Fabric Guide

An Australian breed of sheep which forms a part of the Merino breeds group. Suited to thrive in Australia’s environment, the Australian Merino account for half of the national sheep flock. Australia is the largest producer of Merino Wool in the world, exporting primarily to China and Europe.
The Australian Merino Wool fibre is notably fine, which characterises its softness.

Carding is a mechanical process that disentangles, cleans, and blends wool fibres to form a continuous web suitable for further processing. Using wire teeth set on opposing rollers or combs, the fibres are separated and spread evenly, helping to remove any short, broken fibres and impurities. This fibrous web is then condensed into a soft, untwisted strand called a sliver.

Carded fibres are typically used in the production of woollen yarns and fabrics.

Combing is the process of aligning wool fibres by passing them through a series of fine, metal teeth. This helps lay the fibres parallel to one another while removing short fibres and tangles (known as noil). The result is a smoother, more continuous strand of fibre.

Combed fibres are typically used in the production of worsted yarns and fabrics.

Micron (μm) refers to the diameter of each wool fibre. The lower the micron count, the finer and softer the wool. Coarse wool (over 21μm) can feel itchy, but at Mason William Merino, we use 17.5μm ultrafine wool for most garments and offer 16.5μm options for even more luxurious comfort. The result: garments that feel silky-soft, even next to sensitive skin.

Yarn count indicates how fine or thick the yarn is, expressed as a ratio like 2/90nm. The first number refers to the number of twisted strands (plies), and the second shows fineness — the higher it is, the finer the yarn. We use 2/90 and 2/100 yarns for a smooth, silk-like finish with natural elasticity and gentle drape — all machine washable.

The mechanical process of washing wool to remove grease (lanolin), dirt and other impurities from the fleece once it’s been shorn. This is the first step in yarn production.

Spinning is the process of twisting wool fibres into yarn. After the fibres are carded or combed, they’re drawn out to make them thinner. A specific amount of twist is then added to bind the fibres together, creating strong, durable yarn ready for knitting or weaving.

GSM (grams per square metre) measures fabric thickness. Lower GSM fabrics (like 150–180gsm) are lightweight and breathable, perfect for base layers and warmer months. Mid-weight (200–250gsm) suits everyday wear, while heavier knits (300gsm+) provide winter warmth. Our curated selection ensures comfort, no matter the season or activity.

Merino wool offers built-in performance features without any synthetic treatments. It wicks away moisture, resists odour, regulates body temperature, and provides UV protection — all while staying breathable and soft. Whether you’re hiking, travelling or relaxing at home, our Merino adapts to your needs naturally.

Thanks to its ultrafine fibres and natural elasticity, Merino wool is exceptionally soft. It’s gentle enough for babies and perfect for those with sensitive skin. We design our garments to be worn directly against the skin, offering breathable warmth without the itch.

Our Merino garments are easy to care for. With pre-shrunk fabrics and stable yarns, most pieces are safe to machine wash on a wool or gentle cycle. You get premium comfort without the fuss — just wash, dry flat, and wear again.

We source our Merino from ethical farms in Australia, known for high animal welfare and sustainable land practices. Every fibre we use meets strict quality and environmental standards, helping us deliver garments you can feel good about — inside and out.