Whether you are on the lookout for merino wool undies for camping, traveling, or everyday use, choosing this natural fiber offers unbeatable softness, breathability, and odor resistance compared to other fabrics – even cotton. Whether you’re backpacking and are limited to one bag, or simply looking for a natural fabric to wear every day, merino offers a perfect blend of comfort and function. The fibers regulate body temperature by wicking away sweat when you’re active and trapping warmth when it’s cold, keeping you fresh and balanced all day long. Merino wool base layers are key to travel, and we wouldn’t be without them.
Merino wool underwear for women is available in various cuts, from fitted boxer shorts and hipster briefs to sleek bikinis and thongs. The best options combine fine merino fibers with a touch of stretch for long-lasting shape retention without restricting movement. They’re also naturally antibacterial, making them ideal for travel or multi-day wear where washing facilities are limited. We also have a guide to women’s merino wool base layers if you are looking for leggings and other layers.
Merino wool underwear does come at a higher price point, but it’s one of those rare pieces where the quality truly shows in everyday use. It has natural odor resistance, temperature regulation. It is also quick drying and lhas ong-lasting softness. You end up washing it less and wearing it more. Over time, the investment balances out as it will be a key piece of clothing to bring on your travels or daily wear. Beyond performance, merino underwear also feels incredibly soft and light against the skin, reducing irritation and friction. Below, we’ve rounded up our top women’s merino underwear picks from bikini styles to women’s boxer shorts so you can find the right pairs for you.
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Merino Wool Undies at a Glance
- Best Overall – Women’s Merino Wool Bikini By Woolly
- Best Women’s Fitted Boxer Shorts – Women’s Merino Boxer Short By Woolly
- Best Women’s Hipster – Women’s Merino Hipster Brief By Woolly
- Best Women’s Bikini Fit – Women’s Merino Wool Bikini By Woolly
- Best Women’s Hipkini – Icebreaker Merino Womens Siren Hipkini
- Best Merino Bralette – Women’s Flex Merino Bralette by Woolly
Merino Wool Underwear for Women
Crafted from pure merino wool, this Woolly bikini offers lightweight comfort that feels barely there. It’s designed to regulate your temperature year-round, keeping you cool in the heat and warm in the cold. The smooth seams and soft waistband prevent irritation, making it ideal for everyday wear or layering under activewear.
Key specs
Fabric 100% Merino wool
Fit Low-rise bikini
Features Breathable, anti-odor, moisture-wicking
Perfect for women who prefer more coverage and active support, these fitted boxer shorts are soft, stretchy, and built for movement. The natural merino fibers wick sweat efficiently and prevent odor build-up, while the breathable structure keeps you comfortable through long hikes or travel days.
Key specs
Fabric 100% Merino wool
Fit Mid-length fitted boxer
Features Temperature-regulating, breathable, seamless design
A versatile, low-rise brief that combines sporty shape with premium comfort. The soft merino wool fabric offers excellent temperature regulation and odor resistance, perfect for wearing under leggings or jeans. Designed for performance, yet soft enough for lounging.
Key specs
Fabric 100% Merino wool
Fit Mid-rise hipster
Features Odor-resistant, breathable, stretch fabric
Simple, elegant, and incredibly soft, this merino bikini is a reliable choice for daily comfort. Its natural moisture management keeps you feeling dry, while the gentle stretch maintains shape throughout the day. Ideal for travel or everyday layering.
Key specs
Fabric 100% Merino wool
Fit Classic bikini cut
Features Moisture-wicking, temperature-regulating, low-profile seams
This minimalist design delivers comfort with a barely-there feel. Made with ultrafine merino wool and a touch of stretch, the Siren Thong keeps you fresh and dry even during intense activity. It’s perfect under leggings or close-fitting clothing.
Key specs
Fabric 83% Merino wool, 12% nylon, 5% elastane
Fit Low-rise thong
Combining the best of comfort and coverage, the Siren Hipkini is made from silky-soft merino wool for next-to-skin warmth and breathability. Its mid-rise fit and soft seams provide a flattering silhouette, perfect for hiking, travel, or lounging.
