WWhether you know it or not, your wardrobe needs more merino wool clothes.
Why?
Because merino is basically the magical fiber of nature.
It comes from a particular breed of sheep (merino sheep, go figure!), and is thinner and softer than regular wool, which means it doesn’t feel heavy or itchy on the skin.
Plus it’s naturally odor-resistant and has moisture-wicking properties, and does an even better job than synthetic fabrics when it comes to regulating your body temperature.
This is also why it’s one of the best travel fabrics for active folks.
When you add it all up, this versatile material is more sustainable, higher-performing, and way more stylish than other fabrics and fibers — which is exactly why more and more people are making the switch to merino both in their athleisure and everyday clothes.
So now that you know why you need to start wearing merino wool, let’s take a look at the best places to shop for merino wool clothing and accessories.
We’ve rounded up more than two dozen of the top brands for fashionable and functional merino wool apparel, because you need options!
Each brand is a little bit different in terms of aesthetic and functionality (which is a good thing since we all have our personal preferences when it comes to our look).
The (Absolute) Best Merino Wool Brands
For Comfy, Soft, Breathable & Stylish Clothes
Smartwool
The name pretty much says it all — Smartwool is one of the smartest choices when it comes to merino wool clothing.
While you can find everything from base layers to coats, beanies, and even blankets, they’re best known and most loved for having the best merino wool socks.
(I, for one, am always sporting a pair of stylish smartwool socks, whether I’m lounging about the house, out with friends, or hiking in the woods!).
Smartwool merino socks come in all sorts of different weights, styles, and fun, colorful patterns, but if you’re not sure where to start, check out their personalized sock finder quiz!
Western Rise
Your lifestyle should never be limited by your wardrobe, which is why this brand decided to design a line of simple and stylish performance clothes that can handle any and all adventures you encounter throughout the day.
While some of their clothes are made from synthetic fibers, Western Rise also carries an entire line of merino wool garments, including premium merino wool t-shirts designed to resist odor for three to five days of continual wear.
All that means you’ll spend less time doing laundry and more time living your best, most stylish life.
Check out our in-depth Western Rise review to find out how their merino wool shirt (and stretchy pants) holds up in the real world.
Allbirds
You might already be familiar with this popular New Zealand based shoe company, but the hype is for good reason.
Not only are their wool runner sneakers comfy and chic, but they’re also soft, naturally thermoregulating, and sustainably made from a specifically-engineered wool fabric.
Basically, it’s all the benefits of merino wool, only in an everyday wear shoe: soft feel, quick drying, odor resistant, and with a classic style to boot!
Icebreaker
When it comes to merino apparel, this brand offers one of the largest selections in the wool industry, offering everything from underwear and socks to hoodies, chino pants, and beyond.
In addition to clothes made from 100% merino wool or 100% natural fibers, they also feature four other fabric blend technologies, each of which combines merino wool fibers with synthetic materials for a more specialized performance.
They believe in longevity, which is why they design all their products with a simple and timeless aesthetic in a way that’s sustainable.
Woolrich
You’ll find more than just merino clothes at Woolrich.
But you’ll be hard pressed to find options classier than these, and that goes for their wool sweaters and flannels as much as their down jackets.
Along with the elevated level of style comes a higher price point, but considering these are sophisticated, well-made pieces that will last for years, it’s easily worth the investment.
WoolX
Founded by an adventure-loving father daughter duo, this outdoor clothing brand began with a mission to create the world’s best 100% merino wool fabric.
They’ve got some of the best merino wool shirts across a variety of different styles, including a classic v-neck, long-sleeve shirt, and even a polished polo.
You’ll also find cozy jackets and vests, socks, hats, and more.
Unbound Merino
If you’re looking for more business casual merino wool apparel, then this is the brand to check out.
Whether you’re in need of a crisp button-down shirt, comfy-chic tencel pants, or a sleek Italian-made blazer, Unbound Merino has you covered.
(Although it’s also worth noting that their more casual offerings, like the Unbound merino t-shirt, are also highly reviewed and quite well loved.)
You just might feel unstoppable in clothes this stylish, and confidence like that justifies any additional cost to your wallet, right?
Point6
Point6 carries a relatively limited merino wool line, but they have some of the best merino wool base layers for both men and women.
As with anything merino wool, their long underwear boast impressive odor resistance and moisture wicking properties, which is exactly what makes them such a good base layer.
Darn Tough Vermont
On par with SmartWool, Darn Tough Vermont is another great option when it comes to wool socks, both for lifestyle and sport.
Unlike regular wool socks, these are made from superfine merino wool, which solves any and all problems of bulk and itchiness.
In recent years, they’ve committed to supporting the Responsible Wool Standard and only source wool from merino sheep that haven’t been exposed to mulesing.
Check Out Darn Tough Vermont ➤
Ridge Merino
Ridge Merino mainly focuses on making merino clothes that can handle the cold weather, particularly for the skiers and winter sport enthusiasts out there who need to keep their body temperature up.
