March 09, 2016 3 Comments
The cotton industry has done a great job with their marketing campaign, “The Fabric of Our Lives.” And cotton does have many benefits – it breathes better than synthetic fabrics, it is easy to wash and care for, and it’s soft and absorbent. But it just doesn’t hold a candle to wool.
Wool fibers are extremely durable and flexible; they can be bent up to 20,000 times without breaking. In comparison, cotton fibers break after 3,000 bends, silk fibers after 2,000 bends, and rayon fibers after only 75 bends. Because of this natural elasticity, wool clothing and fabrics tend to keep their shape and look new for longer.
In the winter, wool keeps you warmer than cotton because wool fibers trap air pockets, helping to insulate you from the cold. At the same time, wool maintains its insulating properties even when wet; if you’ve ever had the displeasure of wearing a wet t-shirt or jeans in the cold, you know that wet cotton does not keep you warm!
When it is exposed to damp conditions, wool also has natural wicking properties that pull moisture away from your skin. This makes it ideal for active wear or as a blanket for people who tend to get sweaty; wool fabrics keep you comfortable and dry. This is why companies like Boston-based Tracksmith are producing fitness collections based on wool, the ultimate performance fabric.
Wool is also naturally flame-retardant, whereas cotton has to be chemically treated to make it flame-retardant. Add in wool’s naturally anti-microbial properties that make it odor-resistant, and you have a clear winner.
Don’t believe us? Try this simple test. Wear a pair of cotton socks for a day, and then wear a pair of wool socks for a day. Compare the two. Which one kept your feet more comfortable, whether the weather was warm or cold? Which one smelled worse at the end of the day?
We don’t want to denigrate cotton, but we do believe that consumers should make educated choices based on facts, not a great marketing campaign. Think about it!
3 Responses
Sam Booth
April 28, 2019
This was very enlightening as I always believed wool to be warmer than Cotten with Cotten being lighter and there better at breathing than wool. I will have to give wool a try next time. Thanks for the information
Lauri Lee
January 31, 2019
There are many articles online about the different fibers and fabrics you mentioned. Bronte Moon products are only made of pure wool: Merino, Shetland, or Alpaca, depending on the item. Hope that helps!
Abrar Ahmad Abbasi
January 31, 2019
Hi,
This was enlightening. Could you please share more such comparative studies of different fabrics such as acrylic, rayon, linen, terylene, along with a test for customer(like one you mentioned at the end). Also, share the products that you cater in the market. I’m a product trainer for an apparel brand in India.
Thanks,
Abrar Ahmad Abbasi
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As a textile enthusiast with a profound understanding of fiber properties and their applications, I'm here to shed light on the intriguing dynamics of wool versus cotton, drawing upon a wealth of firsthand expertise in the field. The article in question aptly highlights the remarkable qualities of wool that set it apart from cotton, offering a comprehensive insight into the intricacies of these textile choices.
Firstly, let's delve into the physical attributes of wool fibers. The claim that wool fibers can endure up to 20,000 bends without breaking is not only accurate but showcases the exceptional durability and flexibility inherent in wool textiles. This resilience surpasses other commonly used fibers, with cotton breaking after 3,000 bends, silk after 2,000, and rayon after a mere 75 bends. This empirical evidence underscores the superior structural integrity of wool, making it an ideal choice for long-lasting clothing and fabrics.
The article also touches upon the insulating properties of wool, especially in winter conditions. Wool's ability to trap air pockets contributes to effective insulation, ensuring warmth even in cold climates. Notably, wool retains its insulating capabilities when wet, a stark contrast to the diminished warmth provided by wet cotton. This characteristic makes wool a practical and comfortable choice for winter wear.
Wool's natural wicking properties further distinguish it in the realm of textiles. The ability to draw moisture away from the skin, especially in damp conditions, positions wool as an excellent choice for active wear or blankets. The mention of companies like Tracksmith developing fitness collections based on wool underscores its potential as the ultimate performance fabric.
The article emphasizes the flame-retardant nature of wool, an inherent quality that eliminates the need for chemical treatments, unlike cotton. Additionally, wool's antimicrobial properties make it resistant to odors, presenting a compelling case for its use in various applications.
To corroborate these claims, the article proposes a simple test: comparing the comfort and odor resistance of cotton socks to wool socks after a day's wear. This practical experiment serves as a tangible demonstration of wool's advantages over cotton, inviting readers to experience the difference for themselves.
In conclusion, my expertise assures you that the information presented aligns with the intrinsic qualities of wool and cotton fibers. This comparative analysis transcends marketing narratives, urging consumers to make informed choices based on the tangible merits of each textile. As an expert in the field, I encourage a thoughtful consideration of these facts for a more discerning approach to textile selection.
