Whether you know it or not, your wardrobe needs more merino wool clothes.
Why?
Because merino is basically the magical fiber of nature.
It comes from a particular breed of sheep (merino sheep, go figure!), and is thinner and softer than regular wool, which means it doesn’t feel heavy or itchy on the skin.
The best thing about Merino wool is it’s naturally odor-resistant and has moisture-wicking properties, and does an even better job than synthetic fabrics when it comes to regulating your body temperature. (This is also why it’s one of the best travel fabrics for active folks.)
Plus, it’s a naturally sustainable material, which is a huge bonus in this day and age.
When you add it all up, this versatile material is more eco-friendly, higher-performing, and way more stylish than other fabrics and fibers — which is exactly why more and more people are making the switch to merino wool products both in their athleisure and everyday clothes.
So now that you know why you need to start wearing merino wool, let’s take a look at the best places to shop for merino wool clothing and accessories.
Whether you’re looking for a good base layer, travel clothing, or an entire wardrobe, we’ve rounded up the top brands for fashionable and functional merino wool apparel for every adventure and activity.
Top Picks ↓
We’ve got a longer list of brands below (and seriously, all of them are pretty great), but here’s a handful of brands that really stand out from the pack:
- Overall Best Merino Wool Clothing Brand: Unbound Merino
- Runner Up: Icebreaker
- Best Base Layers: Smartwool
- Best Merino Wool Shirts: WoolX
- Best Merino Wool Travel Clothing: Western Rise
- Best for Outdoor Enthusiasts: Ridge Merino
- Best Merino Wool Shoes: Allbirds
- Best Merino Wool Socks: Darn Tough Vermont
- Best Everyday Basics: Wool & Prince
The (Absolute) Best Merino Wool Clothing Brands
Breaking Down the Best Brands for Functional, Breathable & Stylish Merino Wool Apparel
Overall Best Merino Wool Clothing Brand ↓
Unbound Merino
Whether you’re looking for everyday basics, breathable athleisure, or something comfortable (but still stylish) to travel in, then this is the brand to check out.
They use Woolmark-certified Australian merino wool, which is basically considered the highest-quality and softest merino wool money can buy, resulting in clothing that’s ultra comfortable and made to last a long time.
It’s a go-to for polo t-shirts, shorts, pants, sweaters, hoodies, and hats, all with a timeless, minimalist aesthetic that works seamlessly with the rest of your wardrobe.
Runner Up ↓
Icebreaker
The race for our top pick was too close, so we awarded Icebreaker our runner up, and with good reason:
When it comes to merino apparel, this brand offers one of the best selections of high-quality products, with everything from underwear and socks to hoodies, chino pants, and beyond (FYI, they’re especially known for their awesome t-shirts).
This is a go-to brand for a great base layer, and any other garment you might need for outdoor activities like hiking, running, and snow sports.
It’s worth noting that in addition to clothes made from 100% merino wool or 100% natural fibers, they also feature four other fabric blend technologies, each of which combines merino wool fibers with synthetic materials for a more specialized performance.
Best Base Layers ↓
Smartwool
The name pretty much says it all — Smartwool is one of the smartest choices when it comes to merino wool clothing.
While you can find everything from jackets to vests, slippers, beanies, and even blankets, they’re best known and most loved for having some of the best merino wool base layers.
Smartwool merino base layers come in all sorts of different weights, colors, and patterns, but if you’re not sure where to start, check out their personalized base layer finder quiz.
Of course, we’d be remiss not to mention their incredibly popular line of socks, which also come in a wide variety of bright colors and patterns, for every kind of activity.
Best Merino Wool Shirts ↓
WoolX
Founded by an adventure-loving father daughter duo, this outdoor clothing brand began with a mission to create the world’s best 100 percent merino wool fabric.
They’ve got some of the best merino wool shirts across a variety of different styles, including a classic v-neck, long-sleeve shirt, and even a polished polo.
You’ll also find cozy jackets and vests, socks, hats, and more.
Best Merino Wool Travel Clothing ↓
Western Rise
Your lifestyle should never be limited by your wardrobe, which is why this brand decided to design a line of simple and stylish performance clothes that can handle any and all adventures you encounter throughout the day.
While some of their clothes are made from synthetic fibers, Western Rise also carries an entire line of merino wool garments, including premium merino wool t-shirts designed to resist odor for three to five days of continual wear.
All that means you’ll spend less time doing laundry and more time living your best, most stylish life.
Check out our in-depth Western Rise review to find out how their merino wool shirt (and stretchy pants) holds up in the real world.
Best for Outdoor Enthusiasts ↓
Ridge Merino
Ridge Merino mainly focuses on making merino clothes for outdoor wear, making it an excellent choice whether you’re hiking in warmer weather or hitting the slopes in freezing temps.
They offer a wide variety of merino wool apparel built for cold weather, particularly for the skiers and winter sport enthusiasts out there who need to keep their body temperature up.
In addition to cozy base layers and merino wool underwear for cold days, they also offer face masks and neck/head gaiters because it’s hard to enjoy being outside when you can’t feel your nose or your face!
But you’ll also find a decent selection of summer clothing, like t-shirts and shorts, and even some that offer sun protection.
