Wool clothing is a versatile staple in the men’s closet, offering an incredibly soft, supple feel and superior durability. And since it’s a natural fiber, it’s incredibly sustainable.
A Fabric That’s a Natural Workhorse
Wool has long been regarded as the premier textile, and it remains so for good reason. It’s a highly insulative and durable material that can withstand abrasive wear and tear, making it ideal for high-performance clothing.
It is also known for its ability to wick moisture away from the skin, keeping you drier and more comfortable when it’s hot outside. In addition, it helps to prevent body odor by inhibiting the growth of bacteria that cause the smell.
This wicking ability is why fine-woven, lightweight merino click here is used in summer suits and pants as well as in sportswear, outdoor wear, and under a coat to protect you from cold weather when it’s raining or snowing.
Several steps go into the manufacturing of wool, and each type has its own distinct advantages. For example, worsted wool, which has been used in Worstead, England since the eighteenth century, is a tightly spun, two-ply yarn that resists wrinkling and creases and has long-staple fibers that are suitable for suiting and dress trousers.
It’s softer than cotton, and it is a better insulator than synthetic materials like polyester. And it dries much more quickly, so you’re not stuck wearing wet clothes if you get caught in the rain.
The crimp of wool fibers is also a factor in its durability, helping it to retain its shape and resist wrinkling and creasing. It’s also a great option for clothing that will be exposed to rough wear, such as hiking shoes or jackets.
Wool is water-resistant and can absorb up to 30% of its weight in water vapor without becoming wet. It’s also naturally resistant to mold and mildew, making it an attractive choice for apparel that may need to be washed frequently.
Often, wool garments are machine washable and can be tumble dried. However, it is best to avoid using a dryer on wool fabric, as the heat can cause serious shrinkage.
In order to preserve the integrity of your wool clothing, it’s important to wash it only in cold water. Then hang it to dry on a flat surface, and never expose it to the direct heat of a dryer.
If you do have to wash your wool garment, it’s best to use a delicate detergent, and to follow the washing instructions on the label. Some wool fabrics, such as merino, do not need to be washed more than once a year.
What’s more, the natural fibers of wool can help regulate your body temperature, allowing you to stay comfortable even when it’s warm or cold. This is especially true for wool tops, which have a tendency to sweat more than cotton or synthetic fabrics, but are still very breathable.
In addition, wool stays fresh longer between washes, which reduces the number of times it needs to be cleaned and minimizes your impact on the environment. In fact, a merino wool sweater won’t need to be washed more than once or twice per year, while a cashmere sweater will only require a few wash cycles throughout its lifecycle.