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The Woolmark Company, in partnership with ATP – the Portuguese Textile and Apparel Association, will host a workshop on October 1 at the association’s headquarters in Vila Nova de Famalicão, focusing on the potential of merino wool as an exceptional natural fiber for the fashion of the future.
The initiative, aimed at garment companies and production stakeholders, seeks to highlight why merino wool has established itself as the natural choice in a context where consumers increasingly value functionality, well-being, innovation, and sustainability.
The workshop program includes a presentation of Woolmark’s mission, a demonstration of the unique properties of merino wool in terms of performance, comfort, and sustainability, as well as its connection to design and fashion through international case studies. Participants will also have access to a technical and exploratory showcase, with dedicated networking opportunities.
“Merino wool today is much more than a natural raw material. It is a high-performance fiber, aligned with the innovation and sustainability demands of contemporary fashion,” emphasizes the organizers.
Among its distinguishing factors, merino wool is recognized as the most reusable and recyclable textile fiber, with a unique combination of properties that set it apart from synthetics: natural resistance to fire and extreme temperatures, anti-static capability, odor and stain resistance, elasticity, softness, wrinkle resistance, biodegradability, UV protection, as well as breathability and intelligent response to changes in body temperature.
The event will begin at 10:30 AM with a guest reception, followed by the workshop until 12:00 PM. Participation requires prior registration by September 24 via email: dolores.gouveia@wool.com.
Recent Studies Reinforce Merino Wool as a Performance Fiber
A recent study conducted by North Carolina State University further underscores the relevance of merino wool, particularly in the sports and outdoor segments. The research demonstrated that base-layer garments made from 100% merino wool provide superior technical comfort and performance benefits during intermittent exertion activities, such as cycling, climbing, hiking, or golf. The study, first reported by Textile World, introduced the concept of “dynamic breathability,” which describes merino wool’s ability to manage heat and moisture when the body is active while maintaining warmth during rest. This thermal balance, essential for comfort, contrasts with synthetic fibers, which lack the same adaptability.
The results also included direct comparisons with other fibers: merino wool showed 96% better moisture buffering than polyester, 45% better than cotton, and 26% more effective than viscose. This superior performance proves that wool is a high-performance natural fiber capable of responding in real-time to the body’s physiological needs.
The research was conducted through trials with volunteers in a climate-controlled chamber, observing how different materials performed during intermittent exertion. The results indicated that while all fibers performed similarly during activity, only merino wool maintained its performance both during exertion and rest, ensuring continuous comfort.
According to the article, this advantage lies in the dual structure of merino wool: a hydrophobic exterior and a hydrophilic interior, allowing it to absorb up to one-third of its weight in water vapor without feeling damp. Consequently, wool maintains a more stable microclimate during intermittent activities, helping the body better regulate itself under varying physical intensity.
This type of scientific evidence reinforces the importance of approaching fashion and apparel not only in terms of aesthetics but also performance aligned with the body. Beyond quick-drying or lightness, the future of innovation in textiles lies in smart fibers combined with intelligent design, capable of providing consumers with garments that respond to physiological needs in real-time.