Merino Retract is a process by which the yarn and fabric is treated in such a way so the finished product achieves the casual boiled wool look whilst its durability and resilience does not decrease.
Machine washable
Merino Retract is easy to care for and machine washable.
Durability
Merino Retract knitwear is durable, making it ideal for everyday casual wear.
Odour resistant
In contrast to synthetics, wool fabrics are naturally odour resistant.
How it works
Merino Retract
Boiled wool is popular for urban wear because it gives a casual look to garments and an alternative texture. Boiled wool can, however, suffer from pilling, stiffness, and be limited to hand wash or dry-clean-only care claims. With Merino Retract, the same boiled wool look is achieved but the fabric has the resilience and anti-pilling performance of normal wool.
To achieve Merino Retract, Merino wool yarns are combined with high-power elastane yarns before or during knitting, so that in wet-finishing the elastane retracts and the fabric structure contracts. The fabric is knitted 15% to 20% looser than normal so the retracted garment does not end up too dense after finishing. Several trials are normally needed to determine the optimum fabric set and finishing routine especially if close fitting garments are being made.
Contact the Woolmark Technical Team for more information.