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Icebreaker is the name behind the merino wool craze , so what's it all about?
Merino is much finer than traditional wool, and is technically more complex than synthetics.
Tiny overlapping scales case the fibre. They're hydrophobic (water resistant), like tiles on a roof. Inside it's a different story - the fibre is highly absorbent.
Icebreaker merino is the most hydrophillic of all fibres and can absorb and release 10x more moisture than synthetics. Each fibre can absorb up to one third of its own weight in moisture without feeling clammy or wet to touch. Your icebreaker can then release this moisture into the atmosphere to keep you feeling warm and dry.
Compared to traditional wool, the merino fibre is a fraction of the diameter, which is one of the reasons why your icebreaker doesn't itch. The large scales on traditional wool act like barbs against sensitive skin. Merino feels like silk.
ICEBREAKER MERINO vs SYNTHETICS
Synthetic fibres such as polypropylene or polyester have a much simpler structure. They are made from melting, extruding and setting a petrochemical-based product, similar to plastic. The fibre can't breathe, absorb or release moisture. When knitted into fabric, they are limited to one-way moisture movement, with limited breathability, which can create a chill zone when moisture sits on the outside of the fabric. Icebreaker merino has the ability to absorb and release moisture, to cool or warm the body, thus regulating temperature.
You‘ll warm up quickly but not overheat due to the exceptional breathability of the fabric.
