5 myths about wool, debunked

You may have gathered by now that we love wool! We can’t sing this wonderful, natural fibre’s praises highly enough. It has so many incredible, natural properties; it’s hygroscopic, hydroscopic, renewable and sustainable, biodegradable, durable, flame-retardant and protective against the sun’s damaging rays. Yes, wool is wonderful!

However, sadly, not everyone shares this view. There are a fair few folks with a with a fair few wrong ideas about wool!

It’s uncomfortable to wear, expensive to buy, high maintenance, unhygienic, a winter-only material, the list goes on!

Given it is wholly important to us to celebrate and champion the wonders of wool, we feel duty-bound to tackle some of these popular misapprehensions, with a view to giving wool the justice it deserves!

1. Wool is uncomfortable to wear

The myth

Wool is a nightmare to wear! It feels coarse, and it makes me itch! I actually think I may be allergic to wool.

The truth

Is wool itchy? Some rugged yarns can feel rough against the skin and cause irritation, but there are many dreamy-soft yarns available today, which are anything but coarse. Pure cashmere, 100% Merino wool and pure lambswool all boast touch-me tactility, and they feel wonderful on.

In regards to wool being an allergen; wool allergies are exceptionally rare. Only 1 in 100,000 people suffer from a wool allergy. Skin irritation caused by wearing wool can most likely be attributed to a poor quality of wool.

2. Wool is high maintenance

The myth

Wool knitwear is such a pain to look after! I either have to spend ages slavishly hand washing my wool jumpers and cardigans, or I have to fork out big at the dry cleaners!

The truth

You can wash your wool knitwear in your washing machine. Yes, really! As long as you’re careful – select a cool, wool-wash setting, use an enzyme-free, gentle detergent and avoid crazy-fast spins – your woollies will live a long and happy life!

And did you know that dry cleaning your wool knitwear actually degrades all-natural fibres and shorten your pieces’ lives? Well, you do now, so dodge the dry cleaners and stick to careful, machine washing at home. Your woollies will love you for it!

3. Wool is expensive

The myth

Quality, all-natural, wool knitwear is costly. I can’t afford pure cashmere or 100% Merino wool! Synthetic knitwear is much more budget-friendly, and it’s all the same anyway.

The truth

Yes, it is true that wool knitwear can be expensive, but synthetic knitwear can be too! And it is folly to think there is nothing between all-natural and synthetic knitwear; they are worlds apart!

We make superb quality, all-natural knitwear purse-friendly. Our impressive selection of pure and blended yarns extend to many, wearable, timeless styles, all available at surprisingly affordable prices. So, if you like all-natural, wool knitwear, wear all-natural, wool knitwear! Why settle for anything less?

4. Wool is unhygienic

The myth

Wool attracts dust mites. Those pesky, little critters love and live in my wool knitwear! Gross!

The truth

Dust mites don’t actually eat dust; they eat bacteria and fungus (how lovely!) Bacteria and fungus grow in materials that hold moisture – enter synthetics – attracting dust mites.

Wool is too dry for bacteria and fungus to flourish in, therefore it is actually unattractive to dust mites. So, if you’re worried that your all-natural knits could be alive, don’t. Wool is not the place for pests to party!

5. Wool is too warm to wear in the summertime

The myth

I like all-natural knitwear, but only in the winter. I’d never wear wool in the summer; I’d be boiling hot!

The truth

Wool is hygroscopic, meaning it is naturally breathable. It can keep you cool when it’s hot and warm when it’s not. Yes, certain yarns – like pure cashmere and pure lambswool – are more warming than others, but wool is a fantastic warm-weather fabric. Merino wool is adept at wicking moisture away from your body, making it a great shout when the sun is out!

So, there you have it; five popular myths about wool debunked. wool is a fantastic, natural material, boasting so many beneficial properties. There is really no excuse not to choose wool when it comes to your knitwear choices.