What Is Extra Fine Merino Wool? Softness, Warmth and Why Wool Can Itch
Why extra fine merino feels so soft, why some wool can feel itchy, and how merino compares with regular wool and cashmere, with care tips for your knits.
In this guide
In short: Extra fine merino wool comes from merino sheep, selected from the finer end of the wool scale. Its fine, flexible fibres bend softly against the skin, so it won't itch like traditional wool, and it's light, warm and breathable.
If you've ever pulled on a woollen jumper and felt it prickle, you'll understand why extra fine merino feels like such a revelation. It's soft, light and gently warm, the kind of knit you reach for on a cool morning and forget you're wearing by lunchtime. Here we explain what extra fine merino wool is, why some wool can feel itchy, how merino compares with regular wool and cashmere, and how to care for your merino knitwear.
What is merino wool?
Merino is a breed of sheep, much loved for its fine, soft fleece. Merino fibres are finer than those of many other sheep breeds, and they have a natural crimp (a gentle wave) that gives merino knits their springy, cosy feel.
What does "extra fine" merino mean?
Wool is graded by the fineness of its fibres: the finer the fibre, the softer it feels. "Extra fine" describes merino wool at the finer end of that scale, chosen for knitwear that sits softly against the skin. It's the same fibre as everyday merino, simply selected for its finer, softer character.
Why does wool sometimes itch?
That familiar prickle usually isn't an allergy at all. Coarser wool fibres are stiffer, and when their ends press against your skin they don't bend away, so you feel a tickle or prickle. Finer fibres are softer and more flexible, so they bend instead of pressing in, which is why fine merino feels so much gentler than a coarse, traditional wool.
Is merino wool itchy?
No. Extra fine merino won't itch like traditional wool. Its fine, flexible fibres bend softly against your skin instead of prickling, so you can wear it on its own, over a cami or layered over a linen shirt.
Merino wool vs regular wool
- Fibre: merino fibres are finer, so they feel softer and less prickly.
- Weight: fine merino can be knitted into light, thin layers that are still warm.
- Breathability: like all wool, merino breathes, so it's comfortable as the temperature changes through the day.
Merino wool vs cashmere
Cashmere comes from goats and feels exceptionally soft and lofty; merino comes from sheep and has a little more spring, which helps knits keep their shape. Many of our knits blend the two: our JUNE, EMMA and KAIDA knits are 70% extra fine merino wool and 30% cashmere, for merino's bounce with a touch of cashmere softness. Read more in our guide to what cashmere is.
Our extra fine merino knits
Our 100% extra fine merino pieces are designed for easy, everyday layering:
- TAYLOR merino cardi: 100% extra fine merino wool with natural corozo nut buttons, the perfect length to layer over dresses, pants and skirts.
- INDIE merino cardigan: 100% extra fine merino wool in a flattering cropped length, finished with natural corozo buttons. Wear it buttoned as a top or open as a light layer.
Discover all our cardigans, jumpers and knitwear.
Can you wear merino wool in summer?
Fine merino is a lovely in-between layer. On a cool summer evening by the sea, a light merino cardi over a linen dress or linen skirt is just enough warmth, and because wool breathes, it stays comfortable as the air changes. On the hottest days, though, nothing beats linen or cotton voile.
How to wash merino wool
Always follow the care label on your knit, as merino care can differ from piece to piece:
- Our TAYLOR cardi can be machine washed on a very mild cycle at 30°C. Do not bleach or tumble dry, reshape while damp, then dry flat in the shade and cool iron on the reverse side. Wash dark colours separately.
- Our INDIE cardigan is hand wash cold, separately. Do not bleach, lay flat to dry, and cool iron if necessary, or dry clean.
- Our merino and cashmere blends (JUNE, EMMA, KAIDA) are hand wash cold, separately; don't wring or twist, and reshape and lay flat to dry.
A gentle wool wash keeps merino soft. Drying flat in the shade, rather than in hot, direct sun, protects both the shape and the colour of your knit.
Merino wool FAQs
What is extra fine merino wool?
Merino wool selected from the finer end of the wool scale, chosen for knitwear that feels soft against the skin.
Why does wool itch?
Coarser fibres are stiff, so their ends prickle against the skin. Finer fibres bend instead, which is why fine merino feels softer.
Is merino wool itchy?
No. Extra fine merino won't itch like traditional wool, because its fine fibres bend softly instead of prickling.
Is merino better than cashmere?
Neither is better. Cashmere is softer and loftier; merino is springier and more resilient. Blends bring both together.
Can I machine wash merino wool?
Some merino can be machine washed on a very mild wool cycle, like our TAYLOR cardi; others are hand wash only. Always check the label.
