Throughout history, the properties of wool have consistently outperformed other fibers. From medieval marketplaces to contemporary bedrooms, it’s been a staple for many people for centuries. And thanks to its incredible natural benefits and versatility, wool continues to be a cornerstone of comfort. Below, we’ll discuss the characteristics of wool, its benefits, and why it's long been a popular choice for bedding, mattresses, and more.
The History of Wool
Throughout history, wool has played a significant role in many cultures. In medieval Europe, the wool trade became a foundation of economic development, with entire towns flourishing around this industry. In the highlands of Scotland and Peru, wool textiles became a fundamental part of the culture. Today, wool is still an incredible material.
The introduction of factory-made bedding for faster and cheaper production impacted the general perception of wool as an outdated fiber. Synthetics like memory foams and non-natural latex alternatives have weakened the general perception of wool as hot and itchy. But the long-standing benefits of wool remain the same: wool is the only natural fiber that offers the perfect combination of comfort, sustainability, and versatility.
Physical Characteristics of Wool
The characteristics of wool set it apart from other natural and synthetic fibers, making it an excellent choice for a wide range of products. Here’s a look at these characteristics and how they set wool apart from other materials.
Fiber Structure
An important characteristic of wool is its diameter, measured in microns. The best micron count for bedding is around 33, and it’s between 33 and 35 for mattresses. This specific range ensures the perfect balance of softness and durability. The staple length (the length of individual fibers) is also essential in determining whether wool is suitable for different uses. For bedding, shorter staple lengths are best, while mattresses should have longer ones for better rebound and resistance.
The unique structure of wool fibers allows them to stretch up to 30% of their length without breaking and then return to their original shape. Wool’s elasticity makes it wrinkle-resistant and able to maintain its shape over time.
Insulation and Temperature Regulation
One of the most loved characteristics of wool is its exceptional insulating ability. Wool fibers have a pleated structure that creates small air pockets in the fabric. These air pockets trap heat, keeping you warm and cozy.
However, wool’s temperature regulation goes beyond just keeping you warm — it can also keep you cool in the summer. The fiber’s moisture-wicking properties help to evaporate sweat, creating a cooling effect. Wool truly is an all-season fabric, perfect for keeping you comfortable in every season.
Moisture-Wicking Properties
Wool can absorb up to 30% of its weight in water without feeling wet. This is due to wool's water-loving interior, which draws moisture away from the skin and into the fiber's core. At the same time, wool’s outer layer is water-repelling, keeping the fabric's surface dry. These properties make wool excellent at managing moisture, keeping you dry and comfortable no matter the external conditions.
Types of Wool
Various breeds of sheep and other animals produce wool fibers, each with its own distinct characteristics. Understanding the different types of wool can help you choose the right product for your needs. Here’s a look at types of wool and their characteristics.
Merino Wool
Merino wool is one of the most well-known types of sheep’s wool. It comes from Merino sheep and is known for its remarkable softness and fine texture. The fibers of Merino wool are much smaller than those of standard wool, typically measuring around 20 to 24 microns in diameter. Because it’s so fine, Merino wool is incredibly soft against the skin. It’s best for garments next to the skin, like base layers and lightweight sweaters.
Coarse Wools
While fine wools like Merino get a lot of attention, coarser types of wool are still useful for the right purposes. Coarse wools typically come from breeds like Suffolk, Lincoln, and Karakul sheep. These wools have thicker fibers, often larger than 30 microns.
Coarse wools are great for mattresses and toppers because of their high resilience and durability. Because these fibers are so strong, they help mattresses and toppers maintain their shape and support over time, providing consistent comfort night after night.
Specialty Wools
Beyond sheep’s wool, there are several specialty types of wool that come from other animals, such as
- Cashmere: This luxurious fiber comes from the undercoat of cashmere goats. It’s incredibly soft and warm.
- Alpaca: Wool from alpacas is similar to sheep’s wool but has a micron count that can range from 12 to 40.
- Mohair: This type of wool comes from Angora goats. It has a high luster and silk-like sheen.
These specialty wools are often used in blankets, throws, and clothing because they’re incredibly soft. They’re also popular for high-end products because of their luxurious feel and appearance.