Best Merino Wool Shoes ↓
Allbirds
You might already be familiar with this popular New Zealand based shoe company, but the hype is for good reason.
Not only are their wool runner sneakers comfy and chic, but they’re also soft, naturally thermoregulating, and sustainably made from a specifically-engineered wool fabric.
Basically, it’s all the benefits of merino wool, only in an everyday wear shoe: soft feel, quick drying, odor resistant, and with a classic style to boot!
Best Merino Wool Socks↓
Darn Tough Vermont
On par with Smartwool, Darn Tough Vermont is another great option when it comes to wool socks, both for lifestyle and sport.
Unlike regular wool socks, these are made from superfine merino wool, which solves any and all problems of bulk and itchiness.
In recent years, they’ve committed to supporting the Responsible Wool Standard and only source wool from merino sheep that haven’t been exposed to mulesing.
Check Out Darn Tough Vermont ➤
Best Everyday Basics ↓
Wool & Prince
They call themselves the merino wool experts, and considering they’ve even found a way to weave merino wool with denim, it’s safe to say they’re not exaggerating.
It’s all about elevated everyday apparel at Wool & Prince, so you’ll find everything from basics like undershirts, tees, long sleeves, and polos to collared dress shirts and blazers.
You’ll definitely look and feel like a prince sporting these stylish clothes, especially since they offer both regular fit and tall fit options!
Woolly
It should come as no surprise that a brand named Woolly is all about wool (and even more specifically, merino wool).
Started by three Seattlites, this United States clothing company is committed to offering a natural alternative to your synthetic activewear, and that includes a comparable price tag.
You’ll find a wide selection of athletic styles here, including tank tops, golf polos, and joggers, as well as more everyday, casual-wear items like button-ups, slim-fit pants, and hoodies.
Ibex
Ibex has you covered from your next-to-skin layer to your very outer layer in their high performance, 100% merino wool and merino wool blend clothing.
In their own words, it’s backcountry performance with front country style — talk about a winning combination!
They carry a selection of high-quality, innovative clothing perfect for hiking and adventuring, as well as running, snow sports, and everyday activities.
And we really love their unique Aire Hoodie and Aire Vest, packable puffy outerwear featuring merino insulation (instead of down or synthetic fill) and a wind- and water-resistant outer fabric.
Minus33
Located in New Hampshire, nestled between the White Mountains and Lakes Region, Minus33 provides functional and fashionable merino wool clothing for any and all outdoor adventures, whether it’s snowmobiling, fishing, camping, tactile missions, or something else.
Minus33 has you covered with merino wool layers (even gloves!) that are suitable for cold or hot weather, or even those somewhat in-between temperatures.
After all, it’s truly one of the best fabrics for temperature regulation (so it’s no wonder these New Hampshirites swear by it).
Duckworth
At Duckworth, you won’t find anything super fancy, just simple, well-made everyday life basics, all made from only the finest merino wool.
The exception here might be their high-end fitted briefs, which they boast to be the world’s best underwear.
And considering they’re made from ultrasoft and breathable Montana-grown merino wool with natural antimicrobial properties (AKA you won’t feel sweaty, sticky, or stinky down there), I’m inclined to believe them.
Mons Royale
Just like a large number of brands on this list, Mons Royale believes in sustainability and performance when it comes to sourcing and producing their merino clothing.
While you’ll find all kinds of high-performance mountain apparel on their site, they also specialize in bike clothing, the kind that can handle even the most arduous of pedals across mountainous terrain.
Wolk
Best described as an urban performance brand, Wolk was born out of desire to create high quality garments that look sharp and can handle every aspect of your day in the city.
It’s no surprise they turned to merino wool given that it’s anti-wrinkle and anti-odor with a high degree of comfort and breathability.
Their apparel exudes class and sophistication and is equally luxurious to the touch, whether it’s a polished button-down, chic sweater, or simple tee.
FAQ
Which country makes the best merino wool?Â
Australia is renowned for producing the best merino wool, a type of wool known for its higher quality. This wool is celebrated globally as the finest and softest, making it the best wool for clothing and base layers.
Other countries like New Zealand, South Africa, and Argentina also contribute significantly to the global merino wool market.
Is 100% merino wool expensive?Â
One-hundred percent merino wool can be a little bit more expensive than other fabrics. This extra cost is due to merino wool’s superior qualities, such as its exceptional softness, ability to regulate temperature, and moisture-wicking properties.
While the upfront price may be higher, the durability and comfort of merino wool garments mean they often last longer, proving to be cost-effective in the long run.Â
How do you wash merino wool clothing?Â
Caring for merino wool requires a gentle approach to maintain its softness and durability. Always check the garment’s care label first, but generally, follow these steps: Wash in cold water using a mild, wool-specific detergent.
Hand washing is preferred, though some items can be washed in a washing machine on a gentle, wool cycle. Avoid bleach and fabric softeners.
To dry, gently press out excess water—do not wring—then lay the item flat on a towel to retain its shape. Merino wool is naturally odor-resistant, so it doesn’t need washing as frequently as other fabrics, making it even more care-friendly.
Photo: Unbound Merino
Illustration: Irreverent Gent