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Merino wool gets a lot of love for travel, but it’s not the only option. If you’re allergic, its not in your budget or you simply prefer fabrics that feel softer on your skin, here are some travel friendly fabric alternatives to consider.
Best Alternative to Merino Wool
Table Of Contents
Travel Fashion Girl help! A reader asks:
Everyone recommends merino wool for layering and winter wear, but I am allergic to wool. Any suggestions on merino wool alternatives?
When traveling during the harsh winter temperatures you want to choose fabrics that will protect you against the cold without feeling or looking too bulky. This is why merino wool is one of the most loved options for travel, as it is super light for packing and comfortable for keeping you nice and toasty when sightseeing.
But merino wool is not the right fabric for everyone!
Start by reading these general tips on packing for winter travel:
- Capsule Wardrobe for Winter
- How to Pack for Cold Weather
- How to Stay Warm in Cold Weather (without the bulk)
- The Best Travel Shoes for Winter
Quince Australian Merino Wool Cable Cardigan | Sizes XS-XL
What are the Benefits of Merino Wool?
Merino wool is a popular fabric and recommended for travel because it wicks away moisture, and is lightweight and ultra warm. It’s long lasting, durable, and versatile and you’ll only need a few items so helps you pack light!
Another great benefit of traveling with clothes made from merino wool is that they can be reworn several times without washing.
To get a full list of choices, here are the Best Merino Wool Brands for Women all recommended by our readers!
You’ll want to look your best when you travel! Read my travel tips to Pack Light Stylishly!
Are There Fabric Alternatives to Merino Wool?
When traveling to a cold destination, your clothing needs to protect you from the low temperatures and keep you warm. As one reader said, “some of us are allergic to wool or have super sensitive skin and merino wool is itchy.”
If you’re allergic or simply prefer fabrics that feel softer on your skin, here are some travel-friendly alternatives you’ll love for keeping out the cold on your vacation.
The Best Alternative Fabrics to Merino Wool
Quince Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater | Sizes XS-XL
Synthetics
Synthetic fabrics are those made from chemicals that consist of better properties than natural fibers like cotton or silk. Common synthetic fabrics include polyester and acrylic. They are a less expensive option, especially when compared to merino wool, hard wearing, and great for wicking moisture.
As one reader says, “Polyester gets a bad rap but I like that it’s affordable and durable. Instead of full polyester, I like a blend of fabrics.”
Want more ideas to stay warm? Check out these thermal tops and leggings!
Cuddl Duds Long Sleeve Crew Neck Top | Sizes XS-XL & 1X-3X Plus
Modal
It is a type of rayon fibre and is super soft and comfortable. It is also a great moisture wicking fabric. One reader said that “modal is a man-made fiber from cellulose, it has similar properties as cotton.” Another adds, “it is quite a thin fabric, so it’s great for layering” while a third reader says “Modal can dry fast and not feel sweaty.”
Several of our readers recommended Cuddl Duds, saying “It’s fantastic for a base layer.” Cuddl Duds is a brand that specializes in cozy clothing and offers winter wear that is perfect for providing warmth without being too costly!
Here’s our readers’ tips to avoid over heating in cold weather!
Lands’ End Supima Cotton Crewneck T-Shirt | Sizes XS-3X
Cotton
Cotton is hypoallergenic and one of the best options for people with sensitive skin. The natural fibers won’t aggravate dry skin or cause any reactions. So if you are allergic to merino wool, cotton may be the perfect choice for comfort when traveling.
One reader suggested Land’s End Supima Cotton as a great line of quality cotton clothing. Land’s End specifically uses supima cotton, which makes their items naturally softer and more luxurious to the touch.
Note: Keep in mind that cotton is the least effective fabric for winter layers, such as thermals. It absorbs moisture, preventing your clothing from helping you stay warm.
RENEEC Natural Bamboo Cardigan | Sizes S-5X
Bamboo
Bamboo fabric is beneficial for its moisture-wicking qualities, and it’s a much tougher fabric that provides a closer fit than merino wool. It feels nicer against the skin without any of the itching feeling.
One reader says “I love bamboo clothing, as it’s great for travel,” While another adds that the “bamboo feels so nice on the skin. It is nice and cool yet still warm in cooler weather.”
Here are some more top-rated cardigans!
J. Crew Cashmere Crewneck Sweater | Sizes XXXS-3X
Cashmere
Cashmere is a luxurious fabric that keeps you warm in the cold without the bulk. It looks lovely and packs light. The downside is that it does tend to be expensive and you have to be extremely careful with it.