Woolroom’s Wool
At Woolroom, we use down-breed types of wool for our bedding. These breeds are great for bedding because they adapt to the local climate, keeping you comfortable and cozy all year. We make sure to get the right breed for the right need.
Applications of Wool
Wool is highly versatile, making it excellent for many uses, from clothing to bedding. Here’s a look at different wool applications and what they’re best for.
Wool Fabric
Wool fabric is common in clothing and home textiles. In clothing, wool is popular for suits, coats, sweaters, and accessories like scarves and gloves. Its natural elasticity, wrinkle resistance, and ability to take dye well make it a favorite choice for designers.
For home textiles, wool is used for blankets, throws, and upholstery. It’s durable and naturally resistant to staining and fading, making it a perfect choice for these applications.
Wool Yarn
Wool yarn is a staple in the world of knitting and crocheting. Its elasticity makes it easy to work with, while its warmth makes it perfect for creating cozy clothing. Wool yarn comes in various weights and textures, from fine lace-weight yarns to chunky, quick-knitting options.
Felted Wool
During the felting process, wool is exposed to heat, moisture, and agitation, which causes the fibers to interlock with each other. This creates a dense, non-woven fabric. Felted wool has many uses, from craft projects to industrial uses like soundproofing and filtration.
Benefits of Wool
The unique characteristics of wool offer many benefits for both consumers and the environment. Here’s a look at just a few of these benefits.
Durability and Longevity
Wool products are known for being exceptionally durable. Their fibers have a natural elasticity that allows them to stretch and return to their original shape. Wool is also naturally resistant to tearing, which contributes to the longevity of wool products.
Eco-Friendly and Sustainable
As a natural, renewable resource, wool can be produced year after year without depleting finite resources. Sheep just need grass, water, and sunshine to produce their fleece, making wool production a low-impact process compared to synthetic fibers. Wool is also biodegradable. At the end of its lifecycle, wool bedding decomposes naturally and returns nutrients to the soil.
Hypoallergenic and Safe
Wool is naturally hypoallergenic thanks to its ability to manage moisture and regulate temperature. These properties create an environment that’s inhospitable to dust mites and other allergens.
Wool is also naturally flame-resistant, making it a safer choice for bedding. It has a higher ignition temperature than many other fibers and tends to self-extinguish when removed from a flame source.
At Woolroom, our products are OEKO-TEX certified, which means they don’t contain harmful fire retardants or other chemicals that can irritate the skin. This certification guarantees our products meet strict ecological and health standards, so you can rest easy knowing you’re sleeping on safe, clean products.
Machine Washable
Many wool products need special care, but Woolroom offers machine-washable options to make caring for your wool products easy. Our wool can withstand regular machine washing without losing its shape or breathability, so you can enjoy all the characteristics of wool with the convenience of simple home care.
Comparison with Other Fabrics
To truly appreciate the characteristics of wool, it’s helpful to compare it with other common fabrics. Here’s a look at popular materials and what makes wool a better choice.
Cotton
While cotton is breathable and comfortable, it doesn’t have wool’s insulating properties or moisture management. Cotton absorbs moisture but doesn’t wick it away from the skin, which can leave you feeling damp and clammy. Wool, on the other hand, keeps you dry and comfortable no matter the season.
Polyester
Synthetic fibers can be easy to care for, but they don’t offer the same breathability or temperature regulation as wool. Synthetics also tend to hold onto odors more easily than wool, which has natural antimicrobial properties.
Down
While down is great for warmth, it loses its insulating properties when wet and can be difficult to care for. Wool retains its insulating properties even when damp and is easier to maintain, especially with Woolroom’s machine-washable options.
Experience the Woolroom Difference
The characteristics of wool prove how remarkable of a fiber it is. From its unique physical structure to its versatility and many benefits, wool continues to demonstrate its value in our modern world. Whether you're looking for comfort, durability, or eco-friendly options, wool is the perfect choice for everyone.
At Woolroom, we’re committed to creating quality products that give you the restful sleep you deserve. By choosing Woolroom, you’re not just investing in a good night’s sleep — you're embracing a more sustainable, healthy, and comfortable lifestyle. Explore our collection of wool bedding today to create your ultimate sleep sanctuary.