When curating a capsule wardrobe, or even just aiming for a more sustainable closet, the quality of the materials you choose cannot be overlooked. At Neem London, two of the materials that often become talking points are Merino wool and organic cotton. Both have their unique advantages, offering comfort and style while adhering to sustainable practices. So, how do you make the right choice? Here’s a breakdown to help you decide between Merino and organic cotton for your Essentials T-Shirt.
The Natural Benefits of Merino Wool
Merino wool is an exceptional natural thermoregulating fibre known for its softness, breathability, and ability to regulate temperature. It's particularly useful for those who lead active lifestyles or those who are looking for a versatile, all-season option. The powers of ZQ Merino are incredible and we only use a merino that is traceable to farm and is regenerative farmed
https://www.discoverzq.com/on-farm
Sustainability Spotlight:
Merino wool is a renewable resource. Sheep produce a new fleece every year, making it a sustainable choice. Moreover, the Merino wool industry has regulations in place to ensure ethical and humane treatment of the animals, adding another layer of responsibility to this material. We trace the carbon emissions of our T shirt back to source, pulling out energy certificates and working with partners who are focussed on powering their plants only using renewable energy
The Comfort of Organic Cotton
Organic cotton offers unparalleled comfort. It's soft, breathable, and hypoallergenic, making it a fantastic choice for people with sensitive skin or those looking to spend their day enveloped in natural softness. We trace our regenerative and organic cotton back to farm in Turkey on the Aegan coast, to a town called Soke
Sustainability Spotlight:
Organic cotton farming uses less water compared to conventional cotton farming and avoids the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, making it a more eco-friendly option. Choosing organic cotton supports sustainable farming practices that are better for soil health and biodiversity. Regenerative and organic cotton is traceable to farm and we measure the cradle grave carbon emissions of the product https://neemlondon.com/products/regenerative-cotton-sky-modern-button-down-shirt
Side by Side Comparison
|
Feature |
Merino Wool |
Organic Cotton |
|
Softness |
Exceptionally soft |
Very Soft |
|
Breathability |
Excellent |
Excellent |
|
Durability |
High |
Moderate |
|
Temperature Regulation |
Excellent |
Good |
|
Moisture Wicking |
Yes |
No |
|
Environmental Footprint |
Moderate |
Low |
Why Not Both?
If you find that you can't choose between the two, why not incorporate both into your wardrobe? A Merino wool T-shirt could serve you well for activities that require moisture-wicking capabilities or during colder seasons. Organic cotton, on the other hand, could be your go-to for day-to-day comfort and warmer temperatures.
The Final Word
Ultimately, whether you opt for Merino wool or organic cotton, you're making a conscious choice for quality over quantity. Both materials offer superior comfort and have their own unique benefits, making them excellent sustainable choices for your Essentials T-Shirt. The best decision will align with your personal needs, lifestyle, and ethical considerations. No matter what you choose, you're taking a step towards building a more sustainable, responsible wardrobe.
Colin Leaford
I really like the Merino T Shirts, I have three. A lighter shade would be good to give a contrast with a darker garment on top. Dark Overshirt for example.