Best Merino Wool Shorts in 2023

The term “nature’s performance fabric” has been used to refer to Merino wool. Merino wool is a natural material, but high-quality merino wool clothing provides the same benefits as technical clothing and, in some cases, even more help than technical clothes.

We think that merino wool is one of the finest textiles for travel garments since it is comfortable to wear against the skin, dries rapidly, and eliminates smells. It performs well in a variety of temperature ranges.

Shorts made of Merino Wool are a one-of-a-kind item of apparel. Despite their thinness, they can keep you warm even though they may also prevent you from overheating and make you feel drier. You may wear them in various settings without worrying about their comfort letting you down.

What are the characteristics of excellent merino wool shorts? We’re going to look at a few criteria that, in our opinion, any pair of merino wool shorts ought to be regarded as quality.

Our Top 5 Picks for the Best Merino Wool Shorts:

1. Ortovox Engadin Short – Men’s:

Although most climbers like trousers because they allow for less skin to be in touch with the rock, confident climbers prefer climbing shorts because they allow for greater flexibility of movement. The Ortovox Engadin shorts are an excellent option for climbers that fit this description and are available in various colors.

Because of its dual structure, the material is ideal for keeping you cool while bouldering inside or outside. The outside is made of a sturdy cotton and polyamide blend, while the interior is lined with luxurious Merino cotton. Elastane is utilized throughout both to achieve the desired level of stretch and to enhance mobility. Both of these things are essential if you want to be successful in performing a rigid heel hook.

Despite this, the aspects of the Engadin shorts about their performance are what have me most enthusiastic about them. As was said before, the shell is resistant to abrasion, allowing it to withstand even the most challenging terrain. 

In addition, there are five pockets, with one of them having a zipper, so that you may keep whatever you require when climbing the wall. Nevertheless, the closing with the snap buttons might sometimes be a little cumbersome in my experience. I’m more of a push-button type of guy.

These Ortovox Engadin shorts are available in three unique hues, allowing you to select the attire that best complements your climbing style. Additionally, if you want more fantastic leg covering, Ortovox employs the same fabric and features as their Engadin pants, which you can find here.

Product Features:

• Closure with a button in the front.
• The dual design of the material makes it ideal for indoor and outdoor climbing.
• Both include elastane, which helps them stretch and move more quickly.

2. Woolly Clothing Men’s Merino Pro-Knit:

The breathable and lightweight Pro-Knit shorts made from one hundred percent Merino wool are ideal for sitting around the home, racing, or venturing outside the house. I’d go so far as to claim that these shorts made of Merino wool are the most comfortable pair we have in stock.

These Pro-Knit shorts are the peak of lounging apparel made from Merino wool. In particular, if you love going commando, you will notice that the 18.5-micron fiber diameter feels quite gentle on your skin. In addition, you may wear them out and about because of their adaptable design and 8-inch leg openings.

Because the cut is tapered, they are neither too baggy nor overly loose. The phrase “Goldilocks” comes to mind when I think of these lounge shorts since they are the perfect length and fit.

On the other hand, because they are constructed entirely out of Merino wool, they do not have the same level of durability as some of the different synthetic blends on our list. 

Therefore, better solutions are available to you if you want to engage in intense activities in which your shorts may become caught on anything or rip. In addition, you may only have them in either black or gray color.

In conclusion, Woolly has designed these Pro-Knit Warm-Ups, made of Merino wool, to be a comfortable and adaptable pair of lounge shorts. You’ll want to pick one up as soon as possible if you lounge about the home nearly as often as I do.

Product Features:

• Merino Pro-Knit structure with an interlocking pattern for added elasticity.
• Excellent for resting and walking about town in chilly weather. It also works wonderfully as an undershell or mid-layer.

3. Icebreaker Merino Men’s Persist Hiking Shorts:

Because I’ve had some bad experiences with ticks in the past, I always make sure to wear trousers while I’m out on the path. Consequently, whenever I go trekking, I wear the Icebreaker Persist pants. 

As is the case with all Icebreaker’s products, the performance and convenience of these shorts were carefully considered during the design process. Merino wool is used to build the interior, which is quite soft, while nylon is predominantly used to craft the outside, which is much more durable. 

In addition to that, the supportive and breathable waistline may be adjusted to fit your needs. They went as far as adding a gusseted crotch so the wearer would have complete movement.

In addition to that, I like how the front pockets of the Merino Persist shorts have zippers. They provide plenty of space for you to put your phone, wallet, and even a few Cliff bars if you choose.

