Merino Wool vs. Cotton: Which Is the Better Fabric for You?

Cotton is one of the most commonly used materials in clothing. From jeans and t-shirts to dresses and underwear, it’s likely that most of us grew up with a predominantly cotton-based wardrobe. But just because cotton is familiar doesn’t mean it’s the best choice for every situation - especially when compared to merino wool.

While cotton has its place, it falls short in several important areas where merino wool excels. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at why merino wool is the superior fabric for your wardrobe, offering benefits that cotton simply can’t match. At The Wool Company, we believe that everything cotton can do, merino wool can do better!

What is Merino Wool?

Merino wool is a natural fibre derived from Merino sheep, renowned for its exceptional softness, breathability, and insulating properties. Unlike traditional wool, which can be coarse and itchy, merino wool has a much finer micron diameter, often ranging between 17 and 24 microns. This finer structure not only makes it softer against the skin but also enhances its ability to regulate temperature, making it comfortable to wear in both warm and cold conditions.

Read More: Merino Wool vs Crossbred Wool

One of the standout features of merino wool is its versatility. The Wool Company’s merino wool, for example, is often blended with possum fur to create garments that offer even greater warmth without added bulk. This blend also increases the garment's durability and adds a unique softness that sets it apart from other fabrics.

Merino wool’s natural properties make it ideal for a variety of clothing, from base layers and sweaters to socks and scarves. Its ability to wick moisture away from the skin, resist odours, and maintain warmth even when wet, makes it an excellent choice for activewear and outdoor clothing. These characteristics give merino wool a significant edge over cotton, especially in more demanding conditions where comfort and performance are key.

What is Cotton?

Cotton is a natural fibre harvested from the cotton plant, a staple in the textile industry for centuries. It’s one of the most widely used fabrics in the world, known for its softness, breathability, and versatility. Cotton fibres are spun into yarn and woven or knitted to create a wide range of clothing, from everyday basics like t-shirts and underwear to more specialised items like denim and bed linens.

While cotton is appreciated for its comfort and ease of care, it does have some limitations. Cotton is highly absorbent, which means it tends to retain moisture rather than wick it away. This can lead to discomfort in humid or wet conditions, as cotton garments can feel heavy and damp against the skin. Additionally, cotton lacks the natural insulating properties of wool, making it less effective at retaining warmth in cold weather. It also doesn’t have the same natural odour resistance, requiring more frequent washing to stay fresh.

Cotton is generally more affordable and accessible than merino wool, which has contributed to its widespread use. However, for those seeking superior performance in terms of warmth, moisture management, and durability, merino wool offers clear advantages over cotton, particularly in more demanding environments.

With the basics of each material type covered, let’s take a closer look at how they compare to one another.

Merino Wool vs. Cotton

1. Moisture Management

Merino Wool:
One of the most significant advantages of merino wool over cotton is its superior moisture management. Merino wool fibres can absorb moisture away from the skin and release it into the air, keeping you dry and comfortable. This moisture-wicking ability is particularly valuable during physical activities or in variable weather conditions.

Even when merino wool becomes damp, it retains its insulating properties, ensuring you stay warm.

Cotton:
Cotton, on the other hand, is highly absorbent but lacks the ability to wick moisture away from the skin. Instead, it retains moisture, which can make the fabric feel heavy and clammy when wet. This can lead to discomfort, particularly in cooler temperatures, as wet cotton can quickly lose its insulating power. For this reason, cotton is often less suitable for activewear or outdoor clothing where moisture management is crucial.

2. Breathability and Comfort

Merino Wool:
Merino wool excels in breathability, making it comfortable to wear in a wide range of temperatures. The fine fibres allow air to circulate, helping to regulate body temperature naturally. This makes merino wool garments ideal for layering, as they can keep you warm in winter and cool in summer.

Additionally, merino wool is incredibly soft, thanks to its fine micron diameter, and can be worn directly against the skin without causing irritation.

Cotton:
Cotton is also known for its breathability, but it doesn’t regulate temperature as effectively as merino wool. While cotton garments are comfortable in warm weather due to their light and airy nature, they can become uncomfortable in colder climates or when wet, as they lack the insulating properties of wool.

Cotton is generally soft, but it doesn’t offer the same luxurious feel or temperature-regulating benefits as merino wool.

3. Durability

Merino Wool:
When it comes to durability, merino wool outperforms cotton by a significant margin. Wool fibres are incredibly resilient, capable of bending up to 20,000 times without breaking. This means that merino wool garments maintain their shape and appearance even after extended use.

