The Hole  Discovery

The thing that you never wanted to happen - has happened. There is a hole in your merino base layer. You just got it out to wear and discovered it. This may the first time you've dealt with this, or it maybe the 10th time - time to investigate!

 How did this happen? How can you fix it? How to prevent this from happening?

This post is part of an ongoing series investigating holes in your merino wool clothing. See our first blog post - Holes in Merino Clothing - The Laundry Investigation for the start of the investigation, and the most likely culprit. 

So - you've read through the Laundry Investigation, and Wear & Tear is a Thing but it is not quite it? - read on for an often overlooked factor - 

How Fit and Fabric Weight Affect Your Merino Wool

In our ongoing investigation into the mystery of holes in merino wool clothing, we're diving deeper into an often-overlooked factor: how the tension and fit of your garments can impact their durability. If you've been following our series, you know that wear and tear is a natural part of merino wool's lifecycle, but there's more to the story.

Fit is Also Important

 

When it comes to merino wool clothing, the way your garment fits plays a crucial role in its longevity. Think about those areas that experience the most movement throughout the day - your knees, elbows, and any place where the fabric stretches repeatedly. When a merino wool garment is too tight, creating what we call "taut tension," these areas become more vulnerable to hole formation.

Shown Above - constant pulling / tugging of lighter weight fabrics, can cause holes as well

 

The weight of the fabric, measured in GSM (grams per square meter), is another important factor to consider. Lighter weight merino wool, while perfect for warmer weather and layering, can be more susceptible to holes when worn too tight. This is particularly noticeable in areas of frequent movement. On the other hand, mid-weight merino pieces tend to be more resilient, even when the fit is snug, though they're not entirely immune to wear and tear.

Parents, this is especially relevant for your active little ones! Children's constant movement, outdoor play, and growth spurts make proper fitting crucial. We've observed that kids' merino clothing often experiences more stress in high-movement areas like knees and elbows during their outdoor adventures. Choosing the right size - with a bit of room to grow - can significantly extend the life of their merino garments.

The solution? When selecting your merino wool pieces, consider sizing up if you're between sizes, particularly for lighter weight items. This gives your garment the breathing room it needs during movement while still maintaining the amazing benefits of merino wool - temperature regulation, moisture-wicking, and natural odor resistance.

What Can You Do?

• Check the fit: Base layers should be close to skin, but not too tight. 
• Consider the activity: More active use might warrant sizing up
• Pay attention to GSM: Lighter weights need more careful sizing consideration

Understanding these factors helps you make informed decisions about your merino wool wardrobe. Visit us in-store or online to explore our range of merino wool clothing in various weights and sizes. I'm always here to help you find the perfect fit for your lifestyle.

Want to learn more about caring for your merino wool? Check out our previous post in this series about general wear and tear in merino clothing.