Proponents of wool as an eco-friendly material claim it is such because it comes from a natural source, but what do we really know about it? Possibly not a lot other than hat it comes from sheep and certain types can be excruciatingly itchy (if you've ever had one of "those" sweaters, you know exactly what that feels like). But can a product that is derived from animal sources still be eco-friendly and humane? Valid questions indeed.
What is it used for?
Clothing, blankets and carpets primarily, but it is also used to make insulation, baseballs and tennis balls.
Why wool?
There are several reasons wool is the material of choice for certain items. For one thing, it's hygroscopic, meaning it is able to easily absorb moisture. Wool can absorb 30 per cent of its weight in moisture; in comparison nylon can only absorb 4.5% and polyester 0.4%. Wool's wicking make it ideal for gear where you many sweat since it successfully wicks moistures away, and as an added bonus, it won't smell awful that way many materials do once perspiration enters the equation.
It won't just keep sweat away, it's also extremely warm thanks to the air that crinkled wool fibers are able to trap without making the material too heavy. Likewise, wool can have cooling properties when the fabric is thin and keeps moisture away from the body.
Wool is also fire-resistant and extinguishes itself when exposed to a flame or spark. This is the reason firefighters wear wool clothing, and why it is also idea for the avid outdoorsmen who spends time around the campire.
Other features of the material include the fact that it is hypoallergenic and renewable.
Where does it come from?
Many animals develop thick winter coats when the weather gets colder, and sheep are no exception. Wool is made from the winter coat of sheep who are shorn about once every year, usually in the spring.
Does it hurt?
Supposedly not. It has been likened to a human receiving a haircut.
Wool quality
There are several factors that contribute to the quality of wool and that determines what the wool will be used for. These factors include yield, fiber diameter, color and staple strength. The diameter is the biggest factor in deciding the quality of the wool and what it is worth.
A wool like merino is much finer at 12 to 24 microns. The more fine the woold is, the better quality it has. Typically anything greater than 25 microns is ideal for clothing; the coarser the wool, the more likely it will be used for rugs or outerwear.
How is it made?
After shearing a sheep, wool is divided into five catgories: fleece, broken, pieces, bellies and locks. A process known as wool classing determines the quality of the material.
A high content of lanolin, also known as wool fat or wool grease, is found in the wool that comes directly from a sheap. Wool must be thoroughly cleaned before it can sold for commercial use. The process ranges from simply bathing the wool in warm water to cleaning it with detergent and alkali. Vegetable matter found on wool is typically removed by chemical carbonization or at times, by hand. Wool containing grease is ideal for creating warm, water-resistant clothing.
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