Reiff · Merino Wool Fleece Wearable Blanket
Reiff Baby Winter Wearable Blanket with Sleeves
100% organic merino wool fleece made in Germany. Naturally warm, breathable wearable blanket for winter sleep and daytime warmth. Sizes newborn to 4 years.
Reiff has been making organic natural fiber clothing in Germany since 1939. Founded as Reiff Strick in Gömmingen, the company started with wool knits for babies and has evolved into a leader in certified organic wool and cotton textiles. Today, Reiff produces everything in-house or within 50 km of their headquarters, maintaining direct oversight of every step—from fiber sourcing to finished product. Their commitment to GOTS and kbT certifications, along with mulesing-free Patagonian merino, reflects decades of ethical sourcing discipline.
When to wear it
A Winter Wearable Blanket, Not a Sleep Sack
This is a wearable blanket with sleeves—a hybrid piece that functions as both a sleep layer and a daytime cover-up. Merino wool fleece is warmer and heavier than knitted merino, making it ideal for cold climates (below 18°C / 64°F) or as a standalone piece in winter. The sleeves allow freedom of movement while maintaining full-body coverage, unlike a traditional sleep sack. Reiff positions this for overnight sleep in cold rooms or as a layering piece under outdoor jackets.
Temperature Range
Best suited for temperatures below 18°C (64°F). In warmer climates, use as a layering piece or reserve for winter months. Not suitable for summer use or warm rooms.
Fiber & Build
Materials and Construction
This wearable blanket is knitted 100% merino wool, then brushed to create a soft pile—a construction known as wool fleece. The brushing creates a dense, insulating surface while retaining the breathability of knitted wool. The result is warmer than flat-knit merino but maintains merino's natural temperature regulation and moisture management.
Fiber: 100% Merino Wool Fleece
Brushed knit merino creates a soft pile similar in feel to synthetic fleece, but entirely from wool. Warmer than flat-knit merino at equivalent thickness, making it ideal for winter wear.
Certifications: GOTS & kbT
GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) covers both fiber farming and processing. kbT (kontrolliert biologische Tierhaltung) certifies that wool comes from organic livestock with strict animal welfare standards.
Wool Origin: Patagonia (Mulesing-Free)
Merino fleece is sourced from organic herds in Patagonia (Argentina), processed and knitted in Germany. Mulesing-free sourcing is a core Reiff requirement.
Manufacturing: Made in Germany
Reiff produces this piece in-house in Gömmingen or within a 50 km radius. Full control over quality and labor practices.
Why wool fleece, not knit? Fleece is warmer and denser, ideal for winter sleep in cool rooms. The brushed surface increases insulation while the underlying knit structure retains wool's breathability, preventing overheating even when snug.
Warmth Rating
TOG Rating & Temperature Guide
TOG (Thermal Overall Grade) measures sleep garment warmth. This wearable blanket is rated 2.5 TOG — suitable for cold winter nights and well-insulated rooms. Below is what that means for your home temperature.
2.5 TOG Rating
Winter Sleep
Best for cold rooms and overnight use. Provides substantial warmth without overheating in properly cooled spaces.
Temperature Range
15–21°C (59–70°F)
Ideal room temperature for this wearable blanket. Above 21°C, risk of overheating. Below 15°C, consider layering over lightweight base layers.
How to use TOG as a guide: Room temperature matters more than age. Measure your bedroom temperature with a thermometer, not estimation. If your room consistently stays above 21°C (70°F), this piece will be too warm; choose a lighter-weight merino sleep sack instead.
Key Features
Temperature Regulation
Merino naturally absorbs and releases moisture, keeping your baby warm without overheating. Wool's hollow fiber structure traps air for insulation.
Soft Fleece Texture
Brushed merino creates a plush surface. Fine merino (17–19 microns) is soft enough for sensitive skin; only a small percentage of babies react to wool.
Sleeves for Movement
Unlike sleep sacks, sleeves allow arm movement and easier daytime wear. Practical for layering over clothing or wearing alone in winter.
Naturally Odor-Resistant
Wool's antibacterial properties mean this piece rarely needs washing. Air between wears, and it stays fresh—reducing wear and tear from frequent laundering.
GOTS & kbT Certified
Organic fiber farming, ethical processing, and strict animal welfare standards. Full transparency from farm to finished product.
Durability & Hand-Me-Down Friendly
Quality construction built to last multiple children when cared for properly. Wool naturally resists pilling and wear.
How to Fit
Sizing by Age and Height
European Sizing Note
Reiff sizes run slightly slim, particularly in the chest. If your child is at the upper end of an age range or naturally tall, size up for comfort and longevity.
| EU 50–56 |
0–3 months |
50–56 cm (19–22 in) |
Newborn to early infant. Slimmer fit; size up if baby is larger. |
| EU 62–68 |
3–6 months |
57–68 cm (24–27 in) |
Early to mid-infancy. Use length to confirm fit. |
| EU 74–80 |
6–12 months |
69–80 cm (29–31 in) |
Mid to late infancy. Most popular size range. |
| EU 86–92 |
1–2 years |
81–92 cm (34–36 in) |
Toddler. Slimmer than some brands; size up if uncertain. |
| EU 98–104 |
2–3 years |
93–104 cm (38–41 in) |
Early preschool. Width in chest may still run slim. |
| EU 116 |
3–4 years |
105–116 cm (45 in) |
Preschool to kindergarten. Final size in this range. |
Measuring tip: Measure your child's height and chest (armpit to armpit) to confirm size. European sizing skips some sizes (there is no medium-width option between sizes). If your child is between sizes, choose the larger size for comfort and wear longevity.
