The Benefits of Wool

Wool is an extraordinary fiber. First off and potentially most importantly, it’s a completely renewable resource, so it’s environmentally conscious, much unlike synthetic polyester which uses crude oil for its production, degrading our environment with its creation and disposal. Sheep naturally grow wool, with only their diet of grass, water, and sunshine. It’s estimated that humans have been using this wool for up to 10,000 years for clothing and shelter. Wool is also biodegradable, meaning it causes no environmental harm when it’s disposed of. It is made up of keratin, and in soil is naturally broken down by microorganisms.

So that’s more than enough to sell me on its benefits, but let’s also talk about the benefits of actually wearing wool fibers. There are so, SO many - today, we’ll go over three:

1. Wool is temperature regulating and moisture wicking 2. Wool is odor resistant and easy to clean and 3. Wool is incredibly versatile. These are just skimming the surface of the ways wearing wool clothing is beneficial, but they make an excellent starting point, in case you’ve been on the fence about investing in some quality wool clothing. And yes, quality wool clothing is an investment. I understand the sticker shock that hits when you first look into it. Clothing made of wool is made to last. The fibers are durable and quite flexible - they can bend up to 20,000 times before breaking, creating a cloth that can hold up for years.

1. Temperature regulating & moisture wicking

   The naturally crimped wool fibers trap air providing insulation, and simultaneously create breathability. These tiny pockets of trapped air prevent body heat from escaping. As counterintuitive as it may sound, wool is a poor heat conductor, and does not absorb the heat around it. That means the heat your body is creating stays in your body, rather than escaping into your clothing or the air. The process that happens as wool wicks moisture also actually generates heat. This is called adsorption (different than absorption.) When moisture comes into contact with wool, the outer layer of the fibers trap the water vapor, keeping it from reaching the inner cortex of the fibers. This produces a reaction which generates heat.

   Warmth might be one of wool’s most well known attributes, but did you know it also helps keep your body cool during the warmer seasons? It’s breathability and moisture wicking magic help create a cool, comfortable and dry microclimate around our bodies while in the heat or being physically active.

2. Odor resistant & easy to clean

   Wool contains lanolin - a natural waxy substance sheep produce. It coats and softens the wool fibers, helping to protect and nourish it from the harsh elements. This lanolin is what gives wool it’s odor resistance. Lanolin repels the compounds that create dingy odor. This also means wool does not (dare I say should not) be washed after every wear. Unless it is soiled in some way, simply airing out your wool garments between wears will suffice for cleaning.

   Once they do get soiled and need a true wash, you can hand wash or put them in the machine on a cold, gentle cycle. Use a mild detergent that’s free from enzymes, optical brighteners, and phosphates. Then simply line dry or dry flat.

3. Truly versatile

   On its own, wool is quite versatile and can meet your needs no matter the climate you live in. It is used to make everything from warm, cozy sweaters, thick coats, flexible activewear, cozy pajamas, all the way to tailored suits and formal wear. There are more than 1000 sheep breeds roaming the world, each growing a unique type of wool. And once that wool is collected, it can also be combined with other materials like silk, cotton and linen to create a seemingly endless variety of fabrics for anything you could need.

Wool isn’t only for clothing, either. It makes for excellent blankets, kitchen towels, dryer balls, for endless craft creations, decor, all the way to a fire suppressant and sound proofer. We recently received our restock of wool goodies from Ruskovilla - shop here - with lots of gloves, mittens, balaclavas, and much more. Come by and feel for yourself how soft and cozy wool clothing is!

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