People prefer to wear woollen clothes in winter because it keeps them warm. It does not allow the body heat to escape into the outside air. Woollen garments have minute pores which trap the air between them, and the air is a poor conductor of heat. So it doesn’t absorb body heat and helps people stay warm. Wool is a renewable and biodegradable fibre that can be reused and recycled. It is a fibre that fits well into the Circular Economy because it is a renewable resource that is long-lasting and biodegradable. Woollen clothes last longer, require less frequent washing and do not contribute to plastic pollution.

Wool – A natural fibre 

Woollen clothes are made from wool obtained from the skin of sheep, goats and other animals. Wool is shorn, spun and woven before it is made into cloth. Wool is a natural fibre, and the animal’s fleece regrows after shearing. In addition, the fibre has keratin, which breaks down naturally without causing environmental hazards. 

Wool from different animals is unique, and the clothes made from them look and feel different. All woollen garments are durable and last for many years with proper care. The natural elasticity of wool withstands constant wear and resists matting and crushing. When it wears out, it degrades without filling the land and water and saves the environment.

Why do people love to wear woollen clothes?

Wool is soft

Wool is a soft and thin fibre. As a result, woollen clothes are naturally soft, breathable and slightly stretchy. Merino wool is very soft and the finest of all types of wool. Woollen garments made from fine wool are flexible and flow with the body’s movements. It absorbs and evaporates moisture but keeps the body cool and dry.

Wool is breathable

Wool is a hollow fibre. Woollen clothes absorb the sweat, release it and dry thoroughly. They do not hang on to the body. The woollen fibres trap the air and provide insulation in cold weather. The clothes are naturally odour-resistant and can be washed whenever needed. With good maintenance, woollen garments last for a long time.

Wool is easy to maintain

Woollen fibres have a natural protective outer layer. It prevents the woollen fibres from getting stained. Moreover, each woollen strand is like a coiled spring that returns to its natural shape after being bent. It prevents woollen clothes from getting wrinkled, and they need less maintenance.

Wool is good for the environment

Wool doesn’t cause pollution like polyester or other synthetic fibres. It doesn’t contribute to microplastic pollution on land and water. Wool is a renewable resource, and woollen clothes cause no harm to the environment. Compared to polyester, manufacturing woollen fabrics need 18% less energy and 70% less water. Woollen fibres are biodegradable, and they release valuable nutrients into the soil.

The textile industry supports the circular design, making clothes using regenerative material. Woollen garments last for nearly 20 – 30 years and are easily repaired during their lifetime. They are reused and recycled till they reach the end of their lives. And, the fabric degrades naturally without polluting the environment. In the end, woollen fibres break down into valuable nutrients and enrich the soil.

The natural properties of wool align with the principles of the Circular Economy. Therefore, woollen clothes play a significant role in protecting the environment. The garments are fashionable and available in various styles and colours to meet the wearer’s needs. Woollen clothes are liked by people globally and are worn in all seasons. They offer a snug fit and keep people comfortable throughout the day.