Wool : more than just a winter fibre.

As more and more people start paying attention to what their clothes are made of — or at least, I hope they do — I'd like to start with the fibre itself.

Before becoming a mother, I knew very little about it. Like many people, I associated wool with winter jumpers and itchy scarves.

What I didn't know was that wool is one of nature's most remarkable fibres.

••What is wool••

Wool is a natural fibre produced by animals. When we think of wool, we usually think of sheep, but they are not the only source. Merino sheep, alpacas, cashmere goats, and several other animals all produce fibres that belong to the wool family.

••Why is wool so special••

A sheep spends its life outdoors, through cold mornings, rain, wind and warm afternoons. Its fleece has evolved to protect it from constantly changing conditions.

Many of wool's remarkable properties come directly from this natural design.

Each wool fibre is made of keratin, the same protein found in our hair and nails. This gives wool its strength, flexibility and resilience.

Untreated wool fibres are covered with tiny overlapping scales and contain microscopic pockets of air. These small details are what make wool so effective at regulating temperature and moisture.

Wool also naturally contains lanolin, a protective wax produced by sheep. Lanolin helps protect the fleece from dirt, moisture and odours.

Together, these natural features create a fibre that is both practical and comfortable to wear.

••The benefits of wool••

Temperature regulation

Wool is often described as nature's thermostat. The tiny pockets of air trapped within the fibres help retain warmth when it's cold while allowing excess heat to escape when temperatures rise.
This means wool is not only useful in winter. It can be worn comfortably throughout much of the year.

Moisture management

Wool can absorb a significant amount of moisture without feeling wet. This helps maintain a comfortable microclimate around the body, even when conditions change throughout the day.

Naturally odour resistant

Because of its unique structure and the presence of lanolin, wool naturally resists odours better than many synthetic fibres. Airing a wool garment between wears is often enough.

Durable and renewable

Wool is one of the few fibres that is renewable, biodegradable and recyclable at the same time.

Each year, animals grow a new fleece, making wool one of the few natural fibres that continually renews itself. Unlike synthetic fibres made from petroleum, wool leaves no lasting waste behind.

••Why is wool particularly interesting for babies and children••

Babies and young children are constantly moving between different environments: indoors and outdoors, warm rooms and cool mornings. Because wool helps regulate temperature and moisture, it can contribute to everyday comfort in changing conditions.
Its natural softness, breathability and resistance to odours also make it a practical choice for everyday wear.

••Different types of wool••

There are many different types of wool :

Merino wool is known for its softness and fine fibres.
Alpaca wool is lightweight, warm and naturally hypoallergenic.
Cashmere is exceptionally soft and luxurious.
Mohair is silky and durable.

Each fibre has its own character.

•• A fibre worth rediscovering ••

For centuries, wool has protected animals from the elements. Today, it continues to offer many of those same benefits to us.
Far more than a simple winter fabric, wool is a natural fibre with remarkable properties that deserve to be better understood.

In future articles, we'll take a closer look at merino wool, alpaca, cashmere but also the different treatments that can alter the natural qualities of wool.

Thank you for being here.

Pauline