A Guide to Wearing Wool in the Summer (2024)

A Guide to Wearing Wool in the Summer (1)

As the days start getting longer and the temperature heats up, it may be tempting to pack away your Merino clothes and bust out the flip-flops. However, a less extreme approach might be in your best interest; you can subtly transition to wearing wool in the summer with just a few tips.

Know Your Summer Wool Fabric

While cotton is light and breathable, it’s not ideal for warm weather because it absorbs moisture and holds it next to your skin. For any situation in which sweat is a possibility, you’ll be more comfortable in a summer weight wool, which wicks moisture away from the skin, helping keep you cooler and drier. Not only does wool help keep you cool in summer, but Merino wool in hot humid weather doesn’t wilt or wrinkle like cotton and linen.

Wool and polyester blends are ideal for adventuring, because they combine the softness and natural odor-resistance of wool with the durability of poly. A few versatile, quick-drying pieces of summer weight wool clothing will take you far.

Be Prepared with Layers

In many locations, the weather can change on a dime. In this case, one thoughtful way of wearing wool in the summer is to dress in (or bring) two or three layers of Merino clothes. There’s no need to go nuts — a simple Merino 150 base layer under a regular shirt might be all you need. You can toss on a light hoodie if you live in an especially unpredictable climate.

The best thing about summer weight wool base layers is that when the weather really heats up, they become your high-performance stand-alone tees and tanks.

A Guide to Wearing Wool in the Summer (3)

Carefully Rotate Your Merino Clothes

Go ahead and pack up your winter base layers (but make sure to wash them first) as you prepare for wearing wool in the summer. We recommend storing socks and sweaters flat, rather than rolled up, to preserve their shape.

As you’re sorting out your winter clothes, keep an eye out for pieces that can still be worn through the warmer months. You may already have summer weight wool clothing in your regular rotation, e.g. sleeveless wool base layers that you wear under a sweater in winter can now serve as summer tank tops. Modern wool underwear and bras can easily be worn year round, and are just as perfect under shorts as they are under ski pants.

A Guide to Wearing Wool in the Summer (4)

Embrace Color and Pattern

Summer is a time to celebrate, but of course without sacrificing performance and quality. When wearing wool in the summer, it’s great to have essential pieces in neutral colors that can be worn with anything — but sometimes you just want to show your wild side.

Break with bad weather and tradition with a downright joyful piece of warm weather clothing. A striped Merino 150 short-sleeved base layer or printed hike socks can set the stage for a summer of fun.

A Guide to Wearing Wool in the Summer (5)

Finally: Adventure Smarter, Not Harder

It’s simple, really: be strategic about wearing wool in the summer and you’ll never let the weather stop you from being a trailblazing warrior.

A Guide to Wearing Wool in the Summer (6)
A Guide to Wearing Wool in the Summer (2024)

FAQs

How to wear wool in summer? ›

In this case, one thoughtful way of wearing wool in the summer is to dress in (or bring) two or three layers of Merino clothes. There's no need to go nuts — a simple Merino 150 base layer under a regular shirt might be all you need. You can toss on a light hoodie if you live in an especially unpredictable climate.

What will happen if you wear woolen clothes in summer? ›

It resist to release our body heat as well as prevent cold from outside. If we wear woolen clothes in hot and sunny days, the same thing happens which will increase our body temperature and due to outside heat it becomes intolerable. Perspiration, heat increasing, allergy will arise.

How does wool keep you warm in winter and cool in summer? ›

Wool is unique because of its temperature-regulating abilities. It has active fibers that react to body temperature changes. Essentially, wool works double time, helping you stay cool when the weather is hot and warm when it's cold.

Are wool suits too hot for summer? ›

Popular to contrary perception, wool is highly absorbent in nature and dries quickly as well. It's also lightweight, so suits in wool and wool-blend would be a great investment when the temperatures soar.

Is 100% wool good for summer? ›

The benefits of wool are numerous, from its natural ability as a thermal insulator to the fact that it resists wrinkles. However, you may not have previously thought of this material as ideal for summer. But that is exactly what it is.

Is wool breathable in hot weather? ›

Wool fibres are naturally breathable. They can absorb large quantities of moisture vapour and allow it to evaporate, making wool garments feel less clingy and more comfortable than garments made from other fibres.

Can you wear wool dress pants in the summer? ›

The short answer is yes; you can wear wool clothes in the summer.

Is wool good for hot sleepers? ›

We cannot stress it enough, wool is a super fiber, that is, at a molecular level, structured to allow for air to easily flow in and out. This means wool breathes! Cool air can come in, hot air can move out - this creates a temperature controlling environment that helps keep you asleep.

Is it OK to sleep with woolen clothes? ›

According to experts, blood vessels narrow during the winter season, and sleeping in woollen clothing can cause problems such as restlessness, nervousness, and low blood pressure. To avoid this, you should only sleep in cotton clothing.

What are the disadvantages of wool? ›

Cons
  • Some people are highly sensitive to the feeling of fibre on their skin so can find wool too scratchy for them.
  • Wool maintenance – Wool can be very sensitive to heat so can be a little more difficult to wash.
  • Tends to be a little more expensive.
May 25, 2022

What happens if wool gets wet? ›

Wool fiber swells when it becomes wet and then contracts when it dries. This is what causes wool to shrink when you wash it in hot water. So If you don't want it to shrink, just avoid washing it in really hot water. Handwashing in cool or slightly warm water is always recommended for wool garments.

Should I wear wool socks in the summer? ›

Wool is the best material for socks, especially during the summer. There are 5 main reasons why: Wool is 25% more evaporative than polyester and 15% more than cotton (meaning it wicks sweat better) Wool can absorb 35% of its weight in moisture before it feels wet on your skin.

Why we Cannot wear wool clothes in summer? ›

In such a case, the woolen clothes will not absorb body sweat and help keep the skin dry. On the other hand, cotton absorbs sweat and it dries quickly with outside heat. It is thinner and airy and does not trap body heat inside the clothes, therefore, cotton is preferred during summer or warm weather.

What is the best wool for summer suits? ›

In fact, Merino wool is often used in a number of lightweight materials, like Merino jersey, which is a no-brainer if you want your custom suit to be airy and lightweight. As a bonus, the natural structure of wool makes it resistant to pilling, sagging and breakage, often outlasting its synthetic counterparts.

Is 70% wool good for a suit? ›

Medium grades between 70 to 90 are great quality but still robust enough to remain durable. If you wear a suit every day, those made from medium grade wool will stand the test of time.

Do wool blankets keep you cool in summer? ›

Wool comforters that keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter, are not only comfortable but also environmentally friendly.

Does wool keep you from sweating? ›

Wool, especially merino wool, has excellent moisture-wicking properties. Wool fibers are hydrophilic on the inside but hydrophobic on the outside due to the presence of lanolin, a waxy material secreted by the sheep's sebaceous glands, which makes their coats repel water.

How do you store wool clothes in the summer? ›

Store in a cool, clean, dry, dark location.

Since the temperature changes in a garage or attic may be too severe, look for storage locations outside of those areas. And if you don't have an extra wardrobe, there are several choices for storing your woollen clothing.

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