Is a merino wool dress suitable for the heat?

Yes. The thin merino knit transfers moisture away from the skin and regulates temperature, so the dress feels cool in the heat and warm on a cooling summer evening.

Do merino dresses have pockets?

Yes — pockets are found in the Ria, Ros and Mia styles. They also feature a merino-bamboo double knit: merino wool on the outside, soft bamboo viscose on the inside.

How do you wash a merino wool dress?

Usually airing is enough. If needed, wash on a 30-degree wool/delicates programme in a laundry bag with wool detergent, and dry flat.

Why is a merino wool dress the best choice for summer?

Q: Does a merino wool dress itch?

No. The 17.2-micron merino knit used in North Outdoor's dresses is particularly smooth and suitable even for sensitive skin.

A merino wool dress is one of summer's smartest clothing choices. The thin merino knit regulates temperature: in the heat the dress feels cool, and on a cool summer evening warmer than other thin dresses. The 17.2-micron knit used in North Outdoor's dresses is so smooth it doesn't itch even on sensitive skin — and the styles offer short and long hems, pockets, and both slim and flared cuts.

Lily merino dress is a lightweight frill-hem summer dress

Thanks to its lightness and comfort, the merino dress works equally well with sandals and trainers.

Why does a merino dress work in the heat?

Merino wool responds to body temperature: the knit transfers moisture away from the skin and evaporates it into the air, which cools you down. That's why a thin merino dress feels pleasantly cool on a hot summer day — and the same dress warms you when the evening cools. A merino dress also doesn't wrinkle in a suitcase and doesn't start to smell when you sweat, making it the perfect holiday and cabin garment: one dress is enough for a long trip.

Does a merino wool dress itch?

It doesn't itch. The long and fine fibre structure of merino wool enables smooth knits that feel completely different from traditional sheep's wool on the skin. The coarseness of the fibre is expressed in microns, and you can see it in the product information: the 17.2-micron knit used in North Outdoor's dresses is particularly smooth. When wearing a merino dress, you often forget the fabric is wool.

Aurelia merino dress with butterfly sleeves and an airy hem

The Aurelia merino dress combines a perfect fit, a light and airy hem, and beautiful butterfly sleeves. The dress is available in ruby and indigo.

Which merino dresses are right for summer?

Lily — frill-hem summer dress with butterfly sleeves, the lightest summer choice. Available in atlantic blue and wild rose, among others
Aurelia — striking and lightweight, airy hem and butterfly sleeves
Ros — North Outdoor's best-selling dress style, with pockets
Ria — long-hemmed and elegant, with pockets
Mia — soft and covering everyday favourite, with pockets

Tip: During Summer Sale 11.6.–12.7.2026 merino dresses are up to 40% off — see the selection.

Summer dress with pockets — customer favourite

Pockets are one of the most appreciated features in our dresses — found in the Ria, Ros and Mia styles. These dresses also share a soft and covering double knit: the outer surface is breathable, mulesing-free merino wool and the inner side is soft bamboo viscose.

Ros merino dress with pockets is North Outdoor's best-selling dress style

Merino dress Ros is North Outdoor's best-selling dress style and is available in several colours.

Ria merino dress is a long-hemmed summer dress with pockets

The long-hemmed merino dress Ria is made from the popular merino-bamboo fabric.

How do I care for a merino dress in summer?

Usually airing is enough — merino wool cleanses itself in fresh air. When you wash, use a 30-degree wool/delicates programme, a laundry bag and wool detergent, and prefer flat drying. See care instructions.

North Outdoor is a Finnish merino wool clothing manufacturer — our knitwear is made in Oulu. See all merino dresses →