With a winter chill filtering through the air, it’s time to wrap up in some cosy wool knits. And what better time to start than national wool week? At BIBICO we are all about natural fibres, and wool is at the top of our list when we want to warm up. Why? As there are so many benefits to this uniquely cosy material. Here are some of them:
1. It’s natural
Wool is a natural protein fibre found on the backs of the millions of sheep you see over the world. It is considered one of the most effective forms of all-weather protection, and man-made fibres with the same properties have yet to be produced.
2. It’s biodegradable
That’s right, it naturally decomposes into the soil releasing valuable nutrients back into the earth. Compared to synthetic materials, it’s a very quick decomposer too!
3. It’s renewable
For as long as there’s grass to graze, sheep will grow producing a woolly fleece, a renewable fibre source. And woolgrowers actively work to protect the natural environment, enhancing the sustainability of the wool industry to enable future generations to benefit from this warm natural material.
4. It’s breathable
As wool fibres are packed together, tiny pockets of air form allowing the material to absorb and release moisture. This could be moisture in the atmosphere, or perspiration from the wearer. This makes wool an extremely breathable material and helps you avoid any clamminess when you head inside from the colder outdoors.
5. It reacts to your body
Wool is also able to react to any changes in your body temperature. It’s an active fibre that helps you to stay warm when it’s cold and cools you when it’s warm. This makes it the perfect material all throughout the year, helping you minimise your wardrobe and maximise the sustainability of your closet!
6. It’s static resistant
As wool can absorb moisture from your body or the surrounding air, it rarely creates static electricity like synthetic fibres do, keeping you cosy and comfortable and avoiding any awkward clinging.
7. It’s easy to clean
As its primary function is to protect the body of a sheep to the surrounding environment, wool fibres have a natural protective outer layer. This helps to prevent any marks or stains from being absorbed, so the dirt sits of the surface and is easily removed. See our guide to How To Wash A Wool Jumper here.
8. It’s anti-wrinkle
Each wool fibre is structured much like a coiled string, allowing it to return to its natural shape after being bent, so woollen items tend not to crease or wrinkle. This makes them the perfect addition to you everyday bag or great items to pack when you’re going on holiday.
9. It’s odour-resistant
As wool can absorb the moisture from your skin, and therefore the sweat when you perspire, wool can even help to absorb any odour from sweating that is only released upon washing. So wool clothing is great for layering up in post-workout when you need to brave the cooler air outside.
10. It’s eco-friendly
And last but certainly not least, wool has eco credentials! It’s a natural, renewable product that biodegrades much quicker than synthetic fabrics. It’s got a long lifespan and is frequently and easily recycled and reused. It is also a carbon store; pure organic carbon makes up 50% of the weight of wool. And research is now investigating the health and wellbeing benefits of wool. Wool bedding and sleepwear has been associated with a better night’s kip, promoting sleep onset and improving sleep efficiency. Merino wool has also been found to help people that suffer from chronic skin conditions, despite misconceptions of it being “itchy”, due to its moisture and temperature management qualities.
So if you’re looking for layers to help you adapt to the cooling temperatures, opt for wool. Browse our full knitwear wool collection here or our hand knitted jumpers here.
I'm an enthusiast with a profound understanding of the myriad benefits associated with wool, a natural protein fiber that has proven to be an exceptional material for various applications. My expertise in this domain stems from a deep appreciation for the intrinsic qualities of wool, grounded in both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience.
First and foremost, wool stands out as a natural and unparalleled form of all-weather protection. Its origin on the backs of millions of sheep worldwide makes it a unique protein fiber with properties that synthetic alternatives have yet to replicate. This natural origin contributes to its biodegradability, as wool decomposes into the soil, releasing valuable nutrients and outpacing synthetic materials in the decomposition process.
The renewable nature of wool is a testament to its sustainability. As long as there is grass to graze, sheep will continue to grow wool, offering a constant source of renewable fiber. Woolgrowers actively engage in environmental stewardship, enhancing the industry's sustainability and ensuring future generations can benefit from this warm, natural material.
Wool's breathability is a key attribute, with its fibers forming tiny pockets of air that allow the material to absorb and release moisture. This unique property makes wool exceptionally breathable, preventing clamminess when transitioning from cold outdoor environments to indoor spaces.
The ability of wool to react to changes in body temperature is another noteworthy feature. It actively helps individuals stay warm in colder conditions and cool in warmer environments, making it a versatile material suitable for year-round use. Additionally, wool is static-resistant, absorbing moisture and avoiding the creation of static electricity often associated with synthetic fibers.
Maintaining and cleaning wool is remarkably easy due to its natural protective outer layer. Wool fibers resist stains, as dirt sits on the surface and can be easily removed. The structure of wool fibers, resembling coiled strings, contributes to their anti-wrinkle properties, allowing woollen items to return to their natural shape after bending.
Wool's odour-resistant nature is attributed to its ability to absorb moisture, including sweat, from the skin. This quality makes wool clothing ideal for layering, especially after a workout when facing cooler temperatures. Moreover, wool's eco-friendly credentials are impressive, as it is a natural, renewable product with a quick biodegradation process. Wool is frequently recycled and reused, and it serves as a carbon store with 50% of its weight being pure organic carbon.
Research even explores the health and wellbeing benefits of wool, including its association with better sleep and its potential to aid those with chronic skin conditions. Contrary to misconceptions, Merino wool, in particular, has been found to be non-itchy due to its moisture and temperature management qualities.
In conclusion, wool emerges as a multifaceted and eco-friendly material, making it an excellent choice for those seeking comfort, sustainability, and versatility in their clothing. Whether you're adapting to cooling temperatures or exploring everyday wear, wool's inherent qualities make it a top-tier choice for any wardrobe.
