Did you know? Wool is a completely natural, biodegradable, renewable fiber and the basis for almost every product we create here at Ridge.
Merino wool is natural.
Wool is 100% natural grown year-round by sheep, consuming a simple blend of water, air, sunshine and grass.
Merino wool is biodegradable.
When a wool fiber is disposed of, it will naturally decompose in soil in a matter of years, slowly releasing valuable nutrients back into the earth.
Merino wool is renewable.
Every year sheep produce a new fleece, making wool a completely renewable fiber.
Did you also know? Merino is different than traditional wool for many reasons...
- Merino is a type of wool that comes from the Merino breed of sheep.
- Its fibers are much finer, making Merino buttery SOFT, not coarse or scratchy.
- The complex structure of Merino wool regulates body temperature by absorbing and transporting moisture away from the skin. The fibers trap air to insulate more efficiently. This natural “climate control” means Ridge products insulate when it’s cold and let heat escape when temperatures rise.
- Merino is antimicrobial, which means it resists the growth of bacteria that cause body odor.
- Merino offers natural sun protection. (Our baselayers offer 50+ UPF and our lightest weight products still offer 20+ UPF.)
- Wool is the least flammable of any type of fabric, so it won't melt or stick to your skin if you get a little too close to the campfire, and it's naturally static-free.
- Because Merino wool regulates body temperature and heart rate too, it can actually improve sleep.
- It is machine washable and can be dried on a line or on the "low" dryer setting (either way it dries quickly).
- Merino is highly regarded as the gold standard for athletic apparel – noted for its breathability, warmth and comfort.
- All this occurs naturally, without the use of chemicals in production.
Source and Photo credit: Woolmark Company
