Merino Wool: Rib vs. Jersey — What’s the Difference?

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At Mad About Merino, we work exclusively with 100% merino wool — and we offer it in two beautiful knit styles: Riband Jersey.

Both are luxuriously soft, breathable, and naturally temperature-regulating — but each has its own feel, drape, and personality.

 

Merino Rib

Luxuriously soft · Supremely stretchy · Wonderfully cozy

Rib knit is naturally elastic thanks to its textured structure. It moves with your body, holds its shape beautifully, and does it all without any synthetic stretch fibers.

Perfect for:

• cardigans

• sweaters

• scarves & wraps

• stretchy & comfy,  body hugging dresses

• any garment where you want gentle, figure-friendly stretch

Rib is also famously low-maintenance — it rarely needs ironing — making it a favorite for travel and everyday wear. Most of our rib pieces are crafted around 200 GSM, the “sweet spot” for year-round comfort.

 

Merino Jersey

Lightweight · Smooth · Softly elegant

Jersey offers a sleeker hand-feel — more like your favorite luxe tee — with a beautiful, fluid drape. It’s not quite as stretchy as rib, but it feels refined against the skin and creates a more streamlined silhouette.

Ideal for:

• tops & tees

• base layers

• lightweight dresses

• pants

Jersey is typically a touch lighter than rib and may occasionally benefit from a light press after washing.

 

So… which one should you choose?

• If you love cozy comfort, forgiving stretch, and effortless, wrinkle-resistant wear → choose Rib.

• If you prefer something clean, smooth, and a little more tailored → choose Jersey.

Most of our current collection features our signature Rib fabric — but we adore both, and continue designing in each.

 

And with both, you always get:

• 100% natural merino wool

• thermoregulating, breathable comfort

• odor-resistance

• machine-washable ease

Two knits — one extraordinary fiber.

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