Be Honest
What Works Well & What Doesn't
Best For
Babies and toddlers in cold climates or winter-only use. Parents who want a wearable layer that doubles as sleep cover and daytime warmth. Families comfortable with hand-washing delicate wool pieces. Children without wool sensitivity (fine merino is tolerable for most). Multi-child families planning to pass this down—durability is a selling point.
Trade-Offs
Care commitment: Wool requires hand or delicate machine washing in cold water with wool-specific detergent. Hot water, agitation, or tumble drying will felt and shrink this piece permanently. Not for warm climates: This fleece is heavy and unsuitable for year-round use or mild winters. Wool sensitivity: Fine merino at 17–19 microns is soft enough for most babies, but a small percentage of children react to wool. If your child has reacted to wool before, start with a wool/silk blend instead. Price: Heritage European brands carry heritage European prices. This is an investment piece, not a budget option.
Investment Case
Reiff's construction and fiber sourcing support longevity. This piece will last through multiple children when cared for properly. The fleece resists pilling and wear better than lightweight knits. Because wool naturally resists odor, it requires fewer washes than synthetic or cotton pieces, reducing fiber stress. For families committing to 3–5+ years of use, the per-wear cost drops significantly.
How to Care
Washing & Maintenance
Hand or delicate machine wash Cold water only Wool wash detergent Lay flat to dry No tumble dry
Washing: Hand wash in cold water with a wool-specific detergent (Eucalan, Sonett, or similar), or use your machine's wool cycle with cold water. Fill the machine only halfway to three-quarters full to allow the fabric to move freely. Use a gentle detergent; standard laundry soap can strip wool's natural oils and cause stiffness. Press water out gently—never wring or twist. Lay flat on a clean towel to air dry, away from direct heat or sunlight. Never tumble dry; high heat will permanently felt and shrink this piece.
Between washes: Wool is naturally odor-resistant and rarely needs frequent washing. Air this piece between wears—hang it outside or near a window for 12–24 hours. Light surface dirt brushes off once dry. Spot-clean small stains with a damp cloth and wool wash. Most stains can be treated this way without a full wash.
Why so gentle? Wool's scales open in hot water and agitation, causing the fiber to felt (lock together) and shrink irreversibly. Cold water and wool wash keep the scales closed and the fiber soft. This care routine becomes routine once learned.
Questions Answered
Frequently Asked Questions
Is merino wool itchy? Will my baby react to it?
Fine merino at 17–19 microns is soft and breathable—meaningfully different from coarse wool sweaters. Most babies and sensitive-skinned adults tolerate it well. However, a small percentage of people are still sensitive to any wool, regardless of fineness. If your child has reacted to wool before, or if you're uncertain, start with a wool/silk blend instead (the silk softens the hand significantly). Never assume merino will work for wool-sensitive skin without testing first on a small piece.
What's the difference between this fleece and a merino knit sleep sack?
This is a wearable blanket with sleeves; a traditional sleep sack is sleeveless and sized by length. Fleece (brushed knit) is warmer than flat-knit merino because the brushed surface increases insulation. The sleeves here allow arm movement, making it practical for daytime layering or sleep. It's best for winter use; a flat-knit merino sleep sack is lighter and works year-round in milder climates.
How often should I wash this?
Due to wool's natural odor resistance, this piece rarely needs washing. Air it between wears (12–24 hours) and spot-clean stains. Full washing every 2–3 weeks is typical for regular wear; some parents wash only monthly if the piece stays clean. Minimal washing extends the life of the fibers. Always use cold water and wool wash; hot water and standard detergent will damage it.
Will this get holes or pill?
Wool fleece resists pilling better than lightweight knits because the fibers are brushed into a denser surface. Pills form when loose surface fibers tangle; proper washing (gentle, cold, wool detergent) minimizes this. If light pilling occurs, a wool comb gently removes it. Reiff's quality construction means this piece holds up to multiple children's use.
Is Reiff really made in Germany?
Yes. Reiff produces this piece in-house in Gömmingen, Germany, or through partner manufacturers within 50 km of their headquarters. They maintain direct oversight of every step from fiber to finished product. This commitment to local production is a core part of their brand philosophy and differentiates them from brands that outsource manufacturing.
What is kbT certification, and why does it matter?
kbT (kontrolliert biologische Tierhaltung) is a German organic livestock farming standard. It certifies that wool comes from animals raised on certified organic farms with strict animal welfare requirements—pasture access, restricted medication use, and no mulesing. It's a stricter standard than GOTS alone and demonstrates commitment to both fiber purity and animal care. Reiff holds both GOTS and kbT certification.
Can I use this for a warm-climate baby or summer?
No. Merino wool fleece is warm and best suited for temperatures below 18°C (64°F). In warm climates or during summer, this piece will be too heavy and cause overheating. Choose a lightweight merino knit sleep sack or organic cotton piece instead. Reserve this wearable blanket for winter months only.
