Merino Wool and the Sun: Why Wool Naturally Has an Edge
When most people think of wool, they imagine warm winter sweaters and cold days. However, wool has been a beloved material for centuries in areas where the sun shines brightly. This is no coincidence. Wool not only helps your body stay comfortable in warm weather but also naturally possesses UV-protective properties.
This does not mean that a wool garment automatically has a specific UPF value. That varies per garment. However, various studies have shown that wool, thanks to the unique structure of its fiber, naturally has relatively high UV protection.
Why is UV protection important?
Sunlight is good for us, but it also contains ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Too much exposure can damage the skin. Therefore, health organizations advise using sunscreen, seeking shade, and wearing protective clothing on sunny days.
What many people don't know is that not all clothing blocks UV radiation equally. The choice of a particular material does indeed make a difference.
Why does wool naturally have UV-protective properties?
This has everything to do with the special structure of the wool fiber.
Keratin: a natural protective protein
Wool consists of approximately 97% keratin, the same strong protein that makes up our hair and nails.
Keratin has the property of absorbing some of the UV radiation. As a result, less UV radiation reaches the skin than with many other materials. This is one of the reasons why wool is known for its natural UV-protective properties.
A clever fiber structure
The shape of the wool fiber also plays an important role.
Wool consists of fine, crimped fibers that lie close together during spinning and knitting. This creates a compact surface with small air chambers in between.
As a result:
- part of the UV radiation is blocked;
- the fabric remains highly breathable;
- heat and moisture can be easily wicked away.
It is precisely this combination that makes (merino) wool so pleasant during warm days.
Curious about how merino wool feels on warm days? Explore our collection of merino wool T-shirts or discover our complete collection of wool clothing.
Wool remains comfortable, even when it's warm
During a walk, bike ride, or a day at the beach, you will naturally perspire.
Merino wool can absorb up to about 30% of its own weight in moisture without feeling wet or clammy. The fibers remain comfortable to the touch and retain a large part of their natural properties even when damp.
That's one of the reasons why merino wool is popular with hikers, cyclists, and other outdoor enthusiasts.
Not every wool garment protects equally
Although wool naturally has UV-protective properties, the ultimate protection varies per garment.
This depends on factors such as:
- the thickness of the fabric;
- the density of the knit or weave;
- the color (darker colors generally protect better than lighter ones);
- whether the garment is made of 100% wool or a wool blend.
Therefore, we do not provide a specific UPF value for our merino wool clothing. Such a value can only be determined by having a garment tested according to applicable standards.
How does wool compare to other materials?
Not all textile types offer the same natural protection against UV radiation.
Thin cotton fabrics, for example, allow UV radiation to pass through relatively easily, especially when wet or loosely woven. Many synthetic fabrics also only offer higher UV protection when they have been specially developed or treated for this purpose.
Thanks to the natural keratin protein and the dense fiber structure, merino wool already has an advantage. Without additional chemical treatment, wool possesses properties that contribute to relatively high UV protection.
In addition, merino wool also:
- helps regulate body temperature;
- quickly absorbs and releases moisture;
- is less likely to retain unpleasant odors;
- feels light and comfortable, even in warm weather.
A smart choice for sunny days
Are you going hiking, cycling, traveling, or to the beach for a day? Then protective clothing is a sensible choice as part of good sun protection.
No single garment offers unlimited sun protection. If you are going outdoors for a longer period, it remains important to apply sunscreen to exposed skin and wear a cap or hat where necessary.
Merino wool has a pleasant advantage in this regard. The material feels comfortable, helps regulate your body temperature, and naturally possesses UV-protective properties. This is precisely why merino wool is a popular choice for anyone who loves being outdoors.
Merino wool: comfortable in every season
Merino wool proves that wool is much more than a material for winter. Thanks to its breathable properties, excellent moisture regulation, and natural UV-protective qualities, it is also a smart choice for sunny days.
Whether you're walking through the dunes, cycling along the dike, or enjoying a day at the beach: merino wool shows that a natural material can be surprisingly versatile in every season.
