Through the initiatives of AWI, Australian Merino now offers not just comfort and good looks, but the practicality of machine washability.

Washable Australian Merino Sweaters

The majority of machine-washable Merino knitwear uses treated yarns derived from continuously treated (shrink-resist) Merino top. The treated Merino can be dyed at almost any stage during manufacture and because the shrink-resist treatment takes place before dyeing there are no problems with colour change. Today many spinners offer a range of machine-washable worsted spun yarns in a variety of counts and qualities. This enables designers, knitters and retailers to simply purchase yarns in order to produce machine washable Merino knitwear.

Posh Merino

A collaboration between AWI and young womenswear retailer Kookaï has produced a new, machine-washable Australian Merino knit range called Posh Merino. A blend of 95% Merino and 5% lycra, this trans-seasonal fabric uses a finer micron count, tighter fibre specifications and a different yarn twist and finish to achieve a knit that is super soft to touch, lightweight, and has improved drape. The combination of Posh Merino’s aesthetics and ease-of-care have found a strong following with Kookaï’s young female demographic.

World first: machine washable Merino suits

After a two year research and development program under the auspices of AWI, Australian suit manufacturer Berkeley Apparel was able to release a world first: the machine-washable Merino suit. After trialling more than 150 different fabrics, a blend of 60% Merino (20-21 microns) and 49% polyester was found to be optimal. The suit can quite literally be thrown into a normal domestic washing machine, eliminating the need for expensive dry cleaning. (Note: refer to manufacturer’s care instructions for recommended wash temperature and laundry liquid.)

50+ washes

Extensive testing has ensured that the front fusings, floating chest piece, shoulder pads, collar molten, linings, stay taps, buttons and zips are able to withstand rigorous washing. While it’s recommended that the suit not be washed more than six times a year, the suit can survive up to 50 washes, which would more than adequately cover the average suit life of four years.

Summary

In addition to its natural range of attributes, Australian Merino has demonstrated with its machine-washable sweaters, with Posh Merino, and with the world’s first wash-and-wear suit that it can now also claim, with justification, to be easy-care.