The 29 best merino wool brands
J.CREW, Banana Republic and SmartWool lead our ranking of 29 merino wool brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Merino Wool brands, ranked
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1
J.CREW
Mid-price American knitwear, with rugged merino blends and cable-knit vests and crewnecks for men and women.
Top products: Rugged Merino Wool Blend Sweater· Cable Knit Wool V-Neck Button Vest
Website: jcrew.com |Brands like J.CREW
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
Banana Republic
Office-friendly merino crewnecks and button-front cardigans, including extra fine birdseye knits at a moderate price.
Top products: Extra Fine Merino Wool Birdseye Crewneck Sweater
Website: bananarepublic.eu |Brands like Banana Republic
Popularity 9.6/10
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3
SmartWool
Outdoor merino base layers, hiking socks and vests built for active use, with odor control and layering.
Top products: Hike Merino Wool Crew Socks· PhD Hyfi Merino Wool Vest
Website: smartwool.com |Brands like SmartWool
Popularity 7.7/10
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4
Eileen Fisher
Relaxed, minimalist women's merino knits in neutral colors, with scalloped hems and pleated cardigans.
Top products: Merino Wool Crewneck Pullover Sweater
Website: eileenfisher.com |Brands like Eileen Fisher
Popularity 7.5/10
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5
Talbots
Classic women's knitwear and workwear sold through its own stores, usually in a polished, conservative fit.
Website: talbots.com |Brands like Talbots
Popularity 7.1/10
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6
Brooks Brothers
Brooks Brothers provide ready-to-wear clothes with classic products such as seersucker, madras, the first button-down collar, the non-iron shirt, and excellent service, quality, style, and affordability. Their best-selling stretch Supima suit of cotton pique polo with a positive margin. It looks perfect when paired with a leather purse made from silky Italian calfskin leather and lined with bright leather; this bag is ideal for summer.
Website: brooksbrothers.com |Brands like Brooks Brothers
Popularity 7.0/10
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7
Icebreaker
New Zealand merino outdoor layers, from zip-up jackets to sweatshirts, valued for odor resistance and warmth.
Top products: Merino Wool Full Zip Hooded Jacket· Merino Wool Blend Sweatshirt
Website: icebreaker.com |Brands like Icebreaker
Popularity 5.8/10
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8
Madewell
Casual everyday knits in merino blends, with a relaxed, slightly boxy fit that suits denim-led outfits.
Top products: Merino Wool Blend Knit Pullover
Website: madewell.com |Brands like Madewell
Popularity 5.7/10
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9
Peter Millar
Upscale golf and resort knitwear that began with cashmere sweaters and now covers sportswear and accessories.
Website: petermillar.com |Brands like Peter Millar
Popularity 5.6/10
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10
Allbirds
Lightweight merino knit sneakers and casual shoes that suit everyday walking and relaxed wear.
Website: allbirds.com |Brands like Allbirds
Popularity 5.0/10
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11
Lululemon
Premium activewear with a small range of merino and alpaca knits, including crewneck pullovers for layering.
Top products: Alpaca Merino Wool-Blend Crewneck Pullover Sweater
Website: shop.lululemon.com |Brands like Lululemon
Popularity 4.8/10
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12
Athleta
Women's performance activewear, with merino-blend layers for training, travel and everyday wear.
Website: athleta.gap.com |Brands like Athleta
Popularity 4.8/10
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13
Aran Crafts
Irish knitwear in merino, with textured cable and plated cardigans that suit travel and layering.
Top products: Irish Merino Wool Yeats Plated Full Zip Cardigan Sweater· Irish Merino Wool Cable Knit Asymmetrical Cardigan Sweater
Website: arancrafts.com |Brands like Aran Crafts
Popularity 4.5/10
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14
Uniqlo
Low-cost merino-blend basics in colors that layer easily under jackets and for everyday wear.
Website: uniqlo.com |Brands like Uniqlo
Popularity 4.2/10
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15
L.L. Bean
Heritage Maine outdoor brand with durable, practical knitwear and base layers for camping and the field.
Website: llbean.com |Brands like L.L. Bean
Popularity 4.1/10
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16
Pendleton
You may discover a unique range of gifts and items, premium-quality home goods, fashion accessories, clothes, and jewelry in Pendleton. Additionally, you may get distinctive furnishings to go with your unique personality. Each product we provide has been carefully chosen...
Popularity 4.1/10
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17
Gap
The Gap, Inc. is a clothing retailer. Men's, women's, and children's clothing, accessories, and personal hygiene products are available from the company. Customers may purchase its goods online via Company-owned websites as well as through third-party logistics and fulfillment services....
