March 17, 2023

The Benefits of Wool Clothing

There are many benefits of wool clothes. Wool is a versatile fabric used for centuries due to its unique properties. Unlike synthetic fabrics that are often made from petroleum-based materials, wool is a natural fiber that comes from the fleece of animals like merino sheep. This type of wool, in particular, has become increasingly popular for making clothing that can be worn all year round.

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Wool clothing is made from raw wool, which is taken from sheep’s wool and has been used by humans for clothing since the 12th century, but we know that wool was used even way before that. The fleece of wool is mentioned in the Bible when Gideon speaks with God:

“Behold, I will put a fleece of wool in the floor; and if the dew be on the fleece only, and it be dry upon all the earth beside, then shall I know that thou wilt save Israel by mine hand, as thou hast said.” Judges 6:37  

The wool industry has continued to thrive, and wool products such as winter coats and wool socks are still popular today.

One of the main reasons for this is how wool regulates body temperature. In cold weather, the natural way of wool fibers traps air pockets that insulate the body, keeping it warm. In warmer weather, the wool fabric wicks moisture away from the body, keeping it cool and dry. These benefits of wool clothes are unmatched by synthetic fibers, which can trap heat and cause discomfort. In this blog post, we’ll explore why (merino) wool clothing is the perfect choice for all seasons.

Natural wool fibers

Wool fibers are natural protein fibers that come from the fleece of sheep. Merino wool fibers, which are commonly produced in Australia and New Zealand, are particularly fine and soft to the touch.

A single wool fiber looks different from, let’s say, human hair. This picture shows the different structures found in different types of fibers. That gives a good idea of why wool is such a good insulator.

Because of the structure of a single wool fiber, wool is able to form tiny air pockets that trap body heat, making them a great insulator for colder weather. These pockets of air also help to regulate temperature and wick away moisture, making merino wool a great choice for activewear and outdoor clothing, but later we’ll look a bit more into detail on why wool is great for outdoor enthusiasts. Let’s find out some more about wool fibers first.

Wool for sensitive skin

Merino wool fibers are also known for being gentle on sensitive skin, with fewer pressure points than other types of wool fibers. The fine texture of the fibers means that they are less likely to cause itching or irritation, and the natural moisture-wicking properties of wool make it a great choice for people who are prone to sweating.

Relieve pressure points

Also, wool fleece or mats made of wool can be used to relieve points of pressure for those who are in a wheelchair or need to stay in bed for a while.

Sustainable

In addition to its comfort benefits, merino wool is also a sustainable and eco-friendly choice. It is a natural, renewable resource that is biodegradable and can be recycled, and it requires less energy and water to produce wool fabric than synthetic fibers.

Overall, the benefits of wearing merino wool clothing include its softness, warmth, breathability, moisture-wicking properties, and sustainability. Its fine texture and natural properties make it a great choice for people with sensitive skin, and its ability to regulate temperature makes it a versatile choice for a range of outdoor activities. It’s fantastic to use as a base layer in summer, let’s see why in the next point.

The benefits of wool clothes in summer

While wool clothing might not seem like an obvious choice for hot summer days at first, there are actually several benefits of wool clothes that make it a great choice for warmer months.

Wool is a natural insulator

First and foremost, wool has natural properties that make it a great natural insulator, which means it can help regulate your body temperature and provide a cooling effect in hot weather.

Wool is a great absorber

This is due to the fact that wool fibers are able to wick sweat away from the skin and release it as water vapor into the air, which helps to cool the body down. Did you know that wool can absorb up to 30% of its own body weight in moisture without feeling wet? That means when you get sweaty, you won’t feel cold as soon, as opposed to wearing cotton or synthetic fabrics.

Here’s a picture of our little lady in her wool fleece overall at the beach on a sunny day! ↓ Scroll down to see how this wool suit is perfect for colder days as well! ↓

UV-protection

In addition, wool clothing can also act as a protective outer layer against UV radiation, which can be especially important during the summer months.

Anti-microbial properties of wool

Another benefit of wool clothing is that it has natural anti-microbial properties due to the naturally occurring wool fat: the lanolin, which can help to reduce body odor and prevent the growth of bacteria that can make clothing a breeding ground for germs. This is particularly true of Australian merino wool, which is known for its softness and durability. It’s always a good idea to regularly spray your wool garments with a wool lanolin spray to keep the wool feeling soft and maintain its beneficial properties.

