
The season of cosiness may be officially upon us, but we’re certainly of the attitude that wool – in all its wondrous forms – is a material that can be called on all year round, whatever the weather outside!
Beyond being a rather brilliant fibre for crafting cosy blankets, snuggly shawls and sumptuously soft bedspreads, wool is an all-natural superstar that’s ideal for use throughout the year – even during the warmer months. To demonstrate this, we’re here to share just a handful of the incredibly unique properties that make wool a versatile and sustainable fabric choice for all seasons.
It’s naturally breathable
One of wool’s standout qualities has to be its breathability. This amazing fibre allows air to circulate freely, which, when compared with synthetic materials that trap heat and moisture, has the freshest and most comfortable result.
We recently delved deeper into the science behind the success of one wool type in particular, Merino wool. To truly understand wool’s breathability however, you first have to appreciate its moisture wicking capacity as Knowing Fabric describes:
“Wool, often associated with warmth, surprises many with its breathable properties. Its unique structure allows it to regulate temperature efficiently, making it suitable for both winter and summer wear. Wool fibres can absorb a significant amount of moisture without feeling wet, which helps maintain comfort levels.”
At its very core, wool responds to the environment to help you maintain a comfortable temperature. Its structure has microscopic crimps that create tiny air pockets to promote ventilation, keeping you cool in summer by releasing excess heat and warm in winter by trapping heat close to the body.
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It’s naturally insulating
Wool is renowned for its insulating properties, but this goes far beyond simply keeping you cosy. Wool fibres actively trap air to regulate body temperature even as it fluctuates, and this insulation works both ways to help you stay warm when it’s cold and cool when it’s hot.
Wool’s naturally insulating goodness is just one of the reasons why it’s increasingly used as activewear, with hikers, fitness enthusiasts and professional athletes relying on this age-old material. There’s minimal risk of overheating too thanks to those moisture wicking qualities we mentioned earlier.
It’s naturally comfortable
Wool is hygroscopic by nature, with its remarkable ability to absorb moisture from the air enabling you to stay warm and comfortable without feeling damp or wet.
Wool fibres can actually absorb up to 30% of their weight in moisture before they begin to feel soggy. Wool outperforms many materials as a result, including other natural fibres like cotton. It also dries quickly, making it the perfect choice for everything from activewear to bedding.
It’s naturally good
Sourced from the fleece of sheep, wool is of course a natural, eco-friendly material. It’s also a renewable resource that grows back year after year, not to mention fully biodegradable to minimise the strain synthetic fabrics put on landfill sites. Wool production uses less water and energy compared to synthetic textile manufacturing too.
Many wool garments last for years with proper care, keeping that all-important sustainable fashion cycle moving in the right direction. Because of its natural odour resistance, wool is a breeze to take care of, with the need for less frequent washing further reducing water usage as well as making life a LOT easier for you!