Merino. Full wool Merino sheep. Etymology[edit] Two suggested origins for the Spanish word merino are:[3] It may be an adaptation to the sheep of the name of a Leonese official inspector (merino) over a merindad, who may have also inspected sheep pastures. This word is from the medieval Latin maiorinus, a steward or head official of a village, from maior, meaning "greater".It also may be from the name of a Berber tribe, the Marini (or in Castilian, Benimerines), which intervened in the Iberian peninsula during the 12th and 13th centuries. Characteristics[edit] Merino ewe judging Merino need to be shorn at least once a year because their wool does not stop growing. The term merino is widely used in the textile industries, but it cannot be taken to mean the fabric in question is actually 100% merino wool from a Merino strain bred specifically for its wool.
Athletic clothing[edit] Merino wool is common in high-end, performance athletic wear. History[edit] Champion Merino ram, 1905 Sydney Sheep Show. Minus33® - Home Page - 100% Merino Wool Baselayer, Merino Wool Thermal Underwear, Merino Wool Clothing and Merino Wool Socks. Official Site: SmartWool® Clothing & Socks. Icebreaker - New Zealand Merino Wool Clothing for Outdoor and Performance Sports. 100% Merino Wool Men's Expedition Weight Full Zip Hoody - Style 700.