One reader says, “Cashmere. I love it. It’s warm, soft, and offers a touch of luxury.” Another reader recommends cashmere for outer clothing, saying, “Try cashmere. It’s not cheap, but it’s light, warm, and packs and washes brilliantly.”
Cashmere may be costly but many readers swear it’s worth the investment And it seems things are changing with new brands emerging and offering products with these natural fibers at relatively affordable price points.
Readers love these cashmere sweaters for their polished and timeless look, incredible warmth, and versatility.
Shop: Lands’ End | Nordstrom
Sizes: XS-XL Regular | XS-XL Petite | S-XL Tall | 1X-3X Plus
Fleece
Fleece clothing is one of the warmest fabrics you can add to your winter wardrobe. A high-tech synthetic fabric made from recycled bottles, it’s a good alternative for people who don’t want to wear fabrics made from animal by-products.
Fleece is lighter than wool and offers better insulation, yet remains warm when wet and dries fast. One reader says, “Fleece is great for warmth!”
Several of our readers particularly recommended fleece leggings as being a great base layer. These fleece lined leggings are perfect for the cold winter months, providing warmth without adding extra bulk.
Looking for the warmest fleece leggings? Take a look at this post!
Quince Silk Button Down | Sizes XS-3X
Silk
Silk is a luxurious fabric that keeps you warm in the cold and cool in the heat. It looks beautiful and packs feather light. The cons to silk is that it’s expensive and stains are extremely impossible to remove.
One reader recommends “silk base layers. They’re a bit thinner than merino wool but work the same!” Another reader adds that, since she is allergic to wool, “silk as a base layer works well.”
A silk long-sleeve blouse from Quince is great for when you need a little bit more warmth and is perfect for an extra layer without adding bulk. One reader stated how you can find “great silk tops from Quince, which are trendy and very packable.”
Silk thermals, such as these, are popular for their incredibly lightweight, breathable insulation, and deliciously soft feel.
Nordstrom Cable Crewneck Alpaca Blend Sweater | Sizes XXS-XXL
Alpaca
Although it’s a less common option, alpaca is just as warm as merino wool!
One reader suggested alpaca as being a great fabric for alternatives to merino wool, saying “Alpaca is really light and warm, and while I cannot wear wool, I can wear this.” Another reader adds “My alpaca sweaters are always a top layer in my winter wardrobe.”
This sweater from Nordstrom is made from alpaca and wool, meaning it’s lightweight, and warm and perfect for chilly weather.
Check out these stylish and cozy reader recommended picks for the alpaca sweaters!
Compass Rose Carryon Size Packing Cubes: Slim Size Cubes | Medium Size Cubes
How to Pack Your Sweaters
Packing cubes will change the way you pack. We designed our own brand of slim packing cubes, with a unique color and numbering system, so it’s easy to remember where you’ve packed everything—ESPECIALLY your sweaters!
The Compass Rose Packing Cubes are offered in two sizes: slim and medium. The slim size cubes measure 13” x 5” x 2.8”, and the medium size cubes measure 2.8” x 13” x 8.5”. Both fit an international carry-on suitcase. Users say the medium size is great for bulkier items!
The video below demonstrates packing cubes more.
Learn our packing hacks with packing cubes in the videoabove!
We also put together a five-part YouTube series showing the different methods of using packing cubes for travel. If you use this specific packing strategy, packing cubes can also compress your belongings. This is the secret to traveling carry-on only!
Do you have a recommended fabric as an alternative to merino wool? Share and comment below!
For more ideas on how to stay warm in cold weather, please read:
- Best Down Jacket
- Best Thermal Underwear for Women
- Waterproof Boots for Winter
- Warmest Gloves for Cold Weather
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We hope you liked these tips on the best alternative to merino wool. Please share with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Thanks for reading!
I love bamboo, super soft, but it usually takes forever to dry. I’m not taking any with me to Antarctica.
That’s not only important to consider when you are out moving around, but especially if you want to wash some things out in a sink rather than pay big $s to have laundry done. My wonderful bamboo socks take longer to dry than just about anything I own, even heavy jeans.
Unrelated: Bamboo bra liners are fabulous, I wear them daily. But don’t think they will be making this trip.
Have an amazing time Patricia!
Love the read on sweaters , don’t wear them that often here in the desert but when I visit family in the winter in NorCal it’s something that I like to wear to stay warm . Love that bamboo and cashmere are options as I love both fabrics .
Thank you for sharing your favorite fabrics with us, both awesome choices for travel! ?