For everyday wear, most people get three to five days out of a Merino shirt before it needs a wash, and often longer if it's aired between wears. After a hard workout or a very hot, humid day, wash it sooner. Merino resists odour because its fibre absorbs moisture vapour and binds odour molecules, but it isn't odourless, and stains still need washing.
By Jock Merriman. Fifth-generation Merino woolgrower from Boorowa, New South Wales, and founder of Sir W. Merino. Australian Merino since 1880.
Why can I answer this?
My family has grown Merino for five generations. I've worn the fibre on farms, on rugby fields and across the Austin summer, and I pack every Sir W. Merino order myself. I'd rather give you a number I'll stand behind than a headline one.
Why does Merino last longer between washes than other fabrics?
The fibre takes up moisture vapour from your skin before it turns to liquid sweat, so there's less damp for bacteria to feed on. Wool also binds odour molecules inside the fibre. Polyester absorbs almost no water and tends to hold odour on its surface.
What does "three to five days" depend on?
Three things: how much you sweat, the climate, and whether the shirt gets to air out. A Merino shirt worn at a desk in an air-conditioned office will outlast the same shirt worn on a July afternoon in Texas. Hanging it up overnight resets it far better than leaving it in a heap.
When should I wash it straight away?
- After heavy exercise, where it's wet through.
- After any food or drink spill, or deodorant marks.
- If it smells to you. Trust your nose over any rule, including mine.
What's the honest limit?
Merino reduces odour, it doesn't remove it. Some people sweat more than others, and a shirt worn for a week of hard use will tell you so. One customer reported seven wears of a Merino training tee between washes, which is a good result, but it's one person's test rather than a guarantee.
How should I wash Merino when the time comes?
Cold, gentle cycle, mild detergent, and dry it flat or on a hanger. Keep it out of a hot dryer. That's what keeps it looking right for years.
For a shirt you can wear from a morning meeting to dinner and still not think about the laundry basket, The Bruce is where I'd start. Free US shipping and 30-day free returns.
— Jock Merriman, Founder · 5th generation