Key specs
Fabric 83% Merino wool, 12% nylon, 5% elastane
Fit Mid-rise hipkini
Features Breathable, odor-resistant, stretch fit
Made from an ultralight 95% Australian Merino blend, the Woolly Merino Classic Thong is designed for women who want softness without bulk. The barely-there feel makes it ideal for everyday wear, travel, and active days when comfort matters most. It’s smooth, breathable, and naturally stretchy, with a tag-free finish that eliminates irritation, exactly what you want when you’re on the move or unwinding at home.
Despite being pricier than cotton or synthetic multipacks, the premium merino here earns its keep. It stays fresh longer between washes, resists odors naturally, and regulates temperature so you stay comfortable in every season.
Key specs
Fabric 95% Australian Merino wool / 5% elastane
Weight ultralight fabric
Features moisture-wicking, odor-resistant, breathable, tag-free, RWS-certified wool, Available in 10 colors
The Woolly Flex Merino Bralette blends softness, stretch, and everyday versatility in a simple wire-free design. Made from a premium merino-elastane blend, it delivers light support and all-day comfort, whether you’re lounging, layering, or moving through low-impact activities. The fabric sits smoothly against the skin without digging in, and the racerback, triangle, and open-back styles give you multiple fits depending on your preference.
Key specs
Fabric 95% Australian Merino wool / 5% elastane
Support light support, wire-free
Features moisture-wicking, odor-resistant, breathable, temperature-regulating, RWS-certified wool
Comes in 10 colors
Straps racerback options available
Although not technically underwear these merino wool thermal leggings are a great way to layer in the winter or even summer time. Made from 100% superfine 17.5-micron Merino wool, these women’s leggings deliver natural warmth, softness, and breathability in one. The heavyweight 320 g/m² version offers exceptional insulation for winter hikes or ski days, while the midweight and lightweight options provide year-round versatility. Each set comes with a bonus pair of Merino wool hiking socks (a $21 value), making it a thoughtful and practical gift for outdoor lovers.
Key specs
Fabric 100% superfine Merino wool
Weight available in lightweight 165 g/m², midweight 250 g/m², and heavyweight 320 g/m²
Included merino wool hiking socks included ($21 value)
Features moisture-wicking, odor-resistant, temperature regulating
Fit pull-on design for all-day comfort
Care machine washable; hand wash recommended for longevity
Best for winter layering, hiking, skiing, and everyday cold-weather comfort
Why Choose Merino Wool Underwear?
Merino wool underwear is more than a comfort upgrade, it’s a high-performance base layer that adapts to your lifestyle. Its natural fibers regulate body temperature, wick moisture, and resist odor far better than synthetic materials. Lightweight and breathable, it’s perfect for everything from backcountry adventures to long-haul travel.
Merino Wool vs Synthetic Underwear
While synthetics dry quickly, they often trap odor and lose softness over time. Merino wool, on the other hand, stays fresh longer thanks to its natural antibacterial properties. It’s also temperature-regulating, meaning you can wear it in both warm and cold conditions without overheating or feeling clammy.
Caring for Merino Wool Underwear
To keep your merino wool garments soft and long-lasting, wash them on a gentle cycle or by hand in cool water. Avoid bleach and fabric softeners, which can damage the fibers. Always air dry or line dry flat to maintain shape and elasticity.
The Best Way to Layer Merino Wool
For full-body comfort and performance, pair merino wool underwear with a merino wool base layer and top it with a mid-weight fleece or insulated shell. This natural layering system provides maximum warmth, breathability, and odor control during cold-weather adventures.
FAQs
Why choose merino wool underwear for women?
Merino wool naturally regulates temperature, wicks moisture, and prevents odor — making it ideal for travel, exercise, and everyday wear. It’s soft on the skin and adapts to changing conditions.
What’s the difference between bikini, hipster, and boxer styles?
Bikinis offer minimal coverage and a feminine silhouette, hipsters sit lower on the hips with moderate coverage, and boxers provide a longer, more supportive fit for active days.
Is merino wool underwear good for sensitive skin?
Yes — fine merino fibers are silky-smooth and itch-free, making them perfect for sensitive skin types that struggle with synthetic fabrics.
Can merino wool underwear replace synthetic activewear?
In most cases, yes. Merino offers better breathability, natural stretch, and superior odor control, making it an excellent alternative to synthetics for active and travel lifestyles.
Enjoyed our guide? Read more
Best Merino Wool Socks
Best Merino Wool Sweater for Women
The Best 100% Merino Wool Base Layer for Men
