Wool is often thought of as a winter fabric – something that can keep you warm and cosy in the cold months. Whilst you can definitely enjoy the benefits of a merino wool sweater during the colder part of the year, it also has properties that can be particularly welcome in the summer.
Lightweight
It may be able to keep you warm, but the soft, fine fibres of merino wool are incredibly light, making it easier to move freely even in hot and humid weather. Air can continue to circulate, making it a breathable fabric even in the heat. These properties can be applied in many styles and types of clothing, including shorts, trousers, skirts, shirts, and jumpers.
Temperature regulation
Merino wool does not specifically keep you warm; instead, it helps you regulate your temperature, partly due to its ability to trap air and work as an insulator and partly because it removes moisture such as sweat to help keep you dry. This means it will warm you up when it is cold and cool you down in the heat.
Moisture wicking
A mens fishermans sweater from a stockist such as shoparan.com/mens-aran-sweaters/mens-fisherman-sweaters/ is designed to absorb water without feeling wet. This was obviously advantageous to the original fishermen wearers when they were out at sea; today, it is beneficial in humid conditions or when you are sweating.
UV protection
Excess UV exposure on sunny days can harm your skin and even increase your cancer risk. Wool that is tightly woven and is not overly stretchy offers a greater degree of UV protection.
UV protection can also be affected by other factors, such as colour.
Odour resistant
Sweat is not only unpleasant because it makes you damp and sticky but also because it can cause an unpleasant smell due to bacteria. Merino wool has natural antimicrobial properties that counteract these bacteria and leave you odour-free.
In summary, the ability of lightweight merino wool to keep you cool, absorb moisture, and protect you from the sun makes it a desirable summer fabric.