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From a worsted wool coat to a comfy wool sweater, there's no better wardrobe staple than a classic piece of wool clothing. In fact, wool has been used throughout history as an essential clothing material and continues to be used today. Despite the development of more complex synthetic fibers, the warmth and fad-proof style of wool's natural fibers ensure that the worldwide demand and advantages of wearing wool clothing remains high.
Unlike other fibers which often are based on petroleum or other harmful elements, wool contains no artificial chemicals and is a solely natural product. This is beneficial to people who may be allergic to synthetic fibers, and need to wear a 100 percent wool sweater instead of a synthetic one. Furthermore, wool is harvested without killing the animals that produced it, making its harvest more humane than that of leather.
A Warm and Cool Fabric
The fibers that compose wool clothing creates pockets of air, which leads to a natural form of insulation. When the weather is cold, wool clothing stays warm and when the temperature rises, it helps you to stay cool. A wool turtleneck or V-neck sweater also wicks sweat and other types of moisture away from the body, keeping you dry and preventing dampness, which can lead to chills.
Wool doesn’t burn easily. In fact, wool will put out a flame itself when ignited. Many fire departments use wool in their clothing to protect themselves from flames, and its status as a natural fire retardant means that it doesn’t need to be treated with artificial retardants -- thus providing further protection from potentially harmful chemicals.
Great for Allergies
Because it doesn’t collect moisture, wool rarely attracts mold or bacteria. Since dust mites also need moisture to survive, wool tends to repel them as well. This feature benefits people with asthma, allergies or other breathing difficulties as their 100 percent wool coats, hats or scarves won’t trigger a reaction.
Supports Joints and Pains
Wool is a very elastic fabric, which allows it to support joints and pressure points on the body. This makes it comfortable for people suffering from arthritis or rheumatism, allowing movement with less pain. Wool pajamas or bed coverings provide a more restful sleep period, as the fabric supports the body and prevents little aches and pains from setting in during the night.
Light and Strong
Wool is not a naturally heavy fabric, and yet it is extremely strong and resistant. It resists tears more readily than other fabrics, and lasts longer than cotton or synthetic fibers. In addition, it's comparatively light weight makes it suitable for casual wear and maintains comfort level. When treated with chemicals, worsted wool is smooth and durable, making it a popular fabric for skirts, suits and pants.
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