About
Wool is an animal fiber, usually associated with fiber or fabric made from fleece of sheep or lamb. However, the term Wool is actually applicable to all animal fibers, such as the hair of the cashmere goat or angora rabbit - these fibers will however be described separately. When talking of sheep or lamb Wool it is the merino sheep that is regarded to have the finest wool. A common mistake is that Wool can only be used on cold weather days, but thin knitted garment in for example merino wool can comfortably be worn year-round.
Characteristics
Wool can absorb up to 1/3 of its weight without feeling wet - water vapor is absorbed quickly but droplets are repelled. Wet Wool dries very slowly. Wool does not burn easily. Pilling is a natural shedding characteristic of Wool which comes from wearing - not washing. However, pilling is not necessarily a sign of poor quality - simply invest in a good pill remover, such as The Laundress Sweater stone or Sweater Comb to gently remove the unwanted fuzz balls.
Good to know
Do not store your sweaters in plastic - use cotton bags that close with zippers. Plastic creates an environment for moth breeding - perfume, body oils and deodorant are food for the bugs, and moths do not eat through cotton. Spray with The Laundress Wool & Cashmere Spray, which is a natural moth and bug repellent, in-between washing, wearing and storing.
Blends
Wool is used in a variety of blends and can be combined with nearly all natural or man-made fibers. In combinations with man-made fibers, such as polyester, acrylic and nylon, wool is used to improve the feel or appearance of the finished product, and the tendency to wool felting is reduced. So long as the proportion of Wool is greater than 50%, then its good clothing characteristic are retained.
Aftercare
Wool garments do not have to be washed between each wear, simply hang it out in fresh air or in a damp bathroom to remove any odors - wool is a natural fiber that clean itself to some extent.
Dripping wet wool garments should be dried flat to avoid stretching.
Wash with care; hand wash or machine wash in cold water or on a special wool program. We suggest you use a mild cleaning product, such as The Laundress Wool & Cashmere detergent.
Do not bleach. Iron on medium heat with damp or on a damp cloth on the garment. Can dry cleaned.
Should not be dried in a tumble dryer, nor in direct sunlight, nor over direct heat.
* Sources: “Clothing Technology 3rd Edition” by Eberle, Hermeling, Hornberger, Menzer and Ring