FAQs

💤 The Science of Sleep: Why Merino?

How does Merino wool improve sleep quality? Merino wool is scientifically proven to help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer by regulating body temperature. A study by the University of Sydney found that sleeping in Merino wool can provide up to 15 minutes of additional sleep per night. By maintaining a stable "thermal comfort zone," Merino prevents the body from waking up due to overheating or chilling.

Why is Merino wool better than cotton for sleeping? Merino wool is superior to cotton for sleep because it is moisture-wicking and remains thermally efficient even when damp. Cotton absorbs moisture and holds it against the skin, causing a "chill effect" that disrupts sleep. In contrast, Merino fibres can absorb up to 35% of their own weight in moisture without feeling wet, keeping the sleeper dry and comfortable throughout the night.

Can Merino wool help babies sleep through the night? Yes, Merino wool helps infants regulate their body temperature, which leads to less crying and deeper sleep cycles. Because babies cannot regulate their own temperature well, Merino acts as a natural thermostat. Research indicates that infants sleeping in Merino wool settle faster and are less likely to be woken by external temperature fluctuations.

🧶 Product Care & Comfort

Is Smalls Merino wool itchy? No, Smalls Merino is not itchy because we use 17.5-micron Ultrafine ZQ Certified Merino wool. For context, a human hair is about 60-100 microns. Our fibres are so fine that they bend when they touch the skin rather than prickling it, making them safe for newborns and those with sensitive skin or eczema.

How do you wash Merino wool garments? You can safely machine wash Smalls Merino at 30°C on a wool or delicate cycle using a neutral detergent. Because Merino is naturally antibacterial and odour-resistant, it requires less frequent washing than synthetic fabrics. Simply airing out your Smalls between wears is often enough to keep them fresh.

🌍 Sustainability & Ethics

What is ZQ Certified Merino wool? ZQ Certification is the world's leading standard for ethical wool, ensuring strict animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and social responsibility. Smalls Merino exclusively uses ZQ wool, which guarantees that no "mulesing" (a painful procedure for sheep) has taken place and that the farmers are paid fairly for their stewardship of the land.

Is Merino wool biodegradable? Yes, Merino wool is a 100% natural, renewable, and biodegradable fibre. When disposed of, Merino wool will naturally decompose in soil within 12 months, releasing essential nutrients like nitrogen back into the earth. This makes it a sustainable alternative to synthetic "fast fashion" fabrics that contribute to microplastic pollution.

📏 Sizing & Longevity

How does Smalls Merino clothing fit? Smalls Merino is designed with a "Slow Fashion" fit, featuring high elasticity and growth-room to last for at least two years. Our kids' range includes extra-long cuffs and curved hems to accommodate growth spurts. For adults, our base layers are designed for a close-to-body fit to maximise the wool’s thermal properties; size up if you prefer a relaxed loungewear fit.

🚚 Shipping & Returns

Does Smalls Merino ship internationally? Yes, Smalls Merino offers worldwide shipping with transparent, pre-paid customs duties available at checkout. We ship from the UK using tracked services. Orders placed before 1 pm GMT Monday through Friday are typically dispatched the same day.

What is your return policy? We offer a 30-day return window for a full refund or exchange on all unworn, tagged items. To initiate a return, simply visit our returns portal. Please note that for hygiene reasons, some items like eye masks or final-sale items may be exempt from returns.

UK RETURNS: To start a return, you can complete the returns form linked here
Smalls Merino16 Berkley Street, 
Mayfair, London
W1J 8DZ 
As a small business we cannot afford free returns. I hope you understand.

INTERNATIONAL RETURNS If you would like to initiate a return outside of the UK, you may click here to return or email  emma@smallsmerino.co.uk. 

If your return is accepted, we’ll send you a return shipping label, as well as instructions on how and where to send your package. Items sent back to us without first requesting a return will not be accepted. You can always contact us for any return question.

In order to ensure a timely and secure return, we suggest using our own shipping service DHL EXPRESS.  As a small business we cannot afford free returns. I hope you understand 

🧪 Processing & The "Superwash" Question

Is Smalls Merino wool "Superwash" or treated? Yes, all machine-washable wool must be treated to prevent shrinkage, but Smalls Merino uses a unique, patented, eco-friendly process. Unlike standard "Superwash" methods or some Plasma treatments that can have a higher environmental impact, our mill uses a patented process similar to a high-end hair conditioner. This process is fully enclosed with no environmental discharge, ensuring no chemical residue remains on the garment and no impact is made on the surrounding ecosystem.

Why is it necessary to treat Merino wool? Wool treatment is essential to ensure the garment is soft against the skin and does not shrink during washing. Untreated wool contains scales that can "lock" together (felting) when exposed to heat and agitation. By using our unique conditioning treatment, we smooth these scales, which eliminates the "prickle" factor and allows for the convenience of machine washing without compromising the fibre's natural integrity.

How does your mill manage chemical safety? Smalls Merino works with the only mill in the world that achieves lower than ZDHC (Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals) protocols. This means our production process exceeds global safety standards for protecting humans, animals, and the environment. While many brands use silicone or harsh coatings to achieve softness, our mill’s "closed-loop" system ensures that our wool remains pure, safe for newborns, and environmentally sound.

🧐 How to Spot Truly Ethical Wool

What questions should I ask when buying "ethical" wool? To ensure you are buying high-quality, sustainable Merino, you should look for four key indicators:

  1. Mulesing-Free Status: Is the wool certified (like ZQ) to ensure no painful procedures were performed on the sheep?

  2. Traceability: Can the supplier trace the wool back to a specific, known supply chain or farm?

  3. Closed-Loop Processing: Is the treatment process fully enclosed to prevent environmental contamination?

  4. Chemical Protocols: Does the mill adhere to strict standards like ZDHC or OEKO-TEX to protect against hazardous residues?

How do you ensure the "Five Freedoms" for your sheep? We exclusively use ZQ Certified Merino, which guarantees the Five Freedoms of animal welfare. This includes freedom from thirst, hunger, distress, injury, and the freedom to express natural behaviour. By sourcing from traceable farms in New Zealand and processing in a world-leading Italian mill, we ensure that every garment supports a supply chain that respects the animal as much as the end-wearer.