Does Merino Wool Shrink? Explained

Knowing what merino wool is can help you understand if and why it shrinks when washed. Merino wool is the wool from the merino sheep. It's an ideal material for socks, underwear, and athletic wear because it regulates temperature and is incredibly breathable. That means more comfort and less sweat. It keeps athletes cool even when they're hiking, playing sports, or simply traveling in warm climates.

Yes, merino wool can shrink when you don't wash it correctly. It can also be very challenging to get back to its original shape. On the brighter side, there are several ways to correctly wash merino wool so it doesn't shrink, even when using a washing machine.

Caring for your merino wool items the right way will help them hold their shape and prolong their life so you get more bang for your buck. Most companies that make clothing from merino wool offer care instructions on the tag. Because we live in 2023, these care instructions only inform you of how to wash your Merino wool items in the washing machine without shrinking them.

Here's a step-by-step process for washing your merino wool in the machine without worrying about shrinkage:

1. Set your washing machine to the "gentle" or "delicate" cycle.
2. Only wash merino wool in lukewarm or cool water. Hot water causes shrinkage that is extremely difficult to repair due to damaged fibers.
3. Use the mildest detergent available.
4. Do not use any harsh chemicals or bleach, as these can also damage the fibers.
5. Let the washing machine do its thing, then lay your merino wool items in a shady, dry area. Never put merino wool items in the dryer.
6. Do not wring merino wool items to dry them.

The best way to get the most wear out of your merino wool clothing and retain its comfortable size and shape is to wash it by hand. We understand this may be too time-consuming for a lot of athletes, but it's the most recommended method. Handwashing is the best way to guarantee your merino wool doesn't shrink.

1. Soak the merino wool items in cool or lukewarm water for 15 minutes.
2. Lightly scrub them by hand using your mildest laundry detergent. 
3. Don't use any harsh chemicals, sprays, or bleach to remove pesky stains.
4. Lightly and carefully rinse out the detergent.
5. Gently squeeze extra water out of the wool clothing. Never wring them out.
6. Lay your wool on a flat surface in a cool, shady area to dry.

Don't get too tempted to put your merino wool clothing in the dryer. Even the dryer settings with hardly any heat can be too hot for merino wool, making the clothes shrink. Instead, you should lay them flat on a clean surface away from the sun to dry. Unfortunately, even the warmth of sunlight can cause shrinkage.

Clotheslines are also not ideal places to dry merino wool. They can cause the fibers to deform and shrink, misshaping your favorite athletic wear. 

There's a chance you'll accidentally toss your merino wool clothing in the washing machine on the wrong setting or in the dryer at some point. Don't panic! Simply place your merino wool socks or other clothing in lukewarm or cool water for 30 minutes. Then, lay them on a clean, flat surface and carefully stretch them back to their original shape.