MERINO WOOL PROPERTIES 

 

• Thermoregulation

 Wool textile materials create a microclimate on the body that prevents the rapid penetration of the external climate to the skin. Wool maintains the natural body temperature for longer, delaying cold or overheating compared to other materials. This means that wool warms in the cold winter and cools in the hot summer.  

• Softness 

Merino wool is very soft and comfortable against the skin. 

• Sweat wicking 

The surface of the fibre is hydrophobic and wicks away sweat. It either evaporates or, if its vapours are trapped (for example by other outer clothing), they are drawn into the fibre, which is in turn hydrophilic. Wool fibre has the ability to absorb moisture up to 1/3 of its weight. But thanks to its hydrophobic surface, even a fully "soaked" fibre remains dry without losing its thermoregulatory capacity. This means it still keeps you warm. 

• Breathability 

Wool textiles are breathable even in a dense structure, even when the fibres are 'saturated' with moisture. This property also allows the moisture in the fibres to evaporate quickly. The breathability is due to the irregular surface structure of the wool fibre, which is made up of microscopic scales, and its natural curl. 

• Antibacterial ability 

Wool binds many harmful substances, including many viruses and bacteria, and reduces their decomposition or multiplication. A very important manifestation of this ability of wool fibre is the fact that wool clothing does not smell even after several uses. Alternatively, it is enough to hang the woollen garment in the air, which gets rid of any odours. The antibacterial effects are also aided by lanolin, which is naturally contained in the structure of the fibre.

• UV protection 

Wool effectively protects against UV radiation. The minimum protection factor is 25 UPF. 

• Elasticity 

Wool knits are naturally elastic, so no synthetic elastomers are needed in the knit. The wool fibre can be stretched by up to 30% and then spontaneously returns to its original form. 

• Water repellent 

Wool repels water to a certain extent. Thanks to the lanolin content, drops run down the fibres. Compared to a regular t-shirt, it will take longer to get wet.

• Fire retardant 

Wool burns only at very high temperatures and slowly degrades, therefore protecting the skin from burns.

 

 

 

 MATERIAL PROPERTIES FOR THE SEA COLLECTION

 

For this collection we use material that has a unique CZECH membrane from SVITAP s.r.o. 

• Strength x elasticity 

The material is 100% polyester with a weight of 197 g/m². It stands out for its strength, clothing made of this material holds its shape perfectly, but at the same time is pliable and does not restrict normal movement. 

• Hydrophilic, non-porous NANOMEMBRANE membrane

The non-porous or hydrophilic membrane is made of highly flexible PU. In addition, compared to other non-porous membranes, it has a low surface weight, and thanks to this, a high vapour permeability has been achieved, which is considered by SVITAP s.r.o. to be the most important comfort property. In addition, this membrane is characterised by its long service life and high resistance to degradation after washing.

• Water column 

The water column value indicates how much water a particular fabric can withstand until it starts to leak.

A water column of 18,000 mm is designed for very heavy rain and more challenging conditions. 

• Vapour permeability  

Is a value that determines the permeability of body vapour through a given garment. If the garment was not sufficiently vapour permeable, body vapour would not pass through it smoothly but would accumulate underneath. As a result, your underwear would be damp, cold and you would be at risk of catching a cold.

The vapour permeability of our material is RET 6 Pa.m².W-1, which is approximately 20,000 g of liquid per square metre in 24 hours. This value is very good and is used for very active sports.

• Wind resistance 

Wind significantly reduces the sensible temperature. Therefore it is very important, especially for us sailors, to have clothing with high wind resistance. We use materials with a membrane that has 100% wind resistance.

• DWR treatment 

This is a special coating that makes the material water repellent. This means than water droplets do not soak into the fabric, but stay on the surface and run down. As a result, the clothes are not wet, cold and heavy.

However, this treatment is not forever, with use and washing its effect slowly fades. It is therefore a good idea to impregnate the garments to maintain this function.