The Healthy Benefits of Pure Wool Fabrics
92The Textile Known as Wool
In my research for a warm wool blanket and a stylish wool coat, I found out many surprising benefits about using a pure wool fabric - such as wool's ability to reduce allergies in the home and its lack of flammability.
Further, merino wool is recommended as one of the preferred fabrics to use with baby sleep bags and caps. Merino wool has the ability to provide a year-round safe temperature because while it provides warmth, it captures and circulates the air, and prevents moisture from accumulating; it is also allergy safe. (Please see warning about fake fleece used in baby products - in the Note section)
However, finding 100 per cent wool in a coat or blanket, and luxuriating in its warmth, was not easy. This is because in my search for great deals, it turns out that most of the blankets and coats were not pure wool, they all had the man-made fabric known as nylon--at least 1/5 of the fabric, but often much more. Some have acrylic. Yet the ads all say 'wool' - reminding us once again that you have to read the whole ad if shopping on the internet, and read labels if shopping in person.
The research was worthwhile, anyway, as I learned some interesting facts about the healthy benefits of the textile known as wool.
Wool Benefits -
- absorbs humidity while remaining dry
- naturally contains lanolin which is a biologically active substance that is water resistant. (It is added to hair products, body lotions, and makeup).
- is extremely durable and hard-wearing (this is true of the fine wool suit I had made in Thailand - it is indestructible. I have sat and slept on airplanes for hours in my wool suit and still got off the plane looking pressed and cool - I've had the suit for years).
- it's breathable (which I need because fake fabrics cause me to become overheated which is dangerous in any season)
- has antibacterial properties
- is static resistant
- is highly flame resistant making it less likely to spark - which is why it is often used for rugs, bedding, and in garments created for firefighters, soldiers, and others who are in jobs that expose them to fire. Wool does not burn over a flame - it smolders. Our households are now filled with fake fabrics that are flammable. If they are treated to be fire retardant it is with toxic chemicals - making it a lose/lose situation.
- is resistant to dirt
- does not wrinkle easily (so true of that great black suit of mine)
- Using natural wool fabrics in the home helps reduces dust mites, upper respiratory tract infections, asthma, and skin diseases
- With little weight, wool naturally keeps you warm
- takes dye very well
NOTE: Wool from sheep is also known as fleece. Unfortunately, much of what is called fleece on the US market is actually made from polyester (which I have read is the most flammable of the synthetic fabrics), but manufacturers have been allowed to call it fleece for some strange reason. I suppose because it feels fleece-like. It is sold for adult wear but also for babies as clothes, blankets, and sleep sacks. Warning: California has a Proposition 65 - when polyester fleece is used for baby products, a warning has to be included with the product - this proposition warns consumers that the product contains chemicals known to cause cancer and birth defects. (This proposition, in effect since 1986, applies to many consumer products and it is a proposition worth reading)
USES - wool has been used for ages to make coats, sweaters, suits, other types of clothing and also blankets, rugs and carpeting.
A Bit of Wool History: It is believed that the art of spinning wool into yarn was known around 8000 BC when sheep became domesticated.
There are about 40 breeds of sheep producing 200 types of wool.
Some sheep live up in the mountains and are subjected to severe weather thus making their coats even thicker and warmer. Listed are two of these specialty wools, where they come from, and their benefits.
Merino Wool - the term originally meant it came from the wool of Merino sheep raised in Spain. But now it comes from both Australian and New Zealand sheep as well. Merino is excellent for regulating body temperature when worn against the skin, is moisture repellent which means it wicks perspiration from the skin, retains warmth when wet, thereby, preventing hypothermia, is very soft, and like most wools it has antibacterial properties which helps resists body odors caused by sweating - something synthetic fabrics are not known to do.
Cashmere - comes from the cashmere domestic goat living in mountains15,000 feet above sea level. The name comes from the old spelling of Kashmir in India. The fiber is also known as pashmina (the Persian word for wool - which is what those fabulous woolen shawls are called). Cashmere wool is dense but is so light it often must be blended with other wools. It provides light-weight insulation without bulk.
Mixed Wool in Coat Fabrics:
- I purchased a jacket advertised as wool and cashmere. It is actually made up of 60% new wool, 20% cashmere, and 20% nylon. It is lightweight and incredibly warm, but because of the nylon, if someone threw a match on me I don't know if I will go up in flames. Nylon, of course, is added to many wool items to reduce the cost. However, nylon is a synthetic fabric made from petroleum and takes a long time to degrade in landfills. Depending on which website you check, some say it does not degrade - which is why I hoped to avoid nylon and other synthetic fabrics.
