Merino wool
Close to nature, AYAQ has turned to natural materials such as virgin Merino wool for some of its garments.
You've certainly heard of it, but you may not be aware of the many technical and environmental benefits that make this natural fiber so valuable when you're looking for comfort, performance and respect for nature.
Merino yarn comes from the virgin wool of Merino sheep, which have the particularity of living in regions with extreme climatic variations. To cope with scorching heat in summer, heavy rainfall in the off-season and periods of drought as well as intense cold, their wool protection must be adaptable and therefore have widely versatile qualities.
And this adaptation to the harshest climatic conditions is made possible by a wool whose fibers are very fine: a merino wool fiber is about half the size of a "normal" wool fiber!
Several characteristics of merino wool make it an excellent material for certain technical garments to be worn next to the skin, as a first layer.
Non-scratch and extremely soft: The fineness of the fiber will influence its softness. From 25 microns upwards, wool can be scratchy and prickly. AYAQ uses 17.5 micron yarns, which are extremely soft to the touch and in contact with all parts of the body.
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Heat and insulation : The fiber's air-storing structure makes wool thermoregulatory and warm. This makes it particularly suitable for mountain efforts.
Moisture absorption : Thanks to its natural qualities, merino fiber can absorb up to 35% of its weight in moisture while remaining dry. À During exercise, less sweat remains on the skin as the fiber absorbs this moisture and then wicks it away.
Odor control : Merino wool is naturally anti-bacterial. Bacteria from perspiration are what cause unpleasant odors. Thanks to the structure of merino wool fibers, and the lanolin (a natural substance) that naturally coats these fibers, bacteria can't cling on, and unpleasant odors are prevented.
Its odor-control features mean you can wear your garment for several days without unpleasant odors. This saves machine, energy and water. You can also go hiking for several days without being overloaded with a large number of spare outfits.
Certifications
The virgin merino wool used by AYAQ comes from respectful, sustainable farms.
It is certified non-mulesing, for the respect and well-being of animals. Mulesing is an unfortunately common and cruel procedure for animals, which involves cutting off a large slice of flesh around the tail.
The wool used by AYAQ is certified : B Corp and ZQ
Find out more about these labels on https://bcorporation.eu/ and https://www.discoverzq.com/
Taking good care of your merino wool garment
Wool is considered more delicate to wash and care for.
And yet, a well-cared-for merino wool garment can last a very long time, without being very complicated, by following a few simple instructions and tips.
You can find all our washing and care tips on our page Maintenance .
You can also discover our two products made from 100% merino wool fabric:
Technical underwear for the upper body MEFONNA Merino Long Sleeve and the multi-purpose choker LOBBIA MERINO Neck Warmer .
