Reiff · Merino Wool & Silk Pants
Merino Wool & Silk Pants for Babies
Fine merino and silk blend pants for early morning layering and sleep. Naturally temperature-regulating, breathable, and engineered for sensitive skin.
About Reiff
Reiff is a German heritage brand founded in 1939, specializing in knitwear and wool apparel for families across three generations. Based in Giengingen, Reiff operates in-house flat knitting facilities and produces exclusively in Germany, controlling every step from yarn to finished garment. The company is known for meticulous craftsmanship in sleep sacks, base layers, and transitional wear—pieces designed to last through multiple children and hold their shape after countless gentle washes.
Perfect For
A Gentle First Layer for Spring, Summer, and Mild Days
These wool and silk pants work as a lightweight base layer under sleep sacks or outerwear, or as a standalone bottom layer on mild days (60–70°F / 15–21°C). The silk-softened merino makes them ideal for babies transitioning from newborn wraps, those with very sensitive skin, or families exploring wool clothing for the first time. The foldable cuffs keep tiny feet warm during tummy time and sleep without the bulk of thicker fleece.
Layering context: Pair with a merino bodysuit or long-sleeve top in cool weather, or wear alone under a wearable blanket for room-temperature sleep. The pants adapt from season to season—light enough for spring naps, breathable enough for layering under summer outerwear.
Fiber & Craftsmanship
Materials & Construction
Fiber Blend
70% organic merino wool, 30% silk. Fine, next-to-skin merino around 18–19 microns, softened by the silk admixture for a smooth, lustrous hand-feel.
Knit Structure
Interlock knit construction with terry cloth backing on the inside, creating an enclosed, cushioned interior that feels gentle against delicate skin.
Country of Origin
100% designed and manufactured in Germany. Reiff controls all production in-house, from knitting to finishing, within a 50 km radius of their facility.
kbT Certification
kbT (kontrolliert biologische Tierhaltung) certifies the wool comes from organically raised sheep in Patagonia with strict animal welfare and mulesing-free standards.
What Merino & Silk Do Together
Merino is naturally temperature-regulating, breathable, and odor-resistant. Silk softens the hand, adds a subtle sheen, and creates a barrier between the wool and skin—making this blend the gentlest option for wool-skeptics and children with a history of wool sensitivity.
What You Get
Why Parents Choose These Pants
Temperature-Regulating Fiber
Merino wool naturally adapts to your baby's body temperature, staying warm when cool and breathable when warm. The silk admixture ensures comfort without heaviness.
Foldable Cuff Design
The elastic-cuffed waist and foot openings fold down or up to grow with your baby, or stay folded to cover tiny feet. Simple to adjust as your child grows through sizes.
Gentle on Sensitive Skin
Fine merino at 18–19 microns is soft enough for most babies and newborns. The silk backing creates a cushioned, non-irritating interior surface. Ideal for eczema-prone or wool-sensitive children.
German Heritage Craftsmanship
Hand-finished knitwear made by a three-generation family business. Engineered to last through multiple children and repeated gentle washing without pilling or shape loss.
Fit & Sizing
Find Your Size
Reiff apparel is sized by height (in centimeters) rather than age or weight. Each range represents both the length of the garment and the intended developmental stage. European sizing runs slightly slim—if your child is at the upper end of a range or tall for their age, size up.
| Size |
Age (approx.) |
Height |
Inseam / Length |
| EU 50–56 |
0–3 months |
50–56 cm (19–22") |
~25 cm |
| EU 62–68 |
3–6 months |
62–68 cm (24–27") |
~30 cm |
| EU 74–80 |
6–9 months |
74–80 cm (29–31") |
~35 cm |
| EU 86–92 |
9–12 months |
86–92 cm (34–36") |
~40 cm |
How to measure: Measure your baby lying down from hip to ankle (inside leg length), or compare the pants to a pair that fits well. The foldable cuffs allow a few centimeters of adjustment on both ends.
Is This Right for Us?
