Study proves that wool can enhance sports performance, Woolmark claims
A major four-year research programme led by North Carolina State University has found that 100% merino wool baselayer garments deliver thermal comfort and performance benefits to people who take part in what the study calls “stop-go sports”. Examples it gives of these activities include cycling, rock climbing, hiking and golf.
It said merino wool baselayers performed well because of the fibre’s high levels of dynamic breathability, its ability to manage heat and moisture when the body is working hard, and preserve warmth when activity slows or stops.
This means wearers can avoid the negative skin sensation known as after-chill, a common experienced in outdoor sports. With the human body continuously working to maintain skin temperature at 35 degrees Celsius throughout stop-go sports, the study concluded that “less work is needed” if the participant is wearing wool.
Researchers found that, while wool’s thermostatic properties and capacity to regulate temperature have been well known for years, existing steady-state test methods overlook “the intrinsic ability of naturally hygroscopic fibres to absorb moisture from the environment, despite its profound implications”.
Their conclusions include the findings that wool demonstrated 96% better moisture buffering (the ability to absorb and release water vapour) than polyester, 45% better than cotton and 26% better than viscose.
According to the Woolmark Company, the promotional organisation owned by 24,000 Australian woolgrowers, this finding positions merino wool as “the natural performance fibre”, with the claim “no longer anchored by anecdotes, but by thorough science”.
Managing director, John Roberts, said wool’s structure is “designed by nature to enhance wearer performance”. He added: “Wool responds in real time to changing physiological needs. Wool breathes, buffers and performs better across a range of real-world conditions. It automatically keeps athletes close to their comfort zone, allowing 100% focus on the challenge.”
He insisted this is especially beneficial in high-output activities in which a baselayer is often the only top that participants wear.
The Woolmark Company said this new research has already sparked interest from sportswear brands that want to offer apparel that can enhance wearer performance.
