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go far. feel good


What is Merino Wool?

Merino wool is a natural fiber grown by Merino sheep and it's thinner and softer than standard wool. This makes the merino wool naturally softer and thinner than regular wool, providing greater warmth, and cooling capacity, at lighter weight than standard wool. The ultra fine consistency of merino makes it softer and easier to wear next to your skin and wearing wool next to your skin allows the wool to provide all it's natural benefits.

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Socks

For 25 years Smartwool has been making Merino wool socks.  Smartwool socks feature gender specific fit, Indestructawool & Shred-Shield Technology, activity-specific mesh zones, 4-degree elite fit, 360-degree printing, virtually seamless toe, & dialed-in cushioning to keep your feet comfortable in order to go far & feel good doing it.

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Tops

Smartwool lightweight Merino wool clothing is perfect for four-season layering and everyday comfort.  Available in a variety of fits & designs, it offers a ton of versatility.  With cycling jerseys, tanks, tees, lightweight outerwear & more available to keep you comfortable for all your adventures.

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Bottoms

The ultimate in comfort Smartwool Merino tights & shorts are constructed of high-tech knit fabric that places soft Merino wool next to skin for your comfort.

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Why Choose Merino Wool?

Merino wool is an amazing material. It's pretty much perfect for every adventure regardless of the season.

Each fiber naturally hepls regulate body temparature, transports sweat away as vapor, and resists odors (less laundry makes us all happy)

The benefits of natural merino wool fibers enable athletes from all sport disciplines go further and experience more of the sports/persuits they love, making it the ideal performance material

Plus, it's crazy comfortable to just lounge around it too

Advantages of Wool

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It's Natural

Merino wool is made of proteins composed of amino acids & natural compounds., Merino wool is a natural, renewable fiber. - meaning one sheep can grow four to five pounds of wool per year. The wool has evolved over the years to keep sheep comfortable in harsh environments, the same way it will keep you comfortable. It's truly an amazing material.

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It Helps Regulate Body Temperatures

What is merino amazing at? Helping keep your body at a stable temperature. When it's cold outside, the natural crimps and bends in merino fibers trap air, insulating you. When it's warm outside, it transports sweat away from your skin, helping to keep you cool and dry.

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It Helps Keep You Dry & Sweat-Free

This benefit of wool gets a bit technical but is a naturally occurring benefit of merino wool (not a spray or gimmick). Merino wool transports sweat and moisture away from skin as a vapor. Merino fibers are inherently porous. They're composed of little plates that moisture vapor can get in between, meaning you're not left feeling wet, cold, and clammy after a workout Synthetic fibers (nylon, polypropylene, etc) are not porous and usually wick sweat when it's already a liquid. By this time your body has to heat it up to evaporate it - making you feel clammy in cold weather. Merino takes a step out of the process, which helps you stay warm and dry no matter what activity you're participating in.

Smartwool Merino FAQ's

What is the Smartwool Guarantee? 

Every item Smartwool makes, from lifestyle socks to their most technical base layers, comes with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee...The Smartwool Promise

What is The Smartwool Promise? 

Smartwool stands behind everything they make. The Smartwool Promise means that ifm for any reason, you aren't completely happy with your Smartwool gear within two years of purchasin, we'll get you into some new gear.

Where is Smartwool Merino wool sourced from?

Smartwool has partnered with The New Zealand Merino Company, which developed ZQ-Certified wool, to ensure environmental, social, and economic sustanability while safeguarding animal welfare.

How do I care for my Merino wool products? 

Unlike other synthetic fibers Merino wool is naturally odor resistant. That means it can often be used several times before needing to be laundered.
Odor-causing bacteria is absorbed by Merino wool fibers - keeping them from reproducing or growing on the surface of Merino fibers. This helps socks, shirts, & bottoms stink less. Less stink = less washing which makes for a more environmentally friendly product and less work.
Here's a few simple steps to help keep your Merino socks, tops & bottoms looking as great as they feel. Be sure to check the tag on each garment for best results.

  • 1. Turn socks & garments inside out.
  • 2. Machine-wash on gentle cycle in warm or cool water (no hot water)
  • 3. Use mild soap, no bleach or fabric softener (bleach will destroy the Merino wool fibers, & fabric softener coats those fibers - reducing their ability to naturally manage mosture and regular body temperatures.
  • 4. While you can tumble-dry most Smartwool Merino, it's recommended to air-dry to extend the life of each garment (plus it's more environmentally friendly). If you prefer the dryer, tuble-dry on low setting.