Overall, wool clothing, including wool base layers, can be a great choice for hot days when the ambient temperature is high(er), thanks to the natural properties of wool. Whether you’re wearing clothing made from sheep wool or wool from angora goats, you can enjoy the benefits of wool clothes’ temperature control and cooling effect, as well as its ability to wick away sweat and reduce body odor. So, don’t be afraid to incorporate wool clothing into your summer wardrobe and enjoy the many benefits of wool clothes.

Here she is again…♡ Cold weather edition↑

The benefits of wool clothes in winter

Wearing wool clothes in winter is beneficial for several reasons.  Firstly, wool has natural insulating properties that help to keep you warm in cold temperatures. Some people are more sensitive to the texture of wool. This is especially true of merino wool fibers, which are finer and softer than other types of wool, making merino wool products more comfortable to wear for some people. Although, any type of wool has these great properties mentioned above.

A durable investment

In addition to its insulating properties, wool clothing also has the ability to retain its natural shape, even after repeated use. This means that your merino wool garments will maintain their shape and fit over time, making them a durable and long-lasting investment.

Naturally odor & stain resistant

Wool clothing also has a natural resistance to odors and stains, thanks to the naturally occurring lanolin, which means that it can be worn multiple times without needing to be washed as frequently as synthetic materials. This can be especially convenient during the winter months when drying laundry can be more challenging.

Great body temperature regulator

Wool clothing is also known for its ability to regulate body temperature, which means that it can keep you warm in cold weather while also preventing you from overheating if the temperature rises.

Timeless

Finally, wool clothing is a favorite among fashion designers due to its versatility, durability, and unique texture. So, if you want to stay warm and stylish in winter, consider investing in some merino wool clothes or a cozy wool shirt made from sheep’s wool!

DIY wool lanolin spray

Take me to the tutorial!

Wool for outdoor activities

Wool base layers are one of the best fabrics for outdoor enthusiasts due to their many f. Wool apparel, particularly merino clothes, provides weather protection, keeps you warm even when wet, and has a low dry weight.

Water-repellent

One of the benefits of wool clothes is that it naturally repels water, making it water-resistant. Water molecules are not able to penetrate the protective layer of wool fibers, because the wool fat (lanolin) prevents that.

Unlike synthetic fibers, wool is able to regulate the amount of water content within its fibers. This means that even when wet, wool will still provide warmth and comfort. The type of wool used in wool base layers, particularly merino wool, has a finer and softer texture than regular wool.

Fire retardant

The amino acids in wool help to create a natural fire retardant, making it a safe option for use around campfires.

Biodegradable

Wool also has the benefit of being an environmentally friendly material that biodegrades easily.

In summary, wool base layers are a great solution for outdoor enthusiasts who want weather protection, warmth, and comfort without the added weight of synthetic fibers. More chunky wool sweaters are great for colder outdoor evenings. Though keep in mind that wool isn’t a particularly good wind stopper unless you use boiled wool. Wool’s natural water resistance and fire retardant properties make it a simple solution for sitting around the campfire, for splashy adventures in the water, and for cooler evenings in the outdoors..

Caring for wool clothing

Although you can’t just throw your wool garments in the washing machine along with your regular laundry and detergent, taking care of wool garments is actually pretty easy with a few simple tips.

While wool is a natural product it should be taken care of with its unique properties in mind. If not taken care of properly wool can be felt and crimped in the washing machine. If that happens it’s pretty much become useless for its original purpose.

To protect your wool garments, hand washing is the best thing you can do. However, if you prefer to use a washing machine, use the delicate or wool setting, and don’t forget to use laundry soap or detergent specifically suitable for wool. Avoid using fabric softeners or bleach. After washing, gently press the excess water out of the garment and lay it flat to dry, being careful not to hang it as this can cause it to stretch out of shape. Note: this is the ideal wool garment care, but as a busy mom of four I totally understand that it’s more convenient to use the wool setting on your washing machine and just a gentle spinning cycle to wash your woolies. And that’s fine as well.

A more thorough guide on how to care for wool is included in the post I wrote on caring for a wool blanket. Whether you’re trying to wash a wool blanket, wool shirt, or sock. Wool care is pretty much the same. And don’t forget that regular spritz of lanolin spray, that really makes a difference in the performance and feel of your wool items.

With proper care, your wool garments will remain soft, and warm, and retain their natural beneficial properties. Plus, taking care of your wool items means they will last longer and continue to look and feel like new fleece for years to come. Total easy care for your wool items is possible with just a little extra attention to detail.