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Merino Wool Proven To Keep Athletes In Their Comfort Zone, Backed By Breakthrough Research

• By  Textile Excellence
• October 17, 2025

A major four-year study led by North Carolina State University confirms what athletes have long suspected: Merino wool outperforms other fibres in maintaining thermal comfort during dynamic, stop-and-go sports. From cycling and rock climbing to hiking and golf, 100% Merino wool base layers help athletes regulate temperature and moisture better than synthetics or cotton, reducing energy loss and improving overall comfort.

The concept, known as dynamic breathability, measures how well a garment adapts to changing conditions - keeping the body cool during exertion and warm during rest. Unlike traditional polyester or cotton, Merino wool stabilises the microclimate next to the skin, preventing the unpleasant “after-chill” sensation and helping athletes conserve energy throughout activity and recovery phases.

“This research highlights the transition from activity to recovery,” says John Roberts, Woolmark Managing Director. “Wool is designed by nature to respond in real time to physiological needs, keeping athletes in their comfort zone so they can focus fully on performance.”

Key findings include:

• Superior Moisture Management: Merino wool’s dual-layer structure—hydrophobic outside, hydrophilic inside—absorbs up to one-third of its weight in moisture vapour without feeling wet, efficiently buffering changes in humidity.
• Better Thermal Regulation: Wool maintains a steadier next-to-skin microclimate during repeated bursts of activity, reducing the body’s effort to maintain comfort.
• Proven Performance: Compared to polyester, wool delivers 96% better moisture buffering, 45% better than cotton, and 26% better than viscose.

The research emphasizes that wool’s natural hygroscopic properties allow it to absorb environmental moisture, a factor overlooked in traditional steady-state testing.

Sportswear brands are taking notice, exploring Merino wool designs that optimize comfort, performance, and sustainability. Designers can now create apparel that adapts to real-life conditions, reducing reliance on synthetic blends while enhancing wearer experience.

“This study confirms what athletes have been telling us for years: wool breathes, buffers, and performs better across a range of real-world conditions,” Roberts adds.

Woolmark continues to promote Merino wool as the natural fibre of choice, combining premium quality, sustainability, and unmatched performance from farm to finished product.

Sportswear brands are taking notice, exploring Merino wool designs that optimize comfort, performance, and sustainability. Designers can now create apparel that adapts to real-life conditions, reducing reliance on synthetic blends while enhancing wearer experience.