In addition to cozy base layers and merino wool underwear, they also offer face masks and neck/head gaiters because it’s hard to enjoy being outside when you can’t feel your nose or your face!
Taylor Stitch Civic Collection
While this brand isn’t exclusively merino, it’s still a great choice when it comes to higher quality, upscale merino wool clothing.
Beyond just a simple merino wool t-shirt and merino socks (which they do carry), you’ll find luxe sweaters, scarves, and jackets, which look equally as impressive as they feel.
Check Out Taylor Stitch Civic Collection ➤
Outlier
As the name implies, Outlier isn’t necessarily geared towards the traditional outdoorsy merino wool audience.
Instead, their clothes are designed with city living in mind, blending together the functionality of merino fibers with synthetic materials and natural materials into trendy, fashion-forward pieces.
Ibex
Ibex has you covered from your next-to-skin layer to your very outer layer in their high performance merino wool blends.
In their own words, it’s backcountry performance with front country style — talk about a winning combination!
Perhaps most impressive is their ultra lightweight, packable puffy jacket featuring merino insulation (instead of down or synthetic fill) and a wind- and water-resistant outer fabric.
Minus33
Located in New Hampshire, nestled between the White Mountains and Lakes Region, Minus33 provides functional and fashionable merino wool clothing for any and all outdoor adventures, whether it’s snowmobiling, fishing, camping, tactile missions, or something else.
Minus33 has you covered with merino wool layers (even gloves!) that are suitable for cold or hot weather, or even those somewhat in-between temperatures.
After all, it’s truly one of the best fabrics for temperature regulation (so it’s no wonder these New Hampshirites swear by it).
Finisterre
Designed to meet the needs of the hardy British surfing community, Finisterre began in 2003 selling their innovative wool fleece, but have since expanded to offer a wide selection of stylish seaside essentials.
Not everything is made from merino wool, but it is all made sustainably with leave no trace packaging.
Their apparel and accessories are highly functional, but also have the rugged seafarer aesthetic to match.
Duckworth
At Duckworth, you won’t find anything super fancy, just simple, well-made everyday life basics, all made from only the finest merino wool.
The exception here might be their high-end fitted briefs, which they boast to be the world’s best underwear.
And considering they’re made from ultrasoft and breathable Montana-grown merino wool with natural antimicrobial properties (AKA you won’t feel sweaty, sticky, or stinky down there), I’m inclined to believe them.
Pendleton
Most of the brands on our list thus far mainly focus on wearable wool garments, but Pendleton specializes in something a bit different:
Wool blankets.
In addition to their stunning satin-lined merino wool heirloom blanket, they also feature cute and cozy wool blankets that can easily be cleaned in the washing machine (and don’t worry, they won’t pill).
However, you’ll still find a wide array of wool apparel with lots of stylish patterns and designs to choose from!
Woolly
It should come as no surprise that a brand named Woolly is all about wool (and even more specifically, merino wool).
Started by three Seattlites, this United States clothing company is committed to offering a natural alternative to your synthetic activewear, and that includes a comparable price tag.
You’ll find a wide selection of athletic styles here, including tank tops, golf polos, and joggers, as well as more everyday, casual-wear items like button-ups and hoodies.
Wool&
Wool& has some of the best merino wool clothing for women, including a plethora of cute (and comfy!) dresses.
Their stylish feminine apparel comes in a few different fabrics, all of which are merino wool blends and therefore super soft and cozy.
If you’re searching for merino shirts and dresses for your little ones, Wool&Kids has some great options, including a durable unisex merino-nylon tee.
Mons Royale
Just like a large number of brands on this list, Mons Royale believes in sustainability and performance when it comes to sourcing and producing their merino clothing.
While you’ll find all kinds of high-performance mountain apparel on their site, they specialize in bike clothing, the kind that can handle even the most arduous of pedals across mountainous terrain.
Thermowave
Thermowave hopes their ultimate outdoor apparel will inspire you to leave your comfort zone and brave the outdoors, no matter what the weather.
That’s why they design sustainable merino gear for just about every kind of activity out there: running and training, work, winter sports, bushcraft, cycling, and more.
Their clothes are built to last, which is why they offer a lifetime guarantee on all fleece jumpers and global shorts.
Wool & Prince
They call themselves the merino wool experts, and considering they’ve even found a way to weave merino wool with denim, it’s safe to say they’re not exaggerating.
It’s all about elevated everyday apparel at Wool & Prince, so you’ll find everything from basics like undershirts, tees, long sleeves, and polos to collared dress shirts and blazers.
You’ll definitely look and feel like a prince sporting these stylish clothes, especially since they offer both regular fit and tall fit options!
Woolpower
Manufactured from start to finish in Sweden, these merino wool garments might look simple and plain, but they’re built to endure extreme weather conditions.
