0

0 10 20 30 40

Measured

Minutes of Exercise

0 10 20 30 40

Minutes of Exercise

MeasuredWool

Polyester

Wool

PolyesterPredicted


MerinoPerformTM – Base layer

MerinoPerformTM – Next to Skin

The MerinoPerformTM Next to Skin range provides a high level of comfort, suitable for those seeking a sense of wellbeing in a broad range of leisure and sporting activities. Key features

100% Merino Moisture ManagementMerinoPerformTM Advantage fabrics have for several years been the high performance fabric of choice to manage moisture and keep the wearer cool under high intensity conditions. However, with consumers demonstrating an increasing preference for eco-friendly products, a high performance fabric made from an entirely natural fibre has been regarded as the ultimate solution. MerinoPerformTM Pro fabrics meet this need.

MerinoPerformTM Pro fabrics work on the same principle as MerinoPerformTM Advantage fabrics, but they are made from 100 per cent Merino. Ideal for base-layer garments aimed at low to high activity sports, this innovation is made from a special double-faced 100% Merino fabric.

During the initial phases of exercise, the inner layer of the Merino fabric absorbs moisture vapour. If the fibre reaches its limit to absorb moisture, any liquid sweat is repelled by the layer’s hydrophobic surface and forced into contact with the relatively hydrophilic fibres of the Merino outer layer. The MerinoPerformTM

Pro fabric thereby quickly moves sweat to the fabric’s outer side. This one-way wicking behaviour ensures drier garments that feel more comfortable during exercise and reduce post exercise chills.

Technical features 100 per cent Merino wool, of less than 19.5 micron mean fibre diameter, enables up to three times the moisture vapour absorption capacity of blended fabrics.

Liquid moisture wicking ratio of 2:1 Face:Back.

The lightweight fabric of 160-230gsm is machine washable and tumble dryable without shrinkage or loss of moisture management properties.

Grade 4 or better moisture management rating from the AATCC 195 test protocol, even after 20 simulated wool-wash and tumble dry cycles.

This new fabric concept has been developed in conjunction with our selected MerinoPerformTM fabric makers and spinners.

MerinoPerformTM Pro is the ultimate sports fabric for the serious participant – whether professional and amateur.

It has the advanced vapour and liquid moisture management of MerinoPerform™ Advantage but in a 100% Merino, knitted fabric.

MerinoPerformTM – Pro

Moisture vapour

Humidity & liquid sweat

Flow of moisture vapour restricted by material thus

fabric can get wet from condensation

Vapourdispersal into atmosphere

Skin

Non-wool base layers

Moisture vapour condenses to form droplets

Moisture vapour

Microclimate

Synthetic outer layer

MerinoPerform™ Bu�ering layer


of vapour




Vapour dispersal

into atmosphere

Drier micro climate provides better

insulationand comfort

Thin layer of wool for moisture bu�ering and insulation

Skin

MerinoPerform™ Advantage Base layers

Chemical attraction quickly draws vapour molecules through

wool fabric thus reducing

possibilityof condensation

MerinoPerformTM Advantage is a range of bi-component fabrics with unique temperature regulation and vapour management properties, keeping athletes cooler and drier when exercising.

The MerinoPerformTM Advantage range comprises high performance, lightweight fabrics, suitable for athletes that want the support to perform at their best.

Key features

Key features MerinoPerformTM Advantage fabrics have the key benefits of the Merino fibre , plus the following additional features:

Bi-Component Fabric Structure

MerinoPerformTM Advantage fabrics combine the unique high-performance benefits of Merino fibres with synthetics in a bi-component structure. They are knitted fabrics with the inside component made from 19.5 micron or finer Merino, which comprises at least 20 per cent of the fabric. The outside component of the fabric is made from hydrophilic synthetic fibres.

Vapour and Liquid Moisture Management

MerinoPerformTM Advantage (and MerinoPerform™ Pro) transfers both vapour and liquid (sweat) moisture away from the body, enabling the wearer to stay comfortably cool and dry during extreme exercise.

During the initial phases of exercise, the inner layer of Merino fabric absorbs

moisture vapour. If the fibre reaches its limit to absorb moisture, any liquid sweat is repelled by the layer’s hydrophobic surface and forced into contact with the relatively hydrophilic fibres of the synthetic outer layer. The MerinoPerformTM Advantage fabric thereby quickly moves sweat to the fabric’s outer side.

This one-way wicking behaviour ensures drier garments that feel more comfortable during exercise and reduce post exercise chills.

While some non-Merino performance fabrics manage to wick liquid moisture away, they do not manage vapour moisture. MerinoPerformTM Advantage fabrics manage both vapour and liquid moisture, resulting in a more advanced cooling and drying process.

