Merino wool is common in high-end, performance athletic wear. Typically meant for use in running, hiking, skiing, mountain climbing, cycling, and in other types of outdoor aerobic exercise, these clothes command a premium over synthetic fabrics.
The merino wool is the finest of the sheep wool. Delicate, yet Strong fibers, absorbs water (sweat) up to 1/3 of it's weight and still retains warmth when wet.
Like most wools, merino contains lanolin, which has antibacterial properties.