Merino enhances the removal of sweat during strenuous activity to produce cooler and dryer conditions for the wearer. Testing by the CSIRO has quantified Merino’s superiority in this regard in comparison with synthetic fibres.

Superior moisture absorption

Merino fibres can absorb up to a third of their own weight in moisture whereas synthetic fibres have very little capacity to absorb moisture vapour. Merino also has the ability to absorb moisture from humid air and release it into dryer air, and it’s this quality that makes is such an excellent fabric for sport/exercise wear.

Absorb and release

During sport the air above the skin is saturated with vapour, creating a level of humidity that is uncomfortable and potentially debilitating for the athlete. The Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) in Australia has demonstrated that Merino’s substantial moisture absorption capacity gives it the ability to pick up evaporated sweat and release it into the environment (Fig1). In this way, total sweat transport is enhanced compared to that achieved with non-absorbing fibres.

CSIRO testing

The CSIRO built a laboratory apparatus to simulate this situation, and testing confirmed the theoretical predictions and anecdotal evidence. Merino fabric transported 27% more moisture away from the body than polyester fabric of identical construction. In addition to this empirical evidence, wearers exercising in Merino sports shirts also felt less clammy than in corresponding polyester garments.

Summary

Merino’s superior ability to absorb moisture compared with synthetics means it is better able to absorb sweat and release it into the environment. In CSIRO tests, this superiority was quantified, as Merino was able to absorb and release 27% more moisture away from the body than a polyester fabric of equivalent construction.

Sources:

• CSIRO, “Wool for Active Sports: Comfort & Performance Advantages”

All figures and tables courtesy of CSIRO unless otherwise noted.