On the other hand, there aren’t any pockets at the rear. It is not a deal-breaker, but if you are going on a day trek with a tiny pack, you might need more storage capacity than you do now.

The Icebreaker hiking shorts are a fantastic option for hikers interested in venturing out onto the route. If you complete the look with an Icebreaker cool-lite t-shirt, you’ll have a Merino-based ensemble ideal for summertime hiking adventures.

Product Features:

• 60 percent Nylon/ 35 percent Wool/ 5 percent Lycra Elastane.
• Imported.
• Closes with a pull-on tab.
• Machine Wash.
• Nylon on the outside for increased durability, and Merino wool on the inside for comfort.
• Spandex content for flexibility and range of motion.
• Internal Cool-Lite lining in the waistline provides both comfort and quicker wicking.

4. Mons Royale Momentum 2.0 Bike Short:

Who knew that Mons Royale manufactured such a vast selection of bike shorts made of Merino wool? I suppose you could say that I did, in a sense. Anyway, let’s say you’re a cycling fanatic, or you ride your bike occasionally. 

In such a case, you really must look into purchasing some Mons Royale Momentum Bike Shorts 2.0 for yourself. Because the inseam is 14 inches, they are long enough to cover your knee pads, providing you with comprehensive protection for your next pedaling excursion. I’m sorry, but nobody ever says that.

When you first look at them, you might get the impression that the Momentums are nothing more than a regular pair of Merino shorts. However, like the rest of Mons Royale’s offerings, they have been meticulously designed to enhance your overall performance. 

There is a place for leg pads, a velcro waist closure, deep zip pockets, ventilated back mesh paneling, zipped leg vents, and more! Even the inside seam has paneling to assist prevent chafing and irritation. These shorts are designed to provide you with the utmost comfort when you’re riding your bike.

On the other hand, you should anticipate that the total cost of all of these additional features will be more. However, whether you are a severe road rider or mountain biker, you must have a pair of these Momentum Merino wool bike shorts in your cycling apparel collection. They are, without a doubt, among the best available on the market!

Product Features:

• The material is composed of 52 percent polyester, 39 percent merino wool, and 9 percent spandex.
• Enduro racing as well as commuting.

5. Smartwool 8″ Merino Sport Lined Shorts:

During my early morning jogs, the Merino 150 sport lining keeps me comfortable, and because it is odor-resistant, I don’t have to wash my running clothes as frequently (to a point). Oh, and the pocket has a zipper, so I don’t have to worry about my phone slipping out of it when I put it in there.

In contrast to conventional shorts made of Merino wool, the Smartwool shorts include a shell made of waterproof polyester rather than Merino wool. 

It makes the product more long-lasting for activities that involve intensive use while not affecting the comfort level in any way. You essentially benefit from the ease of working with Merino wool and the strength of synthetic materials.

When I’m in the gym, I find that the inseam of 8 inches suits me best. However, if you choose a shorter inseam for jogging or a longer one for daily usage, Smartwool offers variants with an inseam length of 5 inches and 10 inches in the same design.

I think these Smartwool Merino Sport Lined shorts are great for every kind of physical activity you can think of. On the other hand, the online store may not always have them in stock.

Product Features:

• Produced in the United States or imported.
• Closure with a drawstring.

Merino Wool Shorts Buying Guide:

You are responsible for understanding some of the purchasing factors that played a role in my judgments. I’ll keep this as brief as possible without leaving out any essential information.

Fabric:

You should be aware that merino wool, on its own, is not the most durable of textiles. I won’t go into too much detail here, but you should keep that in mind. Although it is pretty comfy and incredibly soft, it may rip easily if used frequently. 

Therefore, if you are going to be engaging in strenuous physical activity, you should buy a pair of shorts made of Merino wool and synthetic material.

In addition, several pairs of sports shorts have a lining made of Merino wool, which provides additional comfort and is resistant to odor. Therefore, if it is something that piques your interest, you should make it a point to look at shorts that come with a liner. Some of these are so comfortable that you won’t even need to wear underwear when you wear them. But I’ll leave that decision up to you.

Length of The Inseam:

When do shorts get inappropriately short? The answer to that question will depend on how long the inseam is. If you want to highlight your quadriceps, you should wear shorter pants with an inseam around seven inches long. 

If, on the other hand, you want a pair of Merino shorts that reach your knee, you’ll need an inseam that’s at least eleven inches long. Since, in all honesty, it boils down to taste, I won’t go into too much detail about it here.

