Description
Reiff · Merino Wool Skirt
Women's Merino Wool Skirt — Maja
Light-weight organic merino knit, above-knee silhouette. Versatile for business casual, travel, and everyday wear in mild and warm climates.
Heritage
Reiff is a third-generation family company based in the Swabian Alps region of Germany, specializing in organic merino wool apparel since the 1970s. The brand sources merino wool directly from certified organic, mulesing-free Patagonian farms, then handles the entire production chain—spinning, dyeing, knitting, and garment finishing—in-house in Germany. This vertical integration ensures complete traceability and consistent quality that few brands can match.
When to Wear
Mild and Warm Weather
The Maja skirt is a light-weight merino knit designed for mild and warm climates—think spring, summer, and early fall. It's best worn in temperatures above 15°C / 60°F, or as a layering piece over tights or leggings in transitional weather. The fine, thin construction prioritizes breathability over insulation, making it ideal for office settings, travel, weekend outings, and everyday wear in temperate regions. In colder climates or winter, pair it with merino or wool tights and a cardigan for warmth.
Materials & Construction
100% Organic Merino Wool
Fiber
100% merino wool from certified organic, mulesing-free Patagonian livestock
Weight & Knit
Light-weight, fine merino knit; thin construction ideal for mild and warm weather
Certifications
GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard); kbT (kontrolliert biologische Tierhaltung — organic livestock farming)
Country of Origin
Made in Germany (Swabian Alps region)
Construction
Flowy, above-knee cut with elastic waistband and A-line silhouette
kbT Certification Explained: kbT (kontrolliert biologische Tierhaltung) certifies that the wool comes from animals raised on certified organic farms with strict animal welfare standards, including pasture access, veterinary care without routine antibiotics, and chemical-free feed. This goes beyond fiber certification to cover the entire livestock farming practice.
Why Merino Wool
Natural Performance Fiber
Temperature Regulating
Merino adapts to your body temperature, keeping you comfortable across a range of mild-to-warm conditions without overheating.
Breathable
The fine knit allows air circulation, preventing stuffiness and making this skirt suitable for active wear or office settings.
Naturally Odor-Resistant
Merino wool resists odor and bacteria growth naturally. Most wearers find this skirt only needs washing every 3–5 wears, even with regular use.
Durable & Long-Lasting
Well-made merino garments last for years with proper care, making them excellent investments compared to synthetic or conventional cotton alternatives.
Sustainable Fiber
Merino is renewable, biodegradable, and requires no synthetic inputs. Reiff's GOTS and kbT certifications ensure the wool is produced ethically and sustainably.
Soft & Refined
Fine merino (typically 17–19 microns) is soft enough for direct skin contact for most people, though some individuals remain sensitive to all wool.
Sizing
Reiff Women's Sizing
Reiff women's sizing runs XS, S, L, and XL — there is no Medium size in the women's line. If you typically wear a Medium, compare your measurements to the chart below and choose S or L accordingly.
| International Size | European Size |
|---|---|
| XS | 34 |
| S | 36 |
| L | 40 |
| XL | 42 |
Fit Note
The Maja skirt has a relaxed, A-line cut that's generous through the hip. Reviewers describe it as flattering and forgiving rather than fitted. If you prefer a more shaped silhouette, size down. If you like room to move, size up.
The Real Picture
Who This Skirt Works For — And Who It Doesn't
Best For
This skirt shines for people who live in or travel to mild-to-warm climates and want a versatile merino piece for business casual, weekend, and everyday wear. It's excellent for anyone who values natural fiber quality, sustainability, and long-term investment over trendy fashion. The relaxed A-line cut suits many body shapes. It's also ideal for people who want to try fine merino wool in a lower-investment piece before committing to more expensive items like merino dresses or blankets.
Trade-Offs to Know
Weight & warmth: This is a light-weight skirt designed for mild weather. If you live in a cold climate, you'll need to layer it with tights or leggings in winter, which limits its standalone utility.
Transparency: The fine, thin knit can appear slightly see-through in bright light. Most wearers pair it with an underskirt, slip, or opaque tights for modesty and structure.
Wool sensitivity: Though fine merino is soft, some people react to all wool fiber. If you've experienced itching or sensitivity with wool before, test this on a short wear first or start with a wool/silk blend instead.
Relaxed fit: The generous A-line cut is flattering but not structured. If you prefer a more tailored or fitted silhouette, this won't deliver that aesthetic.
Care commitment: Wool requires hand or delicate machine washing in cool water. It cannot be tumble dried. For some, this is a bonus (extended garment life); for others, it's a hassle.
Transparency: The fine, thin knit can appear slightly see-through in bright light. Most wearers pair it with an underskirt, slip, or opaque tights for modesty and structure.