Website: gap.com |Brands like Gap
Popularity 3.9/10
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18
Calvin Klein
Calvin Klein started his own company in 1968 when the fashion industry in New York was down in the dumps. At first, Klein manufactured simple clothing for suits and coats and slowly increased his line to include sportswear with interchangeable...
Website: calvinklein.us |Brands like Calvin Klein
Popularity 3.8/10
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19
Hart Schaffner Marx
Hart Schaffner Marx is one of the top American designer brands that creates sophisticated and elegant suits for men. The brand has its roots dating back to 1887 when two immigrant brothers, Harry and Max Hart, decided to open a...
Website: hartschaffnermarx.com |Brands like Hart Schaffner Marx
Popularity 3.5/10
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20
Minus33
Minus33's goal is to ensure that you remain warm and cozy even in the coldest winters. It is a unisex clothing brand that specializes in merino wool apparel. Minus33 believes in providing premium quality at a non-premium price, making warmth...
Website: minus33.com |Brands like Minus33
Popularity 3.4/10
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21
Express
Express builds fashion apparel, and its jewelry includes dog tag necklaces, silver chain styles, and infinity pendants. As an American fashion retailer, Express offers these pieces alongside its clothing. Silver circle and infinity pieces work well layered or worn alone...
Website: express.com |Brands like Express
Popularity 3.2/10
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22
Eddie Bauer
Eddie Bauer is the go-to store for great-end clothing to inspire, encourage, and empower everyone to enjoy the outdoors and live their journey. Prepare for every trip in life with their extensive selection of premium-quality apparel that will keep you...
Website: eddiebauer.com |Brands like Eddie Bauer
Popularity 3.1/10
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23
Ralph Lauren
Based in New York, Ralph Lauren sells men's and women's clothing built around classic American style. Its men's polo shirts, long sleeve shirts and women's collections carry the brand's pony logo. The men's and women's lines share a classic look,...
Website: ralphlauren.com |Brands like Ralph Lauren
Popularity 3.0/10
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24
Bombas
Helping others is always considered a kind gesture. At Bombas, with each item you buy, the same is donated to the people in need. They have a line of shirts, socks, and underwear for men, women, and kids. Each group...
Website: bombas.com |Brands like Bombas
Popularity 3.0/10
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25
Burberry
Trench coats and eyeglass frames are among the signature pieces from Burberry, the British luxury house. Women's coats, scarves and fragrances are also made by the label, which uses fabrics such as cashmere and leather in its clothing. Its check...
Website: us.burberry.com |Brands like Burberry
Popularity 3.0/10
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26
UNTUCKit
Casual men's shirts designed to be worn untucked. Regular and Slim fit button-downs, sweaters, tees, henleys and polos. Now offering Women's button-down shirts.
Website: untuckit.com |Brands like UNTUCKit
Popularity 2.9/10
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27
Vineyard Vines
Feel fantastic in your outfit! Vineyard Vines has a reputation for producing great quality items with vibrant colors and designs. They have accomplished so much that they have created numerous stores and outlets to meet the demands of their customers....
Website: vineyardvines.com |Brands like Vineyard Vines
Popularity 2.9/10
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28
Orvis
Orvis was founded in 1856, and since then, the company has been known for offering superior fly-fishing equipment. They also provide men's and women's sportswear for those who love adventures and appreciate the environment. Fine gifts, homeware accessories like decor,...
Website: orvis.com |Brands like Orvis
Popularity 2.8/10
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29
Tommy Bahama
Tommy Bahama is the premier luxury lifestyle brand inspired by island culture, with love for design and quality that you can only find in the Caribbean's laid-back lifestyle. TommyBahama.com sells apparel, swimwear, beach chairs, home decor, and other items. They've...
Website: tommybahama.com |Brands like Tommy Bahama
Popularity 2.8/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| J.CREW | jcrew.com | – | – | – | – |
| Banana Republic | bananarepublic.eu | /BananaRepublic | bananarepublic | @BananaRepublic | – |
| SmartWool | smartwool.com | /smartwool | smartwool | @smartwool | smartwool |
| Eileen Fisher | eileenfisher.com | /EILEENFISHERNY | eileenfisherny | @eileenfisherny | EileenFisherInc |
| Talbots | talbots.com | /TALBOTS | talbotsofficial | @TalbotsOfficial | – |
| Brooks Brothers | brooksbrothers.com | – | brooksbrothers | – | – |
| Icebreaker | icebreaker.com | /icebreakerUS | icebreakernz | – | icebreakernz |
| Madewell | madewell.com | – | – | – | – |
| Peter Millar | petermillar.com | – | – | – | – |
| Allbirds | allbirds.com | /weareallbirds | allbirds | @allbirds | – |
Merino Wool Buying Guide
Merino wool is a type of wool that comes from Merino sheep. It is known for being soft, warm, and breathable. Merino wool clothing is a popular choice among outdoor enthusiasts and is often used as a base layer for hiking, skiing, and other outdoor activities. But how do you know if you’re getting the best quality Merino wool? In this buying guide, we will go over everything you need to know before purchasing Merino wool clothing.
