Wool in summer? Absolutely. This natural fiber, often associated with winter wear, has surprising warm weather benefits when used in lightweight, breathable weaves.
In this wool fabric guide we discuss what it is, why you’ll want to wear it, and the downsides of this all-natural, year-round fabric.
Let’s get started.
You may be thinking, isn’t wool a winter fabric? It sure is, but a lightweight wool can manage temperature and moisture, making it an excellent option to wear in the summertime.
What is Wool Fabric?
Wool fabric is made from natural fibers that form the fleece of animals such as goats, sheep, rabbits, camels and more. It’s a raw material that’s primarily made up of keratin-based proteins, making it an extraordinarily elastic material.
Why Wear Wool?
There are many different types of wool fabrics. Here are a few advantages to wearing this smart fabric.
1. Wool is Temperature and Moisture Regulating
Wool conducts heat as well as retracting moisture away from the skin. And so if you wear a lightweight wool in the summer, you’ll sweat less. It’s likened to wearing air conditioning on your skin, allowing you to stay cool and dry throughout the day.
This temperature and moisture regulation makes lightweight wool a perfect candidate for summer suits. Many people think winter and colder weather when it comes to wool, but wool is exceptionally well-suited for summer too.
2. Wool is Durable
Wool is a lightweight, yet strong fabric that’s durable and long lasting. In fact wool fibers have a natural elasticity that can withstand being bent 20,000 times without breaking, a much higher count than cotton (3,000), silk (2,000) and rayon/viscose (75).
This allows for wool to yield a longer life than other types of fibers. On top of that, wool is also flame resistant as well as water repellent which makes it a viable option for home insulation.
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3. Wool is Antibacterial and Antimicrobial
Wool fibers contain a thin waxy coating that inhibits the growth of mold and bacteria. In fact, wool products don’t need to be washed nearly as much as other types of fibers (especially synthetics).
Additionally, wool doesn’t require much maintenance. Cleaning wool is easy, especially when removing stains. This is due to the series of overlapping scales and air pockets which prevent dirt or liquids to penetrate the fabric.
4. Wool is Hypoallergenic
Since wool is resistant to bacteria like mold, mildew, and dust mites it makes for a fantastic fabric for those who have allergies.
5. Wool is Sustainable
Since wool is a natural product and completely renewable, it makes for an incredibly eco-friendly fabric. Additionally, wool is 100% biodegradable and compostable.
This makes raw wool an ideal fabric for those who care about the environment.
Downsides of Wearing Wool
These are some of the disadvantages to wearing wool in the summertime.
1. Treatment of Animals in Question
A big downside is the treatment of sheep in during the shearing process. Sure there are farmers who are better than others, but it’s almost a certainty that animals do get harmed when turning sheepskin into woolen clothing.
2. Wool Can Be Quite Expensive
Wool is expensive mainly due to the processing cost, cleaning and preparation, rather than the actual cost of the raw material.
3. Some Wool Can Be Uncomfortable
There are varieties of wool that can be itchy to sensitive skin, especially lower quality woolen fabrics that have shorter, coarser fibers.
Wrapping Up
While it may seem counterintuitive, lightweight wool can be an excellent choice for summer clothing. Its natural temperature-regulating properties, combined with its ability to wick moisture, make it a versatile and practical option for those seeking comfort in various summer conditions.
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