How Does Wool Keep You Warm?
Small pockets of air in wool fibers circulate heat, allowing more heat to move towards the body when you’re cold — that’s why wool is so warm. These small pockets make wool breathable, which means they’ll also move air away from you when you’re hot. Wool also holds heat through a protein called keratin. Keratin is found in all animal hair and helps regulate body temperature. In wool blankets, keratin acts as insulation for your body.
Wool also continues to keep you warm even if it gets wet. Wool can sock up to 30% of its weight in moisture without feeling damp. This means that wool can keep you warm even in the harshest climates. If you somehow find yourself spending time on a freezing winter mountainside, your wool blanket will continue to keep you warm. More importantly, it means you can rest easy knowing your wool blanket will keep you warm throughout the night without worrying about waking up sweaty.
History of Wool Blankets
An ancient blanket form is recorded as a “Kambala,” which means a woolen material made from sheep or goat hair. A Chinese traveler and scholar named Xuanzang mentioned Kambala during his travel to India in 629-645 CE. Several early blankets were made from wool due to their warmth and fire-retardant properties. Warm woolen blankets have been used for centuries by people worldwide to stay warm through some of the harshest winter weather.
Types of Wool Blankets and Bedding
What started as a simple blanket to keep people warm during the cold months has since grown into an extensive collection of warm woolen blankets and bedding. Try one (or all) of these wool bedding options to add additional comfort to your home.
Throw Blankets
Wool throw blankets are often smaller than other blankets, which makes them a fantastic couch companion. They add a pop of color to any room but also do a great job of keeping you warm while you read your favorite book.
Blankets
Warm woolen blankets are great for layering to help you find your ideal sleep temperature. They’ll keep you warm without being too heavy and causing sweating like other blankets. Many people think wool blankets are itchy, but advancement in wool weaving and spinning has made wool one of the softest fabrics you can find.
Duvets
Duvets made from wool keep you warm throughout the night to provide peaceful sleep. Breathable wool in duvets helps to regulate your body temperature effectively to maintain the perfect temperature while you sleep. Wool is also hypoallergenic, so you’ll get more sleep free from wheezing or coughing.
Sheets
Wool sheets are comfortable enough to feel like you’re sleeping on a cloud and warm enough to keep you cozy throughout the night. They’re resistant to bed bugs, dust mites, and mold and provide you with the healthy sleep you deserve.
Material Types
Wool is warm no matter where you get it, but the source of wool can determine just how warm wool blankets will be. Here are some popular sources of wool.
Merino
Merino wool comes from Merino sheep and is one of the softest types of wool. It’s great for both winter and summer because the fibers don’t conduct heat and help the body keep its temperature. It’s also durable and resistant to tears.
Alpaca
Alpaca wool is warm and incredibly soft with a silky sheen. It’s considered to be warmer than other wools like Merino. Alpaca wool is hypoallergenic and great for people with sensitive skin.
Cashmere
Cashmere is a type of wool made from cashmere goats. It’s one of the rarest and most expensive types of wool. It’s lightweight and provides insulating qualities. Cashmere is also durable and shape-resistant, so it won’t tear or shrink when washed correctly.
Angora
Angora wool makes the warmest wool blankets. It’s two and a half times warmer than sheep wool, with the greatest heat retention of any natural fiber. The hollow fibers make it lightweight and incredibly soft. Angora fibers are very fragile and delicate, so they are usually blended with other wools and fibers to increase warmth.
Tips for Staying Warm With a Wool Blanket
If you continue to shiver while using a warm woolen blanket, here are some additional tips to stay cozy in bed during the colder months.
- Cover big gaps at the base of doors
- Use wool sheets/bedding
- Choose a warm duvet filling
- Wear warm pajamas
- Try using a hot water bottle
Consider Woolroom For a Cozy Night’s Sleep
At Woolroom, we use 100% British wool to create luxuriously comfortable products that help you get a great night’s sleep. Our products are temperature regulating to keep you warm when it’s cold and cool when it’s not. We offer warm woolen blankets, mattresses, pillows, sleepwear, and more to complete your perfect sleep environment.
How warm is wool? There’s only one to find out! Explore our exclusive, natural wool collection today.
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