Best For, Trade-Offs, and the Care Commitment
Best For:
Families seeking a gentle merino base layer for newborns or sensitive-skinned babies; parents new to wool who want the gentlest entry point (wool/silk blends are softer than 100% merino); layering under sleep sacks in spring and summer; gift-givers looking for heirloom-quality basics that outlast one child.
Trade-Offs & Considerations:
Wool sensitivity: While fine merino and silk is the softest combination Reiff makes, a small percentage of children react to any wool fiber. If your child has reacted to wool before, start with a single garment or a half-day trial. Care requirements: These pants must be washed in cold water with wool-specific detergent and laid flat to dry—machine drying will felt them. Simple once learned, but non-negotiable. Weight: These are lightweight; they layer rather than insulate alone. Pair with a sleep sack or additional layer in cool weather.
The Investment Case:
Reiff pieces hold their shape through years of washing and multiple children. A well-cared-for pair of these pants easily passes through 2–3 kids. The cost-per-wear—especially if you're building a wool base layer wardrobe—compares favorably to mid-range conventional cotton basics that wear out in a single season.
Keep Them Beautiful
Care Instructions
Hand wash or wool cycle
Cold water only
Wool-specific detergent
Lay flat to dry
No tumble drying
No bleach
Washing: Hand wash in cold water with a wool-specific detergent such as Eucalan or Sonett, or use your machine's wool/delicate cycle with cold water only. Do not exceed 30°C (86°F). Gently press water out after washing—never wring or twist. Merino naturally resists odor and rarely needs frequent washing; airing between wears is often enough.
Drying: Lay flat on a clean towel away from direct heat or sunlight. Reshape while damp if needed. Do not tumble dry or machine dry—heat will cause the fibers to felt and the garment to shrink irreversibly.
Why this matters: Wool is composed of overlapping protein scales. Hot water, agitation, and heat cause those scales to lock together and felt the fabric. Cold water with gentle detergent keeps the scales relaxed. Once you establish the routine, wool care becomes automatic and these pieces last for years.
Questions
Frequently Asked
Will my baby find these itchy?
Fine merino at 18–19 microns is meaningfully softer than coarser wool, and the silk backing makes these the gentlest merino/silk blend Reiff makes. Most babies and sensitive-skinned children find them comfortable against skin. However, a small percentage of people are sensitive to any wool fiber. If your child has reacted to wool before, start with a single piece for a short wear and watch for any rash. If sensitivity occurs, switch to an organic cotton base layer instead. We also offer pure merino options in finer micron counts if you want to test higher-quality wool.
Can I machine wash these?
Yes, if your machine has a dedicated wool cycle with cold water and a spin speed not exceeding 400 revolutions. Never use a standard wash cycle or hot water—this will felt the fibers. Hand washing in cold water with wool detergent is gentler and recommended if you want to maximize the life of the pants. Most families find hand washing simpler and faster than fussing with machine settings.
When should I size up?
If your child is at the top of a height range or grows quickly, size up one size. The foldable cuffs provide a few centimeters of adjustment on each end, but the inseam length can't be extended. If your baby is 85 cm and the 74–80 cm size fits now, the 86–92 cm will be long enough for 3–4 more months of wear.
Can these go in the dryer?
No. Tumble drying will felt the wool fibers and shrink the garment. Lay flat to dry after gently pressing out water. Drying time is typically 12–24 hours depending on humidity.
What's the difference between these and 100% merino pants?
The 30% silk admixture makes these softer and shinier than 100% merino, with a slightly warmer hand-feel and more elegant drape. Silk is the gentlest addition Reiff makes for sensitive skin. If your child tolerates wool well, 100% merino options offer more warmth and a bit more durability, but the wool/silk blend is the best choice for first-time wool or very sensitive skin.
Will these last through multiple children?
Yes, with proper care. Reiff is engineered for longevity. These pants will pass easily through 2–3 children if washed gently in cold water and laid flat to dry. The interlock knit resists pilling, and the seams remain strong. Many families keep Reiff pieces for 5+ years of active wear across multiple kids.
Are these unisex?
Yes. The gentle colors and neutral style work for all genders. The cut is simple—a comfortable harem pant with foldable cuffs, no gender-coded design.
