From ancient ingenuity to modern performance, Merino wool remains nature’s most remarkable fibre.
For thousands of years, wool has been an essential part of human life, warming, protecting, and inspiring. From our earliest ancestors who clothed themselves in the fleeces of wild sheep, to ancient civilisations such as Babylonia that began to distinguish sheep for wool from those for meat, the story of wool has always been one of ingenuity and progress.
As the centuries unfolded, selective breeding practices emerged, particularly during Roman times, when sheep were improved to produce finer, more abundant fleeces. In medieval Europe, wool rose to prominence as a cornerstone of commerce and craftsmanship. By the late eighteenth century, the Industrial Revolution transformed wool production from a domestic craft into a major industry, ushering in new technologies and opportunities.
South Africa’s own wool journey began in 1789, when the first Merino sheep arrived at the Cape. Gifted by the Dutch government to Colonel Jacob Gordon, the commander of the Cape Colony, these prized animals descended from Spain’s renowned Escurial breed. Initially introduced for experimental breeding, these Merinos found fertile ground in the Cape’s diverse climates and landscapes. South African farmers dedicated themselves to refining and improving the flocks. Through decades of careful selection and husbandry, they developed the South African Merino, celebrated today for producing exceptionally fine, high-quality wool that rivals any in the world.
Merino wool has long played an influential role in fashion, evolving from functional garments such as military uniforms and workwear into a fibre synonymous with elegance and performance. Its big moment on the global style stage came in the years after the First World War, when Coco Chanel broke convention by creating chic dresses from fine wool jersey, redefining what wool could be.
After the Second World War, another revolution unfolded. Christian Dior’s ‘New Look’ captivated the world with silhouettes that luxuriated in generous amounts of wool cloth, a striking departure from wartime austerity. Wool’s reputation for refinement and versatility grew even further in 1954, when a young Yves Saint Laurent and Karl Lagerfeld were awarded top prizes at the International Wool Secretariat competition in Paris, judged by icons including Hubert de Givenchy and Pierre Balmain.
Since then, Merino wool has remained woven into the fabric of fashion history. From classic V-neck knits to the timeless little black dress and finely tailored suits, its natural softness, breathability, and durability have made it an enduring favourite.
Today, in South Africa and around the world, designers, woolgrowers, and manufacturers continue to celebrate Merino’s remarkable qualities. At Gerber&Co, we proudly stand in this tradition, connecting people with the story of wool, and crafting products that showcase the best of South African Merino to discerning customers everywhere.
At Gerber&Co, our wool begins with a promise: to honour the land, respect the animal, and deliver quality without compromise. Every fibre we source is fully traceable, connecting you directly to the farms where our Merino sheep thrive in South Africa’s diverse landscapes. This transparent journey, from farm to finished product, reflects our commitment to ethical stewardship, animal welfare, and environmental responsibility.
Merino wool is nature’s most remarkable performance fibre. Soft, resilient, and endlessly versatile, it has been perfected over millennia to deliver extraordinary benefits:
From fine fashion and luxury interiors to advanced technical textiles, Gerber&Co Merino wool embodies everything we value; responsibility, renewal, and remarkable performance. This is nature’s most extraordinary fibre, thoughtfully crafted for a more sustainable future.