FAQs

Which materials are used in yes merino products?

yes merino specialises in high-quality clothing and accessories made from soft, lightweight merino wool. This material is known for its excellent temperature regulation, moisture-wicking properties, and softness against the skin. It is odour-resistant, fire retardant and the lighter styles dry quickly. It's from a renewable resource and it biodegrades. It has been called a wonder fibre and we agree.

Almost all of our products are 100% merino wool, and all the wool is from non-mulesing farms in New Zealand and Australia, but a couple do have other fibres to enhance their performance, as stated in the product descriptions.

Are you mulesing-free?

Yes, we only stock mulesing-free merino wool products. Mulesing is a cruel disease management practice for sheep that has been illegal in New Zealand since 2018. We encourage all countries to ban mulesing and ensure we only stock mulesing-free brands. Julia grew up with pet lambs, orphans from the farm down the road. They all had names including Wowser, Kenny Rogers and Poppy. Animal welfare is not a box ticking exercise for yes merino, it's all that we know, and we will only work with brands we know feel the same.

Why don't you source merino wool from the UK?

There are very few merino sheep flocks in the UK. Their hooves can get diseased in the damp environment. Merino sheep thrive in the dry, high country like the South Island of New Zealand and similar environments. Their home there is some of the most incredible landscape ever - it is deeply remote, peaceful and simply stunning.

How should I care for my merino wool garments?

Good news - don't wash it unless you need to! The best thing you can do to take care of merino wool is to air it out after wear, only washing it when you need to. Small marks can be wiped off with water and laundry soap (or a baby wipe!) 

When it is time to wash, always read the label first. Most of our products are machine-washable, just use the wool cycle. Delicate and wool cycles have pre-set lower temperatures and a lower spin speed that don't damage the fibres as much. To really look after them use wool detergent, the wool cycle or hand wash and air dry flat in the shade.

Avoid using bleach and fabric softeners - most natural fibres don't respond well to these. 

Lay the garments flat or if they're smaller hang them over a rail or line to air dry. Don't use the tumble dryer. This will help preserve the natural fibres and extend the life of the clothing. The heat and agitation of the tumble dryer can damage the fibres and shrink the fabric. But don't fret, merino dries significantly more quickly than cotton and viscose.

See our How to Wash Merino Wool page for more detail and guidance.

Is merino wool itchy?

No, it has a much finer fibre than wool from other breeds of sheep so it is soft and comfortable. This is often really surprising for people who haven't experienced merino wool before. The itchiness sensation is from thicker fibres not bending, prickling your skin. Finer merino wool fibres bend more easily so you don't get the itchy sensation.

If you are finding merino feels itchy, the fibres might be thicker (not superfine merino like our brands are) or the fibres might be damaged. They can get damaged over time. Try freshening the item up, following the washing instructions and using wool detergent, to soften the fabric. Or try another superfine merino piece - please don't give up on merino from one experience!

Can I be allergic to wool?

Probably not to the wool fibre itself. What many people describe as a “wool allergy” is actually irritation caused by coarser wool fibres. Thicker fibres are stiffer, so instead of bending easily against the skin they can press into it, creating that familiar prickly, itchy feeling. This can then irritate the skin and leave redness but it's not an allergic reaction.

True allergic reactions can occur to things associated with wool products such as lanolin, dyes or textile finishes, but current evidence does not suggest that wool fibre itself is a skin allergen.

The merino wool used by our brands is superfine, typically around 17.5–18 microns, making it beautifully soft against delicate skin.

Are yes merino products suitable for sensitive skin?

Yes, merino wool is often recommended for individuals with sensitive skin due to its fine fibres. The natural properties of merino wool also help to regulate body temperature, ensuring comfort throughout the day.

Can I return or exchange my purchase?

Yes, if you are not satisfied with your purchase, it hasn't been worn and is in the same condition you received it, you may return or exchange the item within three weeks of purchase. Please email julia@yes-merino.com to initiate a return or exchange.