Style up in all-season Australian Merino wool, say designers

Australian Merino wool can be used across seasons and places, especially by backpackers, adventurers and culture explorers for its lightweight, yet stylish appeal, according to Indian designers.

Designer Rahul Mishra, winner of the 2013-14 International Woolmark Prize, said: "A mere 17.5 microns makes Merino wool lightweight and easy to pack without a worry, and it makes it the traveller's choice of fabric."

Mishra also said the material, from the house of The Woolmark Company, does not crush easily even after getting stretched by body movements as its natural elasticity allows it to return to its original shape.

"The garment's shape and quality does not suffer by rough and tough use, meaning the item retains its look and feel for longer. It also serves great purpose in perennially damp countries where the fabric absorbs large quantities of moisture, keeping the skin fresher and drier for a longer period," he added in a statement.

Adding what makes Merino wool garments an easy option, Gaurav Jai Gupta, International Woolmark Prize nominee, said: "Most fibers have a tendency to permeate odour and stick to the skin, but with Merino wool garments travellers can leave home this stress and travel with ease and comfort. The material breathes, making it ideal for active wear."

The best trait of the fabric is that it gets dyed beautifully and it fits well into the profile of 'multi-functional' dressing, says designer Nachiket Barve.

"Layering works best with the fabric, one can wear a Merino wool dress and team it up with a jacket for a formal look and choose to go causal without the jacket," Barve said.

Suket Dhir, the India, Middle East, and Pakistan regional round winner of the 2015-16 International Woolmark Prize, has vouched for the fabric's versatility and utility.

"It's so hot here that if Indians had a choice they would go out with minimal layer of clothing. The fabric maintains an enduring drape and shape the whole day, even under the warmest climates," he said.

The material can also take heavy embroidery easily and that makes it his favourite quality about the fabric.