Merino Wool
The passion that Malo employs in the choice of materials and processes is rooted in its history, knowing wools and yarns, their peculiar characteristics to obtain the best finished product is part of an essential daily process for the company. Among Malo's favourite wools is Merino, a natural fibre that is much thinner, elastic, softer and shinier than ordinary wool, so soft and comfortable that it can be worn in direct contact with the skin. Renowned for its exceptional qualities, Merino wool is resistant, breathable and water-repellent by nature, qualities that combined with shine and comfort create the perfect recipe for one of the most appreciated and sought-after materials regardless of the seasons.
Origins
The Merino sheep are one of the oldest breeds in the world, of Spanish origin, the first flocks are documented from the twelfth century. By virtue of their superior quality wool, they have always been bred with great care, before the eighteenth century exporting Merino sheep outside the borders of the Spanish kingdom was considered a very serious crime punishable with capital punishment. Over the years Australians and New Zealanders also specialized in raising Merino flocks, today Australia alone produces about 80% of the very precious wool present in the world.
Features
Merino sheep are sturdy animals, their dense and extraordinarily soft mantle allows them to withstand the harsh temperatures of the coldest Australian and New Zealand highlands. The secret lies in the fibres, able to keep the warmth at a stable level neither too hot nor too cold. The diameter of the fibres is microscopic and varies from 11.5 microns to about 24 microns for the best ultra fine quality, the only one chosen by Malo. Merino wool has extraordinary breathability that guarantees absolute comfort in variable temperature conditions, it also offers high protection against UV rays, natural properties that make it an excellent candidate for garments of the best quality, suitable for a nomadic, modern wardrobe, where the Australian winter is the European summer. It is also a natural, renewable and biodegradable material. When a Merino wool fibre is disposed of, it naturally decomposes in the soil within a few years, slowly releasing nutrients to the earth. Every year the sheep produce a new fleece, making the wool a completely renewable and 100% natural fibre because only untreated wool from sheep living in the open lawns guarantees the best product.
Washing and care
Merino wool of the highest quality chosen by Malo is resistant and elastic by nature, easy to maintain by virtue of the structure of the fibres that compose it. Merino wool fibres have a protective outer layer that helps prevent the absorption of stains in a natural way, do not generate static electricity, therefore attract less dust. Merino wool requires no special care except a gentle wash at low temperatures. It is recommended to use a natural soap free of surfactants, always avoiding any softener whose chemical components could damage the natural fibres.