Why is merino wool more expensive than most other types of wool?
Wondering why merino wool is more expensive than regular wool? Discover the reasons: from the superfine fiber quality and animal-friendly sourcing to the final processing.
Do you ever wonder why merino wool clothing costs more than regular wool? The secret lies in its ultra-fine fibers—and it's worth every penny!
- Fiber
- Super fine, soft, and don't itch
- Sustainability
- Long service life, retains its shape, and is wear-resistant
- Features
- Self-cleaning, breathable, and temperature-regulating
Is merino wool expensive?
“Expensive” is a relative term. Once you understand why merino comes with a higher price tag than other types of wool, it makes more sense.
Slow Fashion
First of all, merino wool grows very slowly, and can only be “harvested” twice a year. Meanwhile, the costs of shelter, care, and food for merino sheep continue for 12 months a year. Merino also has a finer texture than most types of wool—which is an advantage because it makes merino softer and less itchy—but… that also means more fibers are needed per garment. Kaaatching $£€.
Of course, there are cheaper merino wool items on the market, harvested from merino sheep that are bred and raised under poor conditions. First of all, that’s obviously not ethically acceptable, but it also affects the aesthetic quality. The very finest merino comes from sheep that roam freely and happily in the mountains and are cared for with love and attention. And that’s priceless.
Cost per Wear
You can also judge whether merino is expensive based on its lifespan. A merino garment that’s lovingly cared for will last for years—on average, five times as long as clothing made from other types of wool. The more often you wear it, the lower the “cost per wear.” That’s not an excuse to justify your purchase, but pure math. And: the more often you reach for your favourite merino garment, the less you’ll spend on buying yet another fleeting trend item. Merino wool is always an investment piece!
P.S.: Of course, we can’t look into your wallet, but reality shows us that a 100% merino item doesn’t fit everyone’s budget. A blend with, say, cotton or viscose also looks great and offers the same feeling of luxury at a slightly more affordable price. Less money to spend? Go for a blêêênd :-)
At PLEIN PUBLIQUE, we also use blends with merino wool. Not because of the price, but because in the spring we like to opt for lighter materials like cotton. A blend with merino wool is ideal for that.
Want to see more merino wool? Then click HERE.
FAQ
Why is merino wool more expensive than regular sheep's wool?
Merino wool has a much thinner and softer fiber than regular wool, which makes it very comfortable to wear without causing any itching. In addition, raising Merino sheep and harvesting their wool requires more time and craftsmanship.
Does animal welfare play a role in the price of merino wool?
Yes, responsibly sourced and 100% mulesing-free merino wool comes from farms with high animal welfare standards. Happy sheep don’t come cheap (-;
Is a merino wool sweater worth the investment?
Absolutely. Thanks to the fiber’s strong resilience, self-cleaning properties, and long lifespan, a merino wool garment will last for years without losing its shape or fit.