The softness of merino wool comes down to the fineness of its fibres. That fineness is measured in microns one thousandth of a millimetre. The lower the micron count, the finer and softer the fibre. Standard wool typically measures between 30 and 40 microns. By contrast, merino measures between 15 and 24 microns.

Coarser fibres are rigid enough to prick the skin rather than bend against it, causing an itchy sensation. Finer fibres, like merino, are soft enough to flex on contact, so they sit gently against the skin without irritation.

Within merino, there's even more variation. Our superfine merino sits between 17 and 18.5 microns. It's exceptionally soft and well suited to everyday wear. Our ultrafine merino measures below 17 microns. It's rarer, more expensive and closer in feel to cashmere.

Not ours. The prickle people associate with wool comes from coarse fibres — the thicker the fibre, the more it irritates the skin. Our superfine Merino is 18 microns and our ultrafine is 16.9 microns, both comfortably below the threshold at which most people feel any prickle at all. The result is a fabric that feels soft next to the skin, which is why our Merino base layers suit people with sensitive skin. If wool has bothered you in the past, it was almost certainly a far coarser fibre than this.

It comes down to what you want the layer to do.

Silk is the lightest option and close to invisible under clothing. It adds genuine thermal warmth without any bulk, which makes it ideal under work clothes, under a shirt, or for travel. Choose silk when you want warmth nobody can see.

Merino is the warmest and most hard-wearing. Our superfine and ultrafine Merino sits between 16.9 and 18 microns, so it feels soft rather than scratchy, and it's naturally odour-resistant and machine washable. It's the right choice for hiking, genuinely cold days, and everyday wear.

Bamboo is soft, stretchy and breathable, and it's our most affordable range. It's better suited to everyday comfort and sleepwear than to serious warmth.

Still unsure? Email sales@nznature.co.nz and tell us what you'll be wearing it for.

Our wool is sourced from New Zealand farms committed to ethical animal welfare and sustainable land management. Merino wool is a natural, renewable, and biodegradable fibre. Combined with possum fibre—a byproduct of pest control efforts protecting native ecosystems—our fabrics support both environmental conservation and responsible production.

Yes. You can return an item for exchange within six months of the order date, provided it's unworn, unwashed and in its original condition with tags attached. Fill in the returns form enclosed with your order and send it back to us. Return postage is at your own cost, but we don't charge you postage to send the exchange item out. If the replacement is the same price, it's a straightforward swap. If the values differ, we refund your original payment method and recharge for the new item. If you're not sure which size to go for, email sales@nznature.co.nz with your order number and we'll help you work it out first.