Wool, a fiber of animal origin, is one of the most widely used materials in the textile industry. It evokes images of authentic, high-quality, natural, and comforting products . We all have memories of woolen knitwear or warm blankets from our grandparents, for example. Wool’s properties are highly valued, and its rustic look never goes out of style. Yet, preconceived notions persist about this time-honored material. We wanted to take a closer look at some of these ideas —some of which are true, and some of which are not.
Wool keeps you warm: True
Wool keeps you warm—that’s its most well-known quality. In fact, wool is insulating because nearly 80% of its weight is air, which acts as an effective barrier against the outside air. Since air is the best insulator, that’s why it’s recommended to wear three layers of clothing in very cold weather. Between these layers of clothing, the air acts as an extra barrier, so you stay twice as warm. Wool is therefore the best choice for clothing or bedding to stay nice and warm. Because of this quality, some people worry that wool will make them too hot and cause them to sweat.
Wool makes you sweat: False
It is a common misconception that wool is too warm and can cause excessive sweating. However, this is not the case. Wool has thermoregulatory properties. This means it wicks away excess heat to keep the body at a comfortable temperature. In addition, it is hydrophilic and has a high moisture-absorption capacity—up to 30% of its weight. It is therefore a breathable material, and even more breathable than most other materials. A true ally in regulating body temperature, it also provides protection against other external elements, such as dust mites.
Wool promotes the growth of dust mites: False
People often assume that traditional materials are the ideal habitat for dust mites. That wool blanket you’ve been using for years—which you imagine is teeming with these invaders—might not actually be all that hospitable to them. As a reminder, dust mites are microscopic creatures that particularly love to take up residence in bedding and can trigger allergies. The ideal environment for their growth is a temperature of 25 to 28°C, and, above all, humidity. However, as we’ve seen before, wool absorbs a large amount of moisture. Furthermore, since wool doesn’t generate static electricity, it’s less likely to trap dust mites.
Wool is a sustainable material: True
Wool is a very durable material that stands up to the rigors of everyday life with flying colors. It has been used since prehistoric times, so it has proven its worth for a very long time. It resists moisture and UV rays, is flame-resistant (much more so than cotton), and loses very little of its shape over time. In fact, it isa fiber with high resilience. Just like hair, it is composed of keratin molecules. Its elasticity is such thatit can be stretched to 70% of its natural length and still return to its original size. Finally, wool can be folded nearly 20,000 times without breaking. This is a remarkable feat when you consider that, by comparison, cotton can be damaged after just 3,000 folds.
Wool Is Eco-Friendly: True or False
Wool has a very long lifespan—almost unlimited—because it can be recycled. And the process of recycling wool requires very little energy and doesn’t use much water. This is good news for the circular economy. Wool is also biodegradable because it is a natural fiber. It takes only a few months to decompose. During this process, it releases sulfur, nitrogen, and magnesium, which help nourish the soil. At the same time, wool production can be considered polluting due to sheep farming. Sheep release methane during digestion. Not to mention the use of pesticides and insecticides. It is therefore recommended to prioritize products made with recycled wool or locally produced wool ( to limit the carbon footprint) from non-intensive family farms. Wool still has a bright future ahead. Timeless and packed with remarkable qualities, it clearly stands out from all other materials. But to enjoy its benefits while ensuring a low environmental impact, it’s best to turn to committed companies that have control over the traceability of their raw materials and/or use recycled wool.