Additionally, the introductions of synthetic fabrics into the home, e.g. in rugs, blankets, curtains, etc. are believed to be the cause of out-gassing and results in what wool prevents (listed above--allergies, upper respiratory problems, etc.).
On the internet you may now see coats described as 'wool blend' - it appears that they are only 50% wool. It is interesting to note that the ad will often NOT state wool/nylon blend - only the word wool is the leading word.
Wool Rugs - Wool rugs come is a variety of weaves such as berber , etc., - one popular type of wool rug is the Flokati, generally in a creamy white color - it has long fibers and is most often made in Greece.
Here's a life saving story about a wool Flokati rug - I met an elder who was on her way to Asheville, NC. She spends November to March with her aunt and uncle who are in their 90's. While her aunt and uncle have people looking out for them during the day, it was nights that were a concern during the long cold winter. Well, one night the electricity went out which meant the heating system too - she piled blankets on the couple but it just was not enough. Finally, she pulled the 9' x 12' Flokati rug from the floor and put it on them. It kept them toasty warm but without perspiration, since wool wicks away perspiration, allows air to circulate and provides genuine warmth.
Inheriting Wool?
There was a time wool items were considered something to pass on to your children or other family members. Wool items were not something to toss away, they were meant to last and be altered if necessary. One catalog, I used to get from Ireland, guaranteed all its wool coats and sweaters for life.
It is still possible to find 100 percent wool items, but expect to pay a bit more, especially if they are merino wool or cashmere. I think you will get your money's worth. I can look at a winter coat on someone and tell it has very little wool in it - they tend to wrinkle, not drape well, pill, look incredibly worn, and just not look as rich in color.
For other indoor healthy living suggestions please see the links below:
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CommentsLoading...
I'm on my way to living a healthy life Veronica Allen - at least that is the hope - BUT there are so very many toxins in everything. And none to our benefit. I commend California and their Proposition 65. It seems CA has always been progressive when it comes to issues of good health.
Thanks for commenting!
Wool products are really good for babies. WE call it pranela. It is also hypo-allergenic. Thanks for hub, BkCreative.
Wow thanks BK, I never knew wool had health benefits, we learn something everyh day. thank you so much for sharing. Godspeed. creativeone59
Excelent Hub, BkCreative. I'm all for wool. I wish they stop making fabrics out of chemicals. I stoped buying fleece a while ago thinking to go for cotton but I didn't considered wool. Thanks for a good reminder.
Wool products are a worthy investment. It's a bit pricey but they last long which saves money in the long term.
Great hub with a lot of facts, BK! I've worn 100% wool products...Even knowing from which sheep they originated! It's an itchy way to live, that' for sure but very healthy!
Thank you very much for so much inside information.
Pranela - thank you for that word travel_man1971. We are allergic to so much it's good to know wool is hypoallergenic.
Thank you creativeone59 - there is so much sold to us that is just not good for our health. What an endless job to constantly have to research and research because manufacturers can put anything on the market.
You're welcome too cameciob - we are bombarded with fake fabrics forgetting that synthetics can be highly flammable and a real danger in a fire. And fleece - imagine that, fleece in the US is actually polyester - the most flammable of synthetics.
That's it PerfumeFan - a good investment. The wool suit I have (which I will wear today after the NYC blizzard) is still serving me well years later. Worth the money.
Thanks for the compliment Ann Nonymous. And different types of wool, as you point out, come from different sheep. This determines warmth and smoothness.
Thank you too Hello, hello - I'm glad you enjoyed the information.
Thanks for commenting!
Hi BK, I enjoyed this hub and will remember to make sure to check the item is 100% wool. Thanks for the info.
Great information and some of my best pants over the years have been wool-lined - they last forever and are so comfortable! I think natural fabrics is the only way to fly anyhow....
Bk, this is awesome stuff! I had "Wool 101-102" in under 7 minutes! I did learn a lot about wool, although we do not need such warm types of garment in my country, the other characteristics of wool make it a "heavenly fabric". It was pretty informative and easy to read through!
Two woolen thumbs up(100% Pure Merino)
Warm regards and blessings,
Al
Excellent hub! I agree, wool is great. My layering system for cold winter days is Marino wool, cashmere, and then a heavier wool sweater. Toasty warm!
You cannot beat wool
I had no idea that wool could be so incredibly interesting! And so practical! What a great, informative hub you have created! (As always) I always learn such interesting things from you! :)
It's worth checking Jen's Solitude - we think we are getting a particular product - and maybe at what we thought was a great price only to find out it is not 100% wool.
So true akirchner - my wool items have kept me warm - I have the best lightweight wool black blazer that I can pull out any time and it's ready to go.