They offer rugged base and mid layers, socks and accessories, and an entire protection series of heavy-duty clothes designed to withstand hazardous environments.
Although it’s significantly more expensive, everything in their protection line is certified according to special EN standards including flame retardant, antistatic, and arc protection.
Makers and Riders
If you love the style of your jeans and dress slacks, but hate how heavy and suffocating they feel, then allow me to introduce you to the wool jeans and trousers of Makers and Riders.
These pants look just as fashionable as their non-wool counterparts, except they’re actually lightweight, breathable, and flexible.
In other words, you’ll no longer have to completely change your outfit after cycling to the office.
Wolk
Best described as an urban performance brand, Wolk was born out of desire to create high quality garments that look sharp and can handle every aspect of your day in the city.
It’s no surprise they turned to merino wool given that it’s anti-wrinkle and anti-odor with a high degree of comfort and breathability.
Their apparel exudes class and sophistication and is equally luxurious to the touch, whether it’s a polished button-down, chic sweater, or simple tee.
Outerboro
While the majority of their apparel is not made from merino wool, they do offer a collection of sleek merino tops.
These tees, polos, and other layers have a simple and timeless look, meaning they can easily be dressed up or down.
If you want versatile wardrobe staples that are also high performance, Outerboro is a great place to shop.
Patagonia
Patagonia has been a beloved outdoor apparel brand for years now, known as much for their unique and high performance clothing as their commitment to eco-conscious production practices and climate activism.
In terms of merino wool, you’ll want to check out their capilene cool merino tops.
These ultra-breathable technical shirts work to control odor and regulate temperature in warm weather or colder temperatures, and you can feel even better knowing the wool is sourced in line with the Responsible Wool Standard and that they’re Fair Trade Certified sewn.
Ortovox
Ortovox is for serious alpine mountaineers, offering not just cold-weather apparel, but also skiing, climbing, and avalanche gear.
They know the value and importance of opting for merino wool over synthetic fabrics in harsh winter weather, which is why they offer all kinds of specialized merino wool products like hooded base layers, wool glove liners, and robust wind and waterproof merino mittens.
If you want to stay warm on those cold, snowy summits, the best way is to bundle up in some Ortovox wool warmth.
Dilling
Since 1916, this Danish family enterprise has been committed to producing and manufacturing pure organic underwear for anyone and everyone.
They offer merino wool undergarments for men, women, children, and babies, as well as base and mid layers.
Some items are extra luxe and feature a merino-silk or merino-alpaca blend.
The prices might seem a bit high, especially compared to your generic set of boxers, but that’s because you’re buying only the highest-grade, toxin and chemical free underwear directly from the manufacturer.
EcoAble Apparel
What really sets EcoAble Apparel apart from other merino brands, is that their base layers and tops feature not only merino wool, but also silk!
As a result, their clothes feel extra luxurious on the skin without sacrificing performance or adding bulk.
Just as a quick note for all the parents, the brand also happens to be one of the few eco-friendly cloth diapering companies out there!
Smittenmerino
This family business carries a wide selection of Australian-made merino clothes for both men and women.
In terms of look, their pieces give off a modern, effortless style while also maximizing comfort and performance.
Rab
Although this brand mostly focuses on high-end mountaineering gear like sleeping bags and backpacks, it’s worth noting that they do have a limited selection of merino wool products.
In addition to synthetic-merino blend boxers and base layers, they also offer cozy merino beanies and gloves.
Merino wool gloves can be somewhat difficult to find, but they make especially excellent liners since the fabric itself helps minimize moisture and sweat (which is what makes your hands extra cold in the winter).
Seagale
Seagale combines performance with elegance to craft versatile wardrobe pieces that can handle both your technical and fashion demands.
Their selection is massive, but it’s pretty easy to navigate their site menu and find their various merino wool styles.
They even offer a merino wool t shirt and v-neck made from thicker wool, which will keep you extra cozy during these upcoming fall and winter months.
More Men’s Style Advice from Irreverent Gent:
- The 29 Best Merino Wool Socks on the Market
- The Ultimate Guide to Men’s Fall Fashion
- The 8 Most Stylish Men’s Shirts Colors
- How to Wear a Shawl Collar Sweater
- Uniqlo Merino Wool Sweater Review
- 42 of the Coolest and Most Fun Toys for Men
- The 17 Most Stylish Types of Men’s Hats
- In-Depth Naadam Cashmere Review
- The Best Men’s Boots to Wear with Jeans
- The Best Wrinkle-Free & Non-Iron Dress Shirts
- The 19 Most Stylish Pieces of Men’s Winter Fashion
- The Most Stylish & Essential Sweater Styles for Men
Cierra Cowan
Cierra Cowan is a curious intellectual, especially when it comes to literature or the human brain (both of which she studied in undergrad). When she’s not writing, she can be found hiking, reading, or playing her instrument, the bassoon.
Banner image: Western Rise; illustration: Irreverent Gent