When it comes to high-quality outdoor clothing, merino wool is a popular and widely used raw material. Many manufacturers rely on merino because the natural fiber offers numerous advantages. But not every merino product is the same. The difference between 86% merino and 100% merino is not as obvious as you might think. In this article, we explain what distinguishes the two variants and when each version is the better choice.

What is merino wool?

Merino wool comes from Merino sheep, a special breed mainly found in Australia and New Zealand. The fiber of these sheep has a number of properties that make it so popular for outdoor clothing:

• Temperature regulating: Merino wool can absorb moisture without feeling clammy or wet. At the same time, it insulates well and keeps the body warm in cold conditions.
• Odor-resistant: Merino fibers are naturally antibacterial, which prevents unpleasant odors. The material therefore needs to be washed less often.
• Elastic and shape-retaining: Merino wool is very stretchy and adapts to the shape of your body. At the same time, it keeps its shape and fit even after frequent wear and washing.
• Skin-friendly: The fine merino fibres are particularly soft and pleasant on the skin. Unlike conventional wool, they do not cause itching.

86% vs. 100% merino – Which Alpin Loacker shirt is better?

When buying a high-quality merino shirt from Alpin Loacker, the question often arises: Should it be a shirt with 86% merino wool or a 100% merino shirt? Both variants have their advantages and disadvantages – we’ll show you where the differences lie and which model is better suited to your requirements.

Material composition – what’s inside?

• 86% Merino wool, 12% polyamide, 2% spandex: In addition to Merino wool, these shirts contain polyamide for extra durability and spandex for greater elasticity. This makes them particularly long-lasting, dimensionally stable and quicker-drying.
• 100% merino: These shirts are made exclusively from the finest merino wool and offer the ultimate natural feel. They are particularly soft on the skin and score with maximum breathability and odor control.

Which shirt is right for you?

• For sports activities, durability & flexibility → 86% merino shirt
• For maximum natural comfort & best odor control → 100% merino shirt

Both variants offer the proven benefits of Merino wool, including odor-neutralizing properties, moisture regulation and temperature balance. Ultimately, it comes down to whether you value robustness and elasticity more, or prefer a pure natural feel.

👉 Discover Alpin Loacker merino shirts now and find the perfect model for your next adventure! 🚀

Conclusion: Merino wool in perfection or as a compromise

Whether 86% Merino or 100% Merino – Merino wool is in any case a high-quality and functional raw material for outdoor clothing. The difference lies in the proportion of natural fibre and the resulting properties.

86% Merino products offer a good compromise between functionality and price. 100% Merino items, on the other hand, deliver the full performance of the natural fibre and are therefore the better choice for demanding outdoor activities and sensitive skin.

Ultimately, you have to decide for yourself which option best suits your needs. Whichever you choose – with merino wool you’re always making the right choice.