37.5 - The Tech Behind The Perfect Sock

There's a noticable trend in the merino market. Maybe it's more like a stampede.

Every merino sock and base layer manufacturer is scrambling to combine merino wool with some kind of synthetic - bamboo, Tencel, etc. Most of these synthetics are gussied-up rayon or nylon and the main benefit they provide is lowering costs for the manufacturer. 

As usual, Point6 looks at things a little differently.

You need some nylon in a sock, usually in the heel and toe area, to provide structure and combat abrasion. Add too much, though, and the standout performance of merino wool begins to suffer.

We use a dynamic nylon called 37.5. It contains active natural particles that increase the surface area of the fiber, allowing it to use body heat to evaporate moisture in vapor form (BEFORE it becomes sweat) which enhances body temperature regulation and humidity next to the skin. Our 37.5 fiber is the perfect match for the performance of Point6 100% compact spun merino wool. Unlike a neutral fiber like nylon, 37.5 performs like merino wool.

 

For corroboration, we turned to a third-party lab called Inside Climate to test 37.5-equipped Point6 socks against those of a big competitor. Their findings, reflected in the charts below, are unmistakable. Point6 wins in breathability, thermoregulation and evaporation speed.