From the wool shed to the world stage: Merino thriving under pressure
When some of the world’s best alpine skiers took to the slopes last month at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, Merino wool worked under extreme pressure. Worn as a next-to-skin performance layer, it was selected for its ability to regulate temperature, manage moisture and maintain comfort in conditions where margins are tight and performance demands are absolute.
That’s the premise behind a new collaboration between Mizuno and AWI’s subsidiary Woolmark, which has seen Merino wool integrated into Mizuno’s long-established Breath Thermo technology. The result is a high-performance base-layer and leggings now trusted by Ski Team Sweden Alpine for the 2026 Winter Games.
For woolgrowers, this partnership reinforces where Merino continues to sit in the global apparel market – trusted for performance, backed by testing and chosen by brands and athletes who operate at the highest level.
Breath Thermo was originally developed by Mizuno more than 30 years ago as a moisture-absorbing, heat-retaining base-layer designed for winter sports.
Until recently, the technology relied entirely on synthetic fibres. Through its collaboration with Woolmark, Mizuno has elevated the system by combining Breath Thermo with Merino wool, bringing together engineered heat generation and natural fibre performance.
Merino wool’s ability to regulate temperature, manage moisture and resist odour makes it particularly suited to next-to-skin garments worn during high-intensity activity in cold environments. For athletes training and competing over long periods, comfort and consistency matter as much as warmth – and that’s where Merino continues to stand out.
Both the base-layer and leggings are lightweight, soft against the skin and designed to move with the body. The garments carry Woolmark’s Wool Blend certification, signifying fibre quality and performance verified against rigorous international standards – an important signal for brands and consumers alike.
The base-layer fabric combines Breath Thermo technology with Merino wool to generate heat from body moisture, while Merino provides natural insulation, breathability and odour control. The result is warmth without bulk, and freedom of movement without compromise. The leggings use the same fabric blend, supporting muscle warmth while maintaining comfort and breathability during extended wear.
“Mizuno strives to deliver the highest quality, and that’s reflected in both the collaboration and the product development.”
FABIAN AX SWARTZ, SWEDISH ALPINE RACER
According to John Roberts, AWI CEO, the partnership highlights why Merino continues to play a role in elite performance apparel.
“Merino wool has always been trusted by elite athletes, and Ski Team Sweden Alpine’s reliance on it says it all,” he said.
“Partnering with Mizuno unites natural performance with cutting-edge innovation, proving how Merino wool continues to lead in next-to-skin layers made to perform under pressure.”
For Mizuno, the collaboration reflects a broader focus on delivering performance products that meet the demands of modern athletes while aligning with evolving expectations around materials and fibre choices.
“As a global sports performance brand, Mizuno is proud to support the best global athletes with the highest quality products,” said Mark Kaiway, Mizuno EMEA Head of Sports.
“By adding technological value through collaborations like this one with Woolmark, we’re delivering market- leading products designed to support Ski Team Sweden Alpine for years to come.”
That confidence is shared by athletes themselves. Swedish alpine racer Fabian Ax Swartz says the partnership reflects a shared commitment to performance and quality at the highest level of the sport.
“Mizuno strives to deliver the highest quality, and that’s reflected in both the collaboration and the product development,” he said.
“The drive to perform connects us, which is why I’m very happy to partner with Mizuno.”
Importantly for woolgrowers, the story doesn’t end with elite competition. The Merino Wool Breath Thermo base-layer and leggings worn by Ski Team Sweden Alpine are also available to consumers globally, bringing high-performance wool garments into everyday use beyond the slopes.
That pathway – from fibre on farm, through innovation and manufacturing, to high-visibility performance markets – continues to underpin demand for Merino wool.
Each time the fibre proves itself in technically demanding applications, it strengthens Merino’s position in the global apparel landscape and reinforces its relevance for the future.
This article appeared in Issue 105 of AWI’s Beyond the Bale magazine that was published in March 2026. Reproduction of the article is encouraged and should be attributed as follows: This article was first published in Issue 105 of AWI’s Beyond the Bale magazine.