Ah yes Mystique1957 - a lovely warm climate - can't beat it. Actually, it's next on my agenda - I want to move to where the sun is. And wear another wonderful natural fabric - linen!
So wise Katrina Ariel - keep warm with wool and don't get overheated which happens so easily. Ah, marino wool, of course. Good stuff!
Thank you ethel smith!
Thanks for the compliment theherbivorehippi! Isn't it great to know that there is good stuff...out there...somewhere. We have to reclaim it.
Thanks for the comments!
Living in Southern California, US, there is very little need for wool fabrics. However, this was a very informative hub. I never knew wool had antibacterial properties. So many interesting facts. I'm certainly going to bookmark this hub. You see I like to have conversations starters, and hubs like this one provides that. Thanks BK
I love that you like having conversations starters fastfreta! So clever! Glad you found the hub informative.
You're most welcome!
Very excellent hub with lots of interesting information. I love cashmere--so soft and light. Thanks.
I remember wool athletic socks back in the 1950's. I can't seem to find them anymore.
You're welcome and so true! Cashmere is fabulous, anglnwu - so light so beautiful - and a shawl is all you need.
How well I remember wool socks, dahoglund - so easy to find. Slowly they disappeared - as did all 100 per cent pure fabrics. Fleece is no longer wool, it's polyester - and imagine we call bedding 'linen' - but try and find real linen in your sheets. I think I will have to knit a pair of wool socks.
Thanks for commenting!
Wool is beautiful and a nice fabric BK< I do agree with you here,. It seems we are one and the same again, and I like that it has anitbactearial property as well, thank you and I will link your number hub in my new article, Maita
Now I want wool more than ever - I've seen some beautiful merino coats, scarves, and etc. - it is so worth the investment.
I will link your brilliant numbers hub to mine. Thanks so much!
I am an old sheepherder's daughter. I love wool. And now I am into health, I love it even more.
Great Hub. One I wouldn't have thought about writing.
Wow! HealthyHanna - you could probably tell us sooooo much about wool and the business - what a great hub that would be! I was amazed on my visits to England to see and read about sheepherders. On the trains through the countryside I would see so many sheep grazing.
I can't imagine having access to real raw wool! Thanks for writing!
Interesting info, and wool is GREEN! Great.
mmmmmm....soft and fluffy wool sweaters....mittens, I love them all...great hub!!!
Cashmere is the way to go for me:) When I hear wool, first thing came ot my mind is being itchy. I am not allergic to it but I have a Cashmere hand my down coat that I refuse to toss it. It is so worn but it is really warm. Thanks for the informative hub!
I'm glad you found the hub interesting Paradise7 - thanks for commenting!
There is nothing like real wool mittens Wealthmadehealthy. I remember them from childhood and yes they gt web when we made snowballs - but our hands did stay warm. Glad you liked the hub!
You're welcome tim-tim. Maybe we can repurpose these old cashmere coats. I had a cashmere coat about 30 years ago - super warm and lightweight - so stylish. Perhaps if I hit some of the thrift shops I can find some old but pure wool coats. Thanks for writing!
Plastic has nothing to do with natural fibres, especially wool. And also plastic makes me pretty nervous when I wear it, maybe I'm too much sensitive to static electricity. Here in Italy the crazy thing, well not for the business and money involved, is that wool isn't almost sold any more and it must be treated as a special waste. So shepherds beside earning no money from wool must also spend their hard earned money to dispose it. Rated and stumbled. :)
It is interesting to hear what is happening in other parts of the world hypnodude. Wool does seem to be disappering - and if we don't think so we only need to read the labels on our clothes, and household fabrics - much of it is polyester, nylon, acrylic or a blend of natural and artificial fabrics.
I don't understand how people could wear polyester and fake fabrics in the summer - it is unbearable as the fabrics do not breathe. Whew!
Thanks for writing!
this is creative hub. I like all the information here. I know the type of fabric wool trough this hub. I am glad and enjoy reading this hub. Thanks
Thanks for commenting prasetio30. I appreciate your comments as much as I appreciate all of your very, very interesting hubs!
Interesting Article and Enjoyable reading
Thank you for all the research and all that information BkCreative. I love pashmina shawls - but I've never really thought about how pure wool could be so beneficial. Maybe somewhere deep down inside of us, we react positively and unconsciously to what is pure and natural in a world that is fast becoming plastic!
Thank you Coolmon2009 - I'm glad you enjoyed the article!
It's time for me to invest in a pashmina shawl Shalini Kagal. I don't like being weighed down by layers of clothing every winter here in NYC - so this shawl would be perfect over a coat when it's really cold and then alone as the seasons change. And yes, in this plastic world - I have to read the labels to get real pashmina.
