Wool socks are often something we think of as being thick, itchy, scratchy and way too hot! And truthfully, the traditional hand knitted socks from Grandma were just that! Oh how things have changed...
Merino wool has been used in the luxury fashion category for many years and has been likened to cashmere and angora for its softness. In recent years, it has entered the sportswear category as hikers and outdoors people have discovered merino wool’s amazing powers. And today it’s starting to break out into the mainstream!
At Q for Quinn, we are excited to add merino wool socks for men, women and kids to our product line. Our Merino wool socks are made of a blend of ZQ Certified merino wool and Tencel.
Read on to learn more about why Merino wool is so special, where it comes from and why Tencel is blended in!
What makes merino wool so special?
- Merino wool is great for temperature regulation. The fibers have microscopic air pockets which keep you insulated when it’s cold out. When it’s hot, however, merino wool wicks sweat away from your body cooling you down without leaving you feeling wet and clammy. (So really, you can wear merino wool socks all year long!)
- Merino wool is also incredibly odor resistant. The wool absorbs the odors created by bacteria, so it doesn’t get that awful exercise smell!
- Merino wool is hypoallergenic, making it the perfect material for clothing such as socks, that are worn close to the skin for long periods of time -- a great material for sufferers of skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis.
- Merino wool is natural and biodegradable. Wool has been farmed for thousands of years. It’s sustainable and not based on oil. The major manufacturers are also committed to ethical farming. Merino wool is also totally biodegradable and breaks down after about a year of exposure, unlike synthetic materials which can take decades.
Merino wool fibers have a natural crimp that add to their loft, making it extremely warm
Where are merino sheep from? Why are they unique?
Merino wool is simply wool that comes from the merino sheep. They’re traditionally from Spain, but they’re now farmed around the world and can be found in New Zealand, Australia, Argentina, Chile, Uruguay and South Africa.
Merino sheep are unique because of the wool they produce. It is incredibly fine, so it’s soft and comfortable when worn next to the skin. The Merino wool fiber is naturally long, which makes it stronger. This is important, as a garment that is made up of too many short fibres is prone to holes! Merino wool has a natural crimp to it. This increases the resilience of the yarn and fabric, meaning that it stretches easily. It also increases the loft, which makes the garment warmer.
Merino sheep are originally from Spain but are now farmed in many parts of the world
What does ZQ certified mean? Why is ZQ certified important?
ZQ sheep graze on pastures in ‘free range’, extensive farming conditions in the high country hills of New Zealand, the outback of Australia, the green plains of South Africa or the mountainous terrain of South America. By choosing ZQ products, you can be confident that the sheep producing the wool are humanely treated, well fed, live natural and healthy lives, and not subjected to mulesing, which means you’re also getting fibre of the very highest quality and performance.
To learn more visit www.discoverzq.com
A close up of the soft smooth Tencel fibers
What is Tencel?
Tencel are lyocell fibers that are produced by environmentally responsible processes from the sustainably sourced natural raw material wood. These fibers are versatile and can be combined with a wide range of textile fibers such as cotton, polyester, acrylic, wool, and silk to enhance the aesthetics and functionality of fabrics. Unique physical properties of Tencel lyocell fibers lead to their great strength, efficient moisture absorption and gentleness to skin.
To learn more about tencel production click here
Why is Tencel blended with merino wool?
Tencel is of botanic origin and Merino wool is a protein fiber. These two fibers offer the best of both worlds. Tencel has a silky smooth texture and the blend with Merino wool creates a luxurious feel of the fabrics. In essence, adding Tencel to Merino wool makes it even softer and stronger!
Both Merino and Tencel fibers absorb vapour very well and create a breathable micro climate on the skin. This is important particularly in warm climates and during physical exertion. Robert van de Kerkhof, the CCO of Lenzing comments: “It is also very interesting that Merino wool becomes even more usable for summer with Tencel and Tencel becomes more suitable for winter as a result of blending with Merino wool. This means that the blend can be used whatever the season is”.
Our Values
At Q for Quinn, every product we create is made with the highest quality and ethical standards that align with our values and yours. And we believe that something as simple as the perfect pair of socks can make the world a better place.
Because Merino wool is renewable, natural, safe and free of chemicals, we are proud to offer new ZQ Certified wool socks in addition to our GOTS Certified organic cotton socks! So, if you are considering a new pair of socks as the temperatures drop, or want to gift a pair this Holiday season, consider making the switch to Merino wool!
Click here to shop our Merino Wool Collection of socks for Men, Women and Kids!
Leave a comment