Understanding Merino Wool
Merino wool is unlike any other type of wool. It is made up of fine, soft fibers that are less prickly than other types of wool. The fibers are also much lighter and finer, making Merino wool clothing incredibly comfortable to wear. Merino wool is also known for being hypoallergenic, meaning it’s less likely to irritate the skin than other types of wool.
Merino wool is also unique in the way it regulates temperature. It is a natural insulator, which means it provides warmth when it’s cold outside but also breathes well, keeping you cool when it’s hot outside. Merino wool can absorb up to 30% of its weight in moisture without feeling damp, which makes it an excellent choice for outdoor activities.
Merino Wool Grades
When shopping for Merino wool clothing, you may notice that there are different grades of Merino wool available. The grade of Merino wool refers to the thickness of the fibers used in the clothing. The higher the grade, the finer the fibers, and the softer the wool. The three most common grades of Merino wool are:
- 18.5 Micron: This is the finest grade of Merino wool available. Clothing made from 18.5-micron Merino wool is incredibly soft and lightweight. This grade of Merino wool is typically used in high-end clothing items.
- 19.5-20 Micron: This grade of Merino wool is still very soft and comfortable but is slightly thicker than 18.5-micron wool. Clothing made from this grade of wool is durable and long-lasting.
- 21-24 Micron: This is the thickest grade of Merino wool available. While still soft and comfortable, clothing made from this grade of wool is less expensive and less luxurious than clothing made from 18.5 or 19.5-micron wool.
Breathability
One of the most important features of Merino wool clothing is breathability. When you’re engaging in outdoor activities, it’s important to stay dry and comfortable. Merino wool fibers are naturally breathable, which means they allow air to circulate, keeping you cool and dry. When shopping for Merino wool clothing, look for items that have a high level of breathability. Clothing with a higher breathability rating will keep you more comfortable during outdoor activities.
Moisture Wicking
Another important feature of Merino wool clothing is moisture-wicking. When you’re engaging in outdoor activities, you’re likely to sweat. Clothing that wicks moisture away from the body will keep you more comfortable during physical activity. Merino wool is naturally moisture-wicking, which means it pulls moisture away from the body and allows it to evaporate quickly. When shopping for Merino wool clothing, look for items that have a high level of moisture-wicking properties.
Durability
Durability is also an important factor to consider when shopping for Merino wool clothing. While Merino wool is known for being soft and comfortable, it’s also incredibly durable. Clothing made from high-quality Merino wool should last for years, even with repeated use. When shopping for Merino wool clothing, look for items that are well-constructed and made from high-quality materials. High-quality Merino wool clothing may cost more upfront, but it will likely last longer and provide more value in the long run.
Odor Control
Odor control is another important feature of Merino wool clothing. When you’re engaging in outdoor activities, you’re likely to sweat and to be exposed to a variety of odors. Clothing made from Merino wool naturally resists odors, which means you can wear it multiple times without worrying about it smelling. When shopping for Merino wool clothing, look for items that have a high level of odor control.
Fit and Comfort
When shopping for Merino wool clothing, it’s important to consider fit and comfort. Clothing that doesn’t fit well or isn’t comfortable to wear will likely not be worn often. Merino wool clothing should be soft and comfortable against the skin. When trying on Merino wool clothing, pay attention to how it feels against your skin. Clothing that is itchy or uncomfortable may indicate that it’s made from lower quality wool.
It’s also important to consider the fit of the clothing. Merino wool clothing should fit well and not be too tight or too loose. Clothing that is too tight may restrict movement, while clothing that is too loose may not provide adequate insulation or breathability. When trying on Merino wool clothing, pay attention to how it fits and moves with your body.
Caring for Merino Wool Clothing
Merino wool clothing is easy to care for, but it’s important to follow the care instructions on the label. Most Merino wool clothing can be machine washed in cold water and tumble dried on low or air-dried. However, some items may need to be washed by hand or dry cleaned. It’s important to follow the care instructions to prevent shrinkage or damage to the clothing.
Conclusion
Merino wool clothing is a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts. It’s soft, comfortable, and naturally regulates temperature. When shopping for Merino wool clothing, it’s important to consider features like breathability, moisture-wicking, durability, odor control, fit, and comfort. By purchasing high-quality Merino wool clothing and caring for it properly, you can enjoy the benefits of this amazing material for years to come.
