Luxuriously Grown
Merino wool doesn’t start in a factory. It begins in nature—on the backs of one of the most remarkable animals in the world. For centuries, Merino sheep have grazed the rugged hills, valleys, and plains of Australia, quietly producing a fiber so fine it changed the clothing industry forever.
At Sir W., we trace our roots back to the Merriman family farm in Boorowa, New South Wales, where Sir Walter Merriman established one of the world’s leading Merino studs. That connection to heritage and authenticity informs everything we make.
But before a Merino tee, polo, or sweater ends up in your wardrobe, the wool itself goes on a long journey—one that begins with careful breeding, natural growth, and sustainable stewardship of the land.
This is the story of how Merino wool is grown.
The Environment: Nature Shapes the Fiber
Merino sheep thrive in environments that would test most animals. From the dry, windswept plains of inland New South Wales to the chilly alpine slopes of Tasmania, Merino flocks endure sweltering summers and freezing winters.
The secret to their resilience is the fleece itself. Merino wool evolved to regulate temperature—keeping sheep warm in the cold and cool in the heat. This natural adaptation is exactly why Merino garments perform so well for people, too. When you slip on a Merino tee or sweater, you’re wearing the same technology nature perfected for survival.
Farmers play a critical role in this stage. Healthy land produces healthy sheep, and healthy sheep grow better wool. That’s why Merino producers carefully manage pasture rotation, soil health, and
Growth: How the Fiber Forms
Wool fibers grow from follicles in the sheep’s skin, much like human hair. Each follicle produces a strand of wool, and over time, these strands grow into a dense fleece.
The growth is continuous. Unlike some animals that shed seasonally, Merino sheep never stop producing wool. That means they need to be shorn at least once a year for their own wellbeing. Without shearing, the fleece would become overgrown, heavy, and unhealthy for the sheep.
The remarkable part? The sheep themselves turn nothing more than grass, water, and fresh air into the world’s finest natural textile.
Australian Merino Pioneer
Sir Walter Merriman was a pioneering Australian sheep breeder and the founding father of the superfine Merino wool industry. In the early 1900s, he established Merryville Station near Yass, New South Wales, where he dedicated his life to breeding Merino sheep with exceptionally fine, white, and soft fleece.
His careful selection and breeding practices helped define the global standard for quality Merino wool—one that still influences the industry today. Sir Walter’s legacy lives on in every garment made from true superfine Merino.