Thanks for the comments!
This was a very interesting hub. I really enjoyed reading it. Thanks for all the great information on wool. I have a few wool sweaters but I don't think their 100% wool. The next time I buy one I'll make sure to look at the label before buying.
I'm glad you found the hub interesting nancy_30. I have found that many of things I have bought in years past, although labeled wool - are not 100%. Just a reminder that we have to read labels on fabric and everything else. Sigh.
Thanks for commenting!
Great hub. I never knew wool had so many good properties although I've always liked wool clothing for comfort and warmth. Thanks for the good information.
You're welcome Pamela99. I was reading some of you great hubs - wonderful! Thanks for commenting!
Bk Creative, Wonderful informative hub! You do such great research and always have the best creative tips! Wool is quite versatile! Thank you for sharing, Blessings!
Thank you Deborrah K. Ogans - I'm glad you found the hub wonderful - and informative! So glad you came to visit!
Is a great hub but I tell you two things, wool and fiberglass will jump on me from across a room, I am allergic to both. I bought a beautiful red sweater before Christmas and it felt so soft and it started out just itching slightly and I was busy cooking trying to ignore it then it got so irritating I had to run pull it off immediately and sure enough it had wool, but my daughter-in-law was delighted with it!
Glad your daughter-in-law benefited Pollyannalana! I think now we have to be aware of all the processing that goes into wool as well as the dyes and added synthetics. I remember itchy sweaters when I was a child, and wool pants then had to be lined. Now I pretty much wear wool as a jacket, although the pants I have when I had the wool suit made in Bangkok are unlined and so comfortable, year round, amazing!!
I like your new avatar!
So good, and sooooo timely Bk! I've just started to shop for a Native American wool blanket now that I live in AZ. I slept under a warm and beautiful one last weekend at a friend's home. Good stuff Bk!
Thanks so much for commenting Nic - I love the idea of a Native American wool blanket (especially in AZ). Would love to hear more about it when you find the perfect one.
I feel warm and beautiful just reading about it!
GREAT ARTICLE...THANK YOU...GLAD I GOT MY 9 PURE WOOL BLANKETS FROM FARIBAULT MILLS BEFORE THEY WENT OUT OF BIZNIZZ......SHAME WE CANT KEEP OUR ALL AMERICAN WOOL COMPANYS AFLOAT...ILL GLADLY PAY MORE KNOWING THEY OUR AMERICAN MADE AN OWNED....
Thank you ED! It would be great if we returned to local production. It's worth it to pay more because you know it stays in this economy. Otherwise - well, there is little benefit for us. Sigh.
I'm glad you wrote. Enjoy your blankets!
THANK YOU BK...AFTER SLEEPING WITH PURE WOOL BLANKETS...ILL NEVER GO BACK TO SYNTHETIC ONES...I HAVE 3 WOOL BLANKETS ON MY BED...THEY ARE SOFT AS COTTON, BREATHE WELL, AN SELF TEMP. REGULATING...YOU NEVER WAKE UP SWEATY OR CLAMMY....UNLIKE DOWN OR FLEECE...BEST SLEEP I EVER HAD. TAKE CARE EVERYONE.
Thanks again for checking back ED. Good for you. Take care!
I only discovered, very recently, that 'Merino' came from Spain.
Very interesting!
Thanks for commenting Trish_M. Nice to meet you too!
BKCreative, the best way to find out if a material is synthetic is to rub your hand on it. If it is synthetic, it will leave static on your hand, giving you a tingly sensation.
Even though wool is claimed to be hypoallergenic, I am alergic to wool. It makes my skin itch and gives me a bad rash. Only Cashmere does not give me that problem. However, using cotton between the wool and my skin prevents the allergy.
Great tip gramon1 - and so important because we are constantly told something is a natural fiber - like fleece - at one time it was wool, now it is still called fleece but is made from polyester!
Some natural fabrics bother me - I suppose it is the processing - cashmere used to bother me directly on my skin but it is the best fabric for a favorite coat!
Thanks for your input!
You know your stuff BK! I did not know that wool has antibacterial properties, that's interesting.
Thank you Tracy Monroy. I recently read a horror story about a recall on bathrobes made of polyester - they ignited while people were cooking (perhaps breakfast) - this is not supposed to happen with pure wool. How well I remember wool everything when I was growing up, blankets, coats, socks, hats, scarves, rugs and bathrobes. We have to be soooo careful with these flammable fabrics. Yikes!
I appreciate your comment. Thanks so much for writing!
