Positive Impact · TBCo 4 ·Jun 19, 2019

5 Reasons to Buy Wool

Sure, we might be a little biased, but we think wool is pretty much the best fabric ever. We call ourselves "wool enthusiasts" because it's really just a nicer way to say "absolute fibre geeks." There's so much to know about! The individual strands of wool are super fine, porous and curly, and all of these natural properties matter when it comes to how wool interacts with your skin (we'll explain more on that later). Wool sometimes gets a bad reputation for being itchy and rough, but that couldn't be further from the truth if you're investing in quality products. Simply put, the higher the quality = the finer the strands = the softer the fabric. We source extremely fine wool for our blankets and scarves, which is why they are incredibly soft to the touch and perfect for cosying up.

Here are our top five reasons for why we think wool is simply the coolest. Well, and the warmest. And the softest.

1. Wool keeps you warmer.

Even though wool is lightweight, it is far warmer than other fabrics, especially synthetic materials. In fact, no other fabric can meet wool's weight to warmth ratio. Okay, you know how it's cool to say "get you a girl who can do both" these days? Well, WOOL IS THAT GIRL. Extremely lightweight and extremely warm. Some say it's pure magic. We say it's pure wool. Wool's warmth-keeping abilities come from tiny air pockets between the material's fibres.

2. Wool is breathable & regulates your temperature.

You probably already knew that wool is great for keeping you warm, but did you know wool is also a fair weathered friend? It can cool you down when it's hot! Yep, sheep have a natural ability to control their body temperature. Through their wool, they basically came up with personal heating and air conditioning before humans even thought of it.

Once again, it all comes back to those breathable, porous fibres. When you perspire on a hot summer day, wool draws the moisture away from your skin before sending it back out into the air. In other words, it vaporises the air just like an air conditioning unit.

So, covering your shoulders in a lambswool scarf during the summer can actually help you cool naturally. It's no wonder sleeping with a wool blanket has been shown to help you sleep better!

Bonus: Wool is also UV and odour resistant. We're telling you, sheep are great!

3. Wool is naturally hypoallergenic.

Wool is meant to keep sheep dry, and its anti-absorption qualities leave no room for bacteria or dust mites to grow. What does this mean for you? That wool is naturally hypoallergenic!

Some people avoid wool because of a previous irritation. However, it's more likely that they are allergic to lanolin: a naturally-occurring, oil-like substance in wool. Quality mills tend to remove lanolin from their wool for use in other products, so that's always something you can ask before you make a wool purchase.

4. Wool is eco-friendly.

We're believers that the best things in life come from nature. Wool is 100% natural, renewable and sustainable. As long as there are healthy sheep to farm, there will be wool to wear!

Wool is also biodegradable, meaning it will eventually break down rather than ending up in a landfill.

Thanks to wool's durability, it also has to be washed less frequently (and who doesn't love that?). When you do have to wash your wool, it can be done at a lower temperature, resulting in a lower impact on the environment. Once agin, wool for the win!

5. Wool is a long term investment.

Wool has no place in the 'throwaway' fashion trend and TBCo. is all about products you'll love for years and years to come.

Wool products tend to have long lifespans as wool fibres can bend up to 20,000 times before breaking. As a comparison, cotton can only bend 3,000 times.

Wool also dries very quickly (thanks to those great anti-absorption properties we mentioned above) and is both stain and wrinkle resistant.

Care for your wool blankets and scarves properly and they'll keep you cosy for years to come!