Higher Strength

The composite structure of MerinoPerformTM Advantage fabric gives it high tensile strength. So in addition to enjoying all the other attributes of Merino, garments made with the fabric are highly suitable for contact sports.

MerinoPerformTM – Advantage

MerinoPerformTM – Mid layerWool’s naturally high crimp means that it can be easily spun into soft yarns to create highly efficient insulating fabrics.

The physical property of textiles responsible for thermal insulation is closely linked to the fibres’ ability to trap air. Merino’s natural and permanent curly fibre makes it the ideal fibre for creating comfortable insulating fabrics.

However, while a mid-layer garment’s key function is to protect the wearer from cold, the garment must also breathe so as to prevent the body from feeling clammy and humid. Merino’s ability to absorb the humidity created by the body and release it on the outside ensures the wearer experiences the best possible micro-climate conditions.

Thermo-Regulation: Compared to other fabrics, Merino’s process of vapour transfer results in a more balanced or comfortable micro climate. Odour Resistance: Merino stays fresher for longer. Its complex chemical structure locks the odour molecules within the fibre and only releases them on washing. Natural Fit: Merino has excellent

natural elasticity.

Enhanced insulation: Merino’s long-standing reputation for warmth can be attributed to its high natural bulk and elasticity which together give wool knitwear excellent insulating characteristics in a package that is light in weight, feels soft against the skin and has outstanding moisture buffering: a combination that cannot be duplicated by any other fibre.

Merino is light in weight, feels soft against the

skin and has outstanding moisture buffering: a combination that

cannot be duplicated by any other fibre

The Outer Layer comprises weather protective fabrics which can be made of either 100% Australian Merino, or Merino laminated as a lining to synthetic hard shell fabrics, usually in combination with membranes or coatings.

Breathability properties make wool suitable for high performance garments in all kinds of outdoor activities or sports, from low to high intensity.

It’s important that all layers work seamlessly together to move vapour away from the skin and create dry and insulating micro climate.

With an all-wool layering system the moisture vapour buffering capacity (breathability) provides a transfer effect able to deal with most weather conditions and activity levels.

Base layer

Moisture vapour

Humidity & liquid sweat

Flow of moisture vapour restricted by material thus

fabric inside can get wet from condensation

Vapourdispersal into atmosphere

Skin

Non-wool fabrics

Moisture vapour condenses to form droplets

Outer layer with membrane

or coating

Moisture vapour

MicroclimateWool fabric

Rain Repelling


of vapour




Efficient dispersal

into atmosphere

Chemical attraction quickly draws vapour

molecules through fabric thus reducing possibility

of condensation

Skin

Wool outer fabric

Base layer

MerinoPerformTM – Outer layer

It’s important that all layers work seamlessly together to move vapour away from the skin and create dry and insulating microclimate

Moisture vapour

Microclimate

Outer layer with membrane or coating

Merino buering lining


of vapour




Vapour dispersal

into atmosphere

Drier micro climate provides better

insulationand comfort

Thin layer of wool for moisture buering and insulation

Skin

Wool lining of Outer layer

Chemical attraction quickly draws vapour molecules through

wool fabric thus reducing

possibilityof condensation

Base layer

Soft or Hard shell Outer layers

Soft yet strong, tough against the harshest of climates. Merino wool was made for the great outdoors

www.merino.com

www.woolmark.com

The Woolmark Company Pty Limited makes no representations about the content and suitability of the information contained in these materials.

Specifically, The Woolmark Company Pty Limited does not warrant, guarantee or make any representations regarding the correctness, accuracy, reli-ability, currency, or any other aspect regarding characteristics or use of the information presented in these materials. The user accepts sole respon-

sibility and risk associated with the use and results of these materials, irrespective of the purpose to which such use or results are applied. Users should confirm information from an appropriate and relevant source if it is of sufficient importance for them to do so. In no event shall The Woolmark Company Pty Limited be liable for any loss or damages (including without limitation special, indirect or consequential damages), whether in an ac-

tion of contract, negligence or tort, arising out of or in connection with the use or performance of these materials.

© The Woolmark Company Pty Limited

All rights reserved. This work is copyright. Except as permitted under Copyright Law no part of this publication may be reproduced by any process, electronic or otherwise, without the specific written permission of the copyright owner. Neither may information be stored

electronically in any form whatsoever without such permission.

ACN 095 165 558

Australia Sydney

Greater China Shanghai,

Beijing, Hong Kong & Taipei

Germany Dusseldorf

India New Delhi

Italy Milan & Biella

Japan Tokyo & Ichinomiya

Korea Seoul

Netherlands Diessen

Spain Barcelona

Turkey Istanbul

United Kingdom London

USA New York

Documents

MerinoPerform