Merino Sheep
When we talk about the quality of wool that is used by renowned weavers such as Ermenegildo Zegna, Holland & Sherry, Loro Piana, Cerutti and Barberis Canonico to weave high quality fabrics, often is referred to the Merino sheep. If you would like to learn more about this special animal ... then read on ...
The term "merino" is widely employed in the textile industries with very varied meanings. Originally it was restricted to denote the wool of the Merino sheep reared in Spain, but owing to the superiority of Australian and New Zealand wools the term now has broader use. In the dress-goods and knitting trades the term "merino" still implies an article made from the very best soft wool.
The beauty of the fiber itself is evident in intense, cold-weather or high-performance applications, where Merino distinguishes itself from cotton and polyester fabrics by offering superior breathability, temperature regulation, moisture control, and inherent anti-microbial properties. Unlike "traditional" wool, Merino is much finer, softer, and, best of all, itch-free.
Super fine Merinos are regarded as having the finest and softest wool of any sheep. There are two basic strains of Merino: poll animals have no horns (or very small stubs), and horned merinos have long, spiral horns which grow close to the head (see picture).
The wool is tightly crimped and springy. Staples are commonly 2.5—4 inches (65—100 mm). A merino produces 7—13 lb (4.5—6 kg) of unwashed wool in one year. Merino wool is generally less than 24.5 micrometres (microns) in diameter. Fine merino wool is less than 21.5 µm and extra-fine merino is under 19.5 µm.
The lower the microns, the higher the Super-indication for the woven fabrics. A Super 100 (S100) fabric contains wool of approximately 21.5 µm, a S130 approximately 21.5 µm and above S150 less then 19.5 µm. However note that above S130 the wool threads get so thin that the fabric gets very vulnerable and hardly is suitable for everyday use.
Anyway, if you would like to learn more about Merino wool and how it is reflected in our beautiful fabrics ... just contact us and we tell you all about it over a hot fresh coffee.
Published on 8-9-2005 - Fashion