I am a big fan of wool and any natural fiber. I'm very allergic to fibers that are not natural. Aren't I lucky. Just the thought of poly-anything, and I swell.
Lord Bryan
You know LORD BRYAN - I think I have to come back to England to get the natural fibers I want - and truth in advertising. Like for a good wool coat or sweater. The good wool looks better as well. There is no substitution.
Thanks for commenting!
is there a sure-fire way to identify wool. i thought i read somewhere that soaking a few threads in alcohol would indicate content (dissolving wool threads). i've tried burning the fabric but am unsure of the results.
You're welcome billrobinson. Glad you found it interesting - and nice to meet you by the way. Thanks for writing!
Very informative hub on wool, BKCreative. I have to admit, I am one of those people who tends to use the "blends" or 100% acrylic in the yarns I purchase, especially if I'm going to crochet an afghan. I simply can't imagine hand-washing one and laying it flat to dry as opposed to throwing it into the washer and dryer.
On the other hand, I am allergic to animal fibers (dander?). Last time I was at the Maryland Sheep and Wool festival several years ago, I started sneezing after only a couple of hours there. And we won't even talk about the allergies I had during the 18 years I was a cat owner (sigh).
But I am starting to explore the world of natural fibers since I began teaching crochet at a new yarn store here in Hawaii called YarnStory. The owner is going to have a class soon in how to knit wool "soakies," those cloth diaper covers that are used extensively in Europe and just now starting to come into vogue in the US. I was amazed to learn of the anti-bacterial properties of wool as well as its resistance to dirt.
So true - wool has some amazing benefits. I'd never buy any other kind of rug except wool - because nylon, acrylic - just don't stay clean - and yikes the static electricity of fake fabrics.
I've read that the processing is what is causing so many allergic problems. I can say this for sure - here in NYC where we have had some incredibly cold day - a thin wool fabric will keep me warming than several layers of an acrylic - I am so aware of this in gloves too. So now (once again) I am planning to knit wool mittens. (Seriously)
I love this idea of wool 'soakies' - hope you write a hub about it.
Meanwhile there is a least one great hub out there about the benefits of real linen sheets - wow. Funny how we can call any material linen for the bed - but real linen - wow!
Thanks so much for your input.
I can certainly understand buying wool rugs.I remember our house being carpeted in the 70s with that fake fiber. It was the thing back then, but when I inherited the house, those carpets came out and I had the wood floors refinished.
Yes, a hub on soakies is an excellent idea! I've got a good resource in the yarn store owner who used them on her oldest when she lived in Europe. Will have to look for the "linen sheets" hub. And you're right, linen is used like Xerox is for photocopying.
Love hearing from you PWalker - you bring so much sunshine. I'm so glad to see us returning to natural fabrics as much as possible. I could never understand why someone would cover wood floors with cheap carpeting. Cleaning that stuff is a full time job.
Looking forward to your hub on soakies! Yay!
I have always heard we need to have a wool blanket in our personal prepardness supplies. It keeps you warm, will dry fast, and will put out a fire.
Sounds good to me HealthyHanna. I am becoming more conscious of fabrics since synthetics do outgas and we become trapped indoors with this stuff which is also highly flammable. I have been searching for a good wool blanket and thought I had found many until I read the tiny print and they are not 100% - I'll keep looking.
Thanks for the tip. Imagine trying to smother a fire with a synthetic blanket. Yikes!
I love wool.
It is nice to know that it is also beneficent.
Great hub!
Thanks!
You're welcome Dr Mohamed Rabie and it's great to meet you!
I work at Natura World and we sell adult and baby organic, wool bedding products. I noticed you had said these pure wool products were hard to find, I agree they are, so i'll attach a link to our website. Happy sleeping everyone! :)
Thanks so much Laura. I am so glad to see the effort being made to find pure wool, not blends, and to stay away from synthetics. I'll certainly take a look at the website and leave it here so others can look.
I remember when I was a little kid I had a real wool sweater and it made me itch like crazy. Maybe because I didn't know I was supposed to wear a shirt under it ;)
Since then I have typically just shied away from wool. After reading this I think I will reconsider.
There were some pretty awful wool sweaters back then ScentsForCandles. They were so coarsely constructed. But now when I check out wool sweaters they are silky to the touch. I do prefer wool though in coats - ahh such warmth.
Veronica Allen Level 1 Commenter 2 years ago
Well now! I definetly need to look for more wool products then. I love the fact that they can keep someone warm without overheating them. I had no idea that pure wool had so many health benefits. Thanks for reminding us that once again, we really have to read and pay attention the label. We may not get what we think we are purchasing since labels can be somewhat misleading.