Wool’s natural elasticity also helps it resist wrinkles and creases, making it a low-maintenance option for those who value long-lasting, easy-care clothing.

Cotton:
Cotton fibres, while durable to some extent, are not as resilient as wool. Cotton can break after about 3,000 bends, leading to wear and tear over time. Cotton garments are more prone to shrinking, wrinkling, and losing their shape, particularly after repeated washing. This makes them less durable in the long run, especially when compared to the sturdiness of merino wool.

4. Odour Resistance

Merino Wool:
Merino wool has natural antibacterial properties, which help prevent the buildup of odours. This is due to its ability to wick moisture away from the skin and its inherent resistance to bacteria growth. As a result, merino wool garments can be worn multiple times between washes without developing unpleasant odours, making them an excellent choice for travel or extended outdoor activities.

Keep Reading: 5 Reasons to Wear Merino Wool in Winter AND Summer

Cotton:
Cotton, on the other hand, tends to retain odours more easily. Since cotton absorbs moisture without wicking it away, it creates an environment where bacteria can thrive, leading to unpleasant smells. Cotton garments typically require more frequent washing to stay fresh, which can contribute to wear and tear over time.

5. Environmental Impact

Merino Wool:
Merino wool is a renewable, biodegradable resource, making it an environmentally friendly choice. Wool is produced by sheep that can be shorn annually, with minimal impact on the environment. Additionally, wool’s durability means that garments last longer, reducing the need for frequent replacements and lowering the overall environmental footprint.

The Wool Company’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in the careful sourcing and ethical production of its merino wool products.

Cotton:
While cotton is a natural fibre, its production is not without environmental challenges. Cotton farming often requires large amounts of water and pesticides, which can have significant ecological impacts.

Conventional cotton farming can lead to soil degradation, water pollution, and increased carbon emissions. While organic cotton offers a more sustainable alternative, it’s still less eco-friendly than wool due to the lower yields and higher resource requirements of cotton farming.

When to Choose Merino Wool Over Cotton

Everyday Wear

When it comes to everyday wear, merino wool is an exceptional choice. Whether you’re heading to the office, meeting friends for coffee, or simply enjoying a day out, merino wool garments offer unmatched versatility and comfort.

The natural temperature-regulating properties of merino wool mean that you’ll stay warm in cool weather and cool in warmer temperatures, making it suitable for wear all year round.

Additionally, merino wool’s softness and breathability ensure that it’s comfortable enough to wear directly against the skin, eliminating the need for layering with other fabrics like cotton.

Activewear & Outdoor Clothing

Merino wool truly shines in activewear and outdoor clothing. If you’re someone who enjoys hiking, skiing, or any other outdoor activity, merino wool is your best bet. Its moisture-wicking abilities keep you dry during intense physical activity, while its natural insulation provides warmth without the bulk.

Keep Reading: The Best Merino Layers for Snow Sports & Travel

Unlike cotton, which can become heavy and uncomfortable when wet, merino wool maintains its insulating properties even when damp. This makes it ideal for unpredictable weather conditions and environments where staying warm and dry is crucial.

For those who enjoy multi-day hikes or travel, merino wool’s odour resistance is another significant advantage. You can wear merino wool garments multiple times between washes without worrying about unpleasant smells, making it a practical and convenient choice for outdoor adventures.

Travel

When packing for a trip, the versatility and low-maintenance nature of merino wool make it an excellent addition to your travel wardrobe. Merino wool garments are lightweight, wrinkle-resistant, and don’t require frequent washing, making them ideal for packing light.

Whether you’re exploring a new city or going on a long-haul flight, merino wool ensures that you stay comfortable throughout your journey. In contrast, cotton garments may wrinkle easily and retain moisture, making them less suitable for travel where convenience and comfort are key.

Everything Cotton Can Do, Merino Can Do Better

After diving into the details, it’s clear that when it comes to performance, comfort, and sustainability, merino wool consistently outshines cotton. Whether you’re looking for something to wear every day, gear for your next outdoor adventure, or reliable clothing for travel, merino wool offers benefits that cotton simply can’t match.

At The Wool Company, we believe in the power of merino wool to deliver the best possible experience for our customers. Our commitment to quality, sustainability, and ethical production practices ensures that every piece of merino wool clothing you purchase is not just a garment, but an investment in comfort, style, and the environment.

Shop our full range of New Zealand-made merino wool clothing online, or take a look at our latest Lookbook to pick out your new favourite pieces!