Wool in the middle of summer, really?

The book "FACTFULNESS" is a bestseller, and it says that people live by their own assumptions. In the same way, don't you think that wool is a material used for winter clothes? In fact, however, there is a type of wool that is perfect for the intense heat of summer. Among wools, there is a material called "merino wool. The more we learn about this magical fabric, which overturns the standard image of wool as excessively warm and prickly against the skin, the more we realize that it is the perfect material for surviving this humid and hot summer in Japan.

Photo_Yohei Miyamoto
Illustration_Takashi Koshii
Text_Jun Kumayama
Edit_Shinri Kobayashi

3. Natural antibacterial and deodorizing effect.

One point of concern with clothing in midsummer is odor. No matter how excellent the water-absorbing and quick-drying properties of polyester may be, if it is prone to odor, it will be somewhat difficult to avoid wearing in midsummer.

The reason why sweaty T-shirts smell is that sweat, which is a mixture of fat and salt, is a breeding ground for bacteria. In this respect, compared to cotton, merino wool fibers are less prone to bacteria adhesion, so they are less likely to produce odor in the first place, and in extreme cases, can be worn for days without washing.

This means it is ideal for mountaineering, festivals, and long trips where casual laundering is not possible.