wool?

THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE IS REPRINTED FROM SPORTING GOODS BUSINESS ONLINE MAGAZINE. DO NOT BELIEVE ONE WORD. I WILL EXPLAIN.

Study proves that wool can enhance sports performance, Woolmark claims

04/06/2025

A major four-year research programme led by North Carolina State University has found that 100% merino wool baselayer garments deliver thermal comfort and performance benefits to people who take part in what the study calls “stop-go sports”. Examples it gives of these activities include cycling, rock climbing, hiking and golf.

Wool base layer garments regardless if they are standard wool or merino wool function exactly the same they keep you warm until they start absorbing your moisture [perspiration] and then you feel clammy and ultimately cold regardless of activity.

It said merino wool baselayers performed well because of the fibre’s high levels of dynamic breathability, its ability to manage heat and moisture when the body is working hard, and preserve warmth when activity slows or stops.

Fiber in and of itself does not breath, what “dynamic breathability” is, is a mystery. The fiber absorbs your heat and your moisture and does

not preserve your heat, but it does preserve your moisture by absorbing it.

This means wearers can avoid the negative skin sensation known as after-chill, a common experienced in outdoor sports. With the human body continuously working to maintain skin temperature at 35 degrees Celsius throughout stop-go sports, the study concluded that “less work is needed” if the participant is wearing wool.

There is no “after chill” there is experiencing the effect of chilling because the moisture absorbed by the fiber is absorbing your heat causing you to experience chilling. Yes, the human body does try to maintain a steady temperature of 98.6 degrees [35 Celsius], the study concluding “less work is needed” regardless of if the participant is wearing wool is an outlandish conclusion. My conclusion is I have no idea how they came to it.  

Researchers found that, while wool’s thermostatic properties and capacity to regulate temperature have been well known for years, existing steady-state test methods overlook “the intrinsic ability of naturally hygroscopic fibres to absorb moisture from the environment, despite its profound implications”.

Wools “thermostatic properties” do not regulate your temperature and to state it has been “well known for years” is untrue. Hygroscopic means to attract [absorb] moisture from the environment [air] would be remarkable except possibly in a very humid environment. What is interesting is their reference to “existing steady-state methods” which tells me all their work is or has been done in a laboratory.

Their conclusions include the findings that wool demonstrated 96% better moisture buffering (the ability to absorb and release water vapour) than polyester, 45% better than cotton and 26% better than viscose.

The process of absorbing and releasing the moisture must be done in a controlled environment [in a laboratory]. Their percentages quoted are simply erroneous.

According to the Woolmark Company, the promotional organisation owned by 24,000 Australian woolgrowers, this finding positions merino wool as “the natural performance fibre”, with the claim “no longer anchored by anecdotes, but by thorough science”.

It is in the best interest of the wool growers to stand behind the claim “natural performance fiber” but it still functions as it always has and science cannot change that.

Managing director, John Roberts, said wool’s structure is “designed by nature to enhance wearer performance”. He added: “Wool responds in real time to changing physiological needs. Wool breathes, buffers and performs better across a range of real-world conditions. It automatically keeps athletes close to their comfort zone, allowing 100% focus on the challenge.”

John Roberts is a spokesman for these 24000 wool growers and is only saying I believe what someone has written. Wool does not “enhance wearer performance.” How does wool respond in real time to changing physiological needs? Wool does not automatically keep athletes close to their comfort zone.

He insisted this is especially beneficial in high-output activities in which a baselayer is often the only top that participants wear.

He can insist on all he wants; wool is not the best first layer.

The Woolmark Company said this new research has already sparked interest from sportswear brands that want to offer apparel that can enhance wearer performance. 

 The sportswear brands will use any fabric if they get enough advertising dollars.

I will finish by saying the wool mark company can say what ever they want in the final analysis nylon fishnet base layer underwear has no peer.