Usage and Versatility:

Last but not least, you should be aware of the specific activities for which you will be utilizing your shorts made of Merino wool. Some of the shorts listed below are designed to be worn during physical activities, while others are more suited for wearing about the house or on the weekend. In addition, specific Merino shorts are designed specifically for outdoor activities such as jogging, riding, and hiking.

I divide each pair of men’s Merino wool shorts into a distinct category in the following list of the top five men’s Merino wool shorts. That is not to argue that one pair is superior to another; instead, I am trying to convey that in my opinion, and based on previous experience, the pair of shorts that is being recommended is the most suitable for this kind of activity. 

Does Merino Wool Take a Long Time to Dry?

Merino wool naturally wicks away moisture and dries more quickly than cotton and other natural materials like hemp and bamboo. On the other hand, Merino wool takes a longer time to dry than synthetic textiles like polyester.

You’ll be able to wash your merino items at night and have a dry t-shirt or pair of socks by the time you get up the following day when you’re traveling.

The “scale” structure that gives Merino wool its water resistance provides it a performance edge over the smoother strands of cotton, linen, silk, and polyester. This advantage stems from Merino wool’s ability to resist water. 

The size difference between the coarse and fine wool in the image is analogous to the difference in texture that may be found between a rough wool jumper and a soft t-shirt made of merino wool.

Are Clothes Made from Merino Wool a Good Choice for a Base Layer?

Yes. Merino wool may be used to create practically any article of clothing imaginable; however, the benefits of this fabric are most readily visible in base layers of apparel such as t-shirts, leggings, and socks.

In warm weather, wool is a cooling, sweat-wicking fabric, while in cold weather, wool acts as a friendly, heat-retaining fabric. This is one of the superpowers of wool, whether it be merino wool or another type of wool. Merino is an elastic layer that may be used in most conditions. 

Since Merino wool is naturally more refined than other types of yarn, it is a good choice for use as a base layer in outdoor activities in colder climates.

Merino wool is frequently used in the production of outdoor apparel, but because of its many desirable properties, it is also an excellent choice for travelers. 

Merino wool is up to the challenge of providing you with garments that do not need to be washed for several days or just the ideal t-shirt to go along with you on a journey that will take place in various climates.

Try to get a “lightweight” shirt that weighs between 170 and 200 grams; this will give you the most options. This weight of the fabric will be more durable than a featherweight merino layer and will provide the most significant amount of versatility for use in a range of conditions.

Does Merino Wool Cause Itchy Rash?

Especially if you’ve ever had a bulky sweater made of coarse wool, you might link the word “wool” with the word “itchy.” Merino wool is notably softer than other types of yarn. 

Depending on the brand, your merino wool clothing will have a texture that is closer to that of a cotton t-shirt than it would to the wool sweater you are probably picturing. On the other hand, Merino wool is not quite as slippery as a fabric made of polyester and often has a texture that is somewhat more scratchy than cotton.

The majority of individuals would benefit more from the use of natural fibers. The finer the wool, the smoother and more luxurious the texture. However, the finer the yarn, the less durable it is. The answer is a wool mix or a midweight wool product.

How Should Merino Wool Be Washed?

Merino requires gentle handling. Even of the highest grade, Merino wool can be more fragile than synthetic fibers like cotton. When combined with other fibers such as polyester or nylon, Merino produces a product that is more durable and simpler to care for. 

In any event, it seems like you put significant money into the clothing purchase. Be careful not to overwash them, and handle them with care when you do wash them. Merino wool should be washed in cold water, and the delicate setting on your washing machine should be used.

Put your wet garments on the floor to dry. A quick spin in the dryer, particularly in a setting with little or no heat, will help smooth out some creases. 

However, you shouldn’t keep your clothes in there for too long. It is preferable to have to iron them rather than having to replace them entirely. Merino wool may be easily removed from creases by hanging the item to be worn near a hot shower while traveling.

To our good fortune, this degree of care is well-suited to being taken on the road. Merino may be preserved more effectively by being hand washed.

Do not put your pricey merino wool items in the laundry or put them in the dryer. Be very careful when you wash it in an industrial washing machine if you cannot manage the temperature or the amount of time the engine spends cleaning the item.

Bottom Line:

We hope you found our rundown of the most excellent shorts made of Merino wool to be enjoyable. We made an effort to offer a wide array of diverse choices available from several companies and spanning a variety of pricing points. 

We are always excited to have feedback from our readers, so please do not be hesitant to get in touch with us if you have any inquiries regarding Merino Wool Shorts or the topic of outdoor gear in general.