Wool sensitivity: Though fine merino is soft, some people react to all wool fiber. If you've experienced itching or sensitivity with wool before, test this on a short wear first or start with a wool/silk blend instead.
Relaxed fit: The generous A-line cut is flattering but not structured. If you prefer a more tailored or fitted silhouette, this won't deliver that aesthetic.
Care commitment: Wool requires hand or delicate machine washing in cool water. It cannot be tumble dried. For some, this is a bonus (extended garment life); for others, it's a hassle.
Investment Case
Reiff's vertical integration and GOTS/kbT certifications mean you're paying for genuine quality, traceability, and ethics—not a brand name. This skirt should last 5+ years with proper care and only improves with washing. At ~$75 USD, you're getting heritage European manufacturing and organic livestock certification. If you layer it strategically and live in a temperate climate, it becomes a year-round staple. The initial cost is higher than synthetic or fast-fashion alternatives, but the longevity and environmental footprint make it a genuinely sustainable choice.
Care & Maintenance
Keeping Your Skirt Fresh
Hand wash or delicate cycle Cold water only Wool-specific detergent Lay flat to dry No tumble drying
Washing: Hand wash in cold water with a wool-specific detergent (such as Eucalan or Sonett), or use your machine's delicate/wool cycle with cold water only. Gently press water out — never wring or twist. Rinse until the water runs clear.
Drying: Lay the skirt flat on a clean towel, reshape it to its original dimensions, and air dry away from direct heat or sunlight. This usually takes 24–48 hours. Never tumble dry, as heat will felt and shrink the wool permanently.
Between wears: Merino wool naturally resists odor and bacteria. Hang the skirt in fresh air between wears — airing for a few hours often refreshes it without washing. Most wearers wash this skirt every 3–5 wears, even with regular use.
Stain removal: Address spills immediately with a damp cloth. For stubborn stains, spot-clean with cold water and wool wash, then rinse thoroughly before air drying.
Questions
Frequently Asked
Is merino wool itchy?
Fine merino wool at 17–19 microns is significantly softer than coarse wool and is suitable for sensitive skin and direct skin contact for most people. However, a small percentage of individuals remain sensitive to all wool fiber, even fine merino. If you've reacted to wool in the past, consider trying a wool/silk blend first, which is the gentlest option and doesn't carry the same sensitivity risk.
Will this skirt shrink if I wash it wrong?
Yes. Wool will felt and shrink permanently if exposed to hot water, agitation, or tumble drying. This is why care instructions are non-negotiable: always use cold water, gentle agitation, and air drying only. Once you learn the routine, it becomes second nature and takes no longer than caring for delicate synthetics.
Can I wear this in winter?
Only if you layer it over opaque, warm tights or merino wool leggings. The skirt itself is too light-weight for cold weather worn alone. In mild winter climates (50–60°F / 10–15°C), layering works well. In harsh winters, this skirt is not practical as a standalone piece.
Is the skirt see-through?
In bright light, the thin knit can appear slightly transparent. Most wearers wear an underskirt, slip, or opaque tights underneath for both modesty and added structure. This is a common design choice for light-weight merino knitwear and is easy to manage with layering.
How often should I wash it?
Merino wool resists odor and rarely needs frequent washing. Most wearers wash every 3–5 wears. If you notice a smell or visible dirt, wash it. Otherwise, hanging it in fresh air for a few hours usually refreshes it. This means this skirt requires much less frequent washing than conventional cotton, saving water and extending garment life.
What does kbT mean?
kbT (kontrolliert biologische Tierhaltung) certifies that the wool comes from livestock raised on certified organic farms with strict animal welfare standards. Requirements include year-round pasture access, prohibition of routine antibiotics and growth hormones, and chemical-free feed. This certification covers farming practices, not just fiber properties, and is recognized across the EU.
Where are Reiff products made?
Reiff is a family company based in the Swabian Alps region of southern Germany and manufactures all products in-house. The entire supply chain — from wool sourcing in Patagonia to spinning, dyeing, knitting, and finishing — is managed by Reiff in Germany. This vertical integration ensures complete traceability and consistent quality.
What's the difference between this skirt and synthetic alternatives?
Merino wool is renewable, biodegradable, and naturally regulates temperature without chemicals. Synthetics are petroleum-based and shed microfibers into the environment with every wash. Merino also improves with age and gets softer with each wash, whereas synthetics deteriorate and pill. The upfront cost of merino is higher, but the longevity and environmental impact make it substantially cheaper and more responsible over time.
Additional Details
- Materials:
- 100% organic merino wool
- Origin:
- Made in Germany
- Care:
- Wool resists odor and is self-cleaning. Air out between wears. Spot clean as needed. Hand wash in cool water with wool detergent. Lay flat on a towel, roll to gently squeeze out excess water. Lay flat to dry.