Merino wool in summer? Yes!

For most people, a wool hat in summer sounds like a joke, right? And not a particularly funny one when you think about exhausting heat, sweat, overheating, stuffiness and the blazing sun. Yet nature likes to surprise us and is much cleverer than we might think – we’re talking about the wool of Merino sheep, also known as merino wool, which is what our hats are made from.

Merino wool comes from Merino sheep, whose natural environment is characterized by extreme weather conditions and large daily and seasonal temperature fluctuations. Their wool has adapted to these conditions over generations – to hot summer days and freezing winter temperatures. This is where the unique qualities of this wool, appreciated all over the world and loved by us, come from. We wear KOPYTO wool hats all year round!

We’ve put together some of the most remarkable qualities of this type of wool, which also make it a great choice for summer:

KEEPS YOU COOL IN SUMMER AND BREATHES

Merino wool is breathable and allows air to circulate very well. Its fibres can absorb moisture and transport it away from the skin to the outside. As this moisture evaporates, it takes heat with it, creating a cooling sensation. This is probably where the statement that merino wool “keeps you cool in summer” comes from. The outer layer of the fibres is also hydrophobic, which prevents moisture from being stored inside the material or absorbed from the environment. Thanks to this, merino wool can effectively “breathe” on warm days and during physical activity. Since the fibres can trap air, they also create a natural barrier between your head and the heated surroundings.

PROTECTS AGAINST UV RADIATION

Especially in summer, we are exposed to harmful UVA and UVB radiation. In addition to using sunscreen, it is worth protecting your head too – for example, with one of our wool hats or a cap with a visor. Merino wool has a high UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor), which has protected sheep and their skin from the sun for generations and can also help protect our heads.

SWEAT? NO PROBLEM – AND NO UNPLEASANT ODOURS!

Thanks to its natural properties, merino wool does not easily retain moisture. The fibres are coated with natural lanolin, which helps protect the fibre and prevents odours from settling in easily. This means that a wool hat stays fresh and odour-neutral even after prolonged wear, while remaining soft and pleasant to the touch.

DOESN’T ITCH

One of the most important qualities of this type of wool is the exceptional softness of its fibres. Merino wool doesn’t itch because its fibres are extremely fine – thinner than a human hair! When they come into contact with the skin, the individual fibres bend rather than prick, which prevents the unpleasant itchy sensation. And for anyone who cares about their hair, our hats are a great choice too: merino wool is less likely to create static and is considered gentle on the scalp and hair.

SO – WHICH WOOL HAT SHOULD YOU CHOOSE FOR SUMMER?

Which wool hat is best for summer? For warmer days, it is generally recommended that the weight of the wool knit should not exceed around 120–150 g/m². In our shop, you’ll find three models that we recommend for warmer days (we’ve been wearing them for years, regardless of the season):

.RYŚ. – a hat with a more relaxed and modern cut, belonging to our more breathable models (thanks to its looser knit). The ribbed texture gives it an interesting look, while the stretchy wool adapts to the shape of your face. It can be folded over twice, making it shorter – an interesting option for anyone who likes unconventional solutions and an original look. When folded over, it also provides good protection for the ears against the wind.

.JELEŃ. – a hat with no ribbed cuff. This gives you maximum freedom when it comes to styling it – wear it unfolded, folded over or however you like. It features a knit pattern known as a “pearl stitch”, which, just like .RYŚ., is relatively breathable. Folding it over creates two layers of wool, providing additional protection for sensitive ears against the wind.

.WILK. – a classic, timeless model. Although it is a double-layered hat and therefore warmer than the two models mentioned above, it is particularly popular with water sports enthusiasts – it protects the ears from even strong winds. This model suits practically everyone and works well in every season. It can be worn in several different ways, so you’ll never get bored with it.