A major four-year research program led by North Carolina State University shows, 100 per cent Merino wool base-layer garments offer superior thermal comfort and performance benefits for athletes.
Focusing on dynamic, ‘stop-go’ sports like cycling, rock climbing, hiking, and golf, the study finds, Merino wool's unique properties help athletes maintain thermal equilibrium during both intense exertion and rest. This concept is called dynamic breathability.
Unlike traditional synthetic performance wear, Merino wool helps wearers avoid the unpleasant sensation of after-chill, which is common in outdoor sports when activity slows down. By maintaining a stable temperature, wool requires the body to do less work to stay comfortable, allowing athletes to conserve energy and focus on their activity. The research found that while all fibers performed similarly during the active phase of a workout, only wool performed well during both the activity and rest phases - a critical advantage for dynamic sports.
Merino wool’s unique dual-layer structure - hydrophobic on the outside and hydrophilic on the inside - allows it to absorb up to one-third of its weight in moisture vapor without feeling wet. This efficient moisture transport stabilizes the microclimate between the garment and the skin. The study confirms, Merino wool maintained greater thermal comfort and minimized after-chill better than other fibers. Compared to polyester, wool showed a 96 per cent better moisture buffering; it was 45 per cent better than cotton and 26 per cent better than viscose.
According to John Roberts, Managing Director, Woolmark, the research demonstrates how wool ‘responds in real time to changing physiological needs’ and keeps athletes in their comfort zone. This breakthrough positions Merino wool as a natural performance fiber backed by science, not just anecdotes. The findings have already generated significant interest from leading sportswear brands looking to design apparel that genuinely enhances wearer performance.
