The benefits of Smartwool
Unknown is unloved? Smartwool is, despite its strong features, not really known in Europe. That's why we want to highlight the qualities of this brand.
Smartwool uses Merinowol
Woolen socks may sound like the ones your grandparents wear all day. Nevertheless, Smartwool dare to put wool in the middle.
It all started in 1994, with their sock collection. Socks that could withstand the coldest temperatures. Smartwool only had a limited assortment. But in the meantime, the brand has expanded to a full clothing and sports collection. With merino wool as key factor, and key to success.
The wool Smartwool uses, comes from the Merino sheep, one of the world's oldest sheep breed. Their wool is known for its softness, and the capacity of the sheep to thrive in the most extreme climates.
To guarantee the quality of the clothes, Smartwool checks the wool every time. That's how they can promise the best quality.
Why wool?
It's possible you have doubts with the fact that Smartwool uses wool. Wool can prick or rub, and it's quite old-fashioned. But Merino wool disproves all prejudices and disadvantages.
We sum up the strengths of Merino wool.
Merino wool is soft
The wool in Smartwool clothes is absolutely not similar to the pricking, rubbing wool you know from your grandma's knitwear. The Merino sheep delivers ultra soft and fine wool, that feels nice on your skin.
Merino wool controls your body temperature
A warm feel in winter, a fresh feel in summer? That's what Merino wool guarantees. The wool controls your body temperature as well in winter as in summer.
In colder circumstances, the wool fibers catch air that creates a layer of isolation. On warmer days, the wool extracts moisture and sweat of your skin, so your body stays fresh and cool. The porous characteristics of the wool wicks the moisture away (compared to synthetic fabrics, that holds sweat).
You won't experience a clammy feeling. Even when the fibers are wet, they keep their isolating ability up to 60%. Synthetic fabrics wicks moisture away when it's fully soaked.
Merino wool avoids smell
And this is maybe the most unique feature, that nearly no other material has. Merino wool ensures that smells stay away, so that your clothes stay fresh, even after a few days of intense activities.
These smells, caused by bacteria, are directly absorbed by the Merino wool. That's why the unpleasant smells won't stack.
Merino wool is durable
Smartwool clothes are extremely durable. We thank the biological degradable and reusable fabrics for this. And also the production: Smartwool keeps in mind to create as less waste as possible, and to use much recycled fabrics.
Discarded clothes made out of 100% Merino wool will be decomposed fully natural and relatively fast. The wool can be reused, with the same qualities. That's how the CO2 emissions will be reduced.
No wolf in sheep's clothing
Animal-friendly circumstances for the sheep.
Smartwool only uses wool that has the ZQ-label. This quality label guarantees that the sheep are treated animal-friendly, that they can live free and naturally, and that their skin stay intact by removing the wool. The sheep will never be stressed.
Local organisations play an important role here. Smartwool appeal to them to be sure that the natural lifestyle is protected. The well-being of the sheep, the ecological aspect and the quality are just a few facets on which Smartwool leans.
#Teamrunnerslab experiences
"Smartwool keeps surprising me. No matter the temperature swings, I keep experiencing a comfortable warmth. The best example I can give, is my trip to the Dolomits. In the morning, at the foot of the mountain, it was around 20 degrees. I was only wearing a Smartwool baselayer. After a heavy hike with many altimeters, the temperature drops to 7 degree. That's a difference of 13 degrees, but with a jacket over my Smartwool baselayer, it wasn't that cold."
"The Smartwool gloves saved my hands many times. Especially during running. With other gloves, I experience a clammy and sweaty feel after a few kilometers, but the Smartwool gloves keep my hands fresh and warm at the same time."
"I can't describe how comfortable the socks of Smartwool are. When I wear them, my feet never suffer from cold. And also on warm summer days, I love to wear them. Even after hours of walking, my feet don't sweat in these socks. Plus, they are ultra soft and don't smell."
Smartwool at Runners' lab
Are you convinced of the benefits of Smartwool and its Merino wool? Discover the Smartwool collection in our Runners' lab webshop.