Wool: The Year-Round Material
Wool is a natural animal-based fiber mainly made from sheep’s fleece.
<Key Features of Wool>
・Temperature regulation
・Moisture absorption and release
・Odor resistance
・Elasticity
Wool fibers contain a large amount of air, providing a very warm and comfortable feel. While wool is often associated with autumn and winter, it is actually a material that can be worn comfortably even in summer. This is because wool has excellent moisture absorption and release properties, allowing it to absorb humidity from the air and release it, while also helping heat escape. In other words, wool is a highly versatile material that keeps you warm in winter and cool in summer.
What Kind of Fiber Is Wool?
Wool is a natural fiber classified as an animal fiber, made from the fleece shorn from sheep.
The main component of wool fibers is keratin, a type of protein, and the fibers themselves are short staple fibers.
Yarn made from sheep’s wool and woven wool fabrics are also commonly referred to as wool.
Because of this, wool is a very familiar fiber used not only in clothing, but also in hotels, buildings, aircraft, hospitals, theaters, and other public spaces.
Wool has unique characteristics that are not found in other natural fibers such as cotton, linen, or silk.
Wool’s Greatest Feature Is That It “Breathes” by Absorbing and Releasing Moisture According to Changes in the Surrounding Air
Why is wool called a “breathing” fiber?
The secret lies in the structure of the outer and inner layers of the wool fiber.
The outside of the fiber is covered with scale-like layers and wrapped in a thin, transparent cuticle membrane.
The cuticle repels water and has scales that open and close depending on temperature.
The inner cortex, also known as the crimp, has the ability to absorb moisture and trap air.
This unique structure gives wool both moisture absorption and water repellency — two seemingly contradictory properties — which is why wool is often described as a breathing fiber.
What Is Merino Wool?
Although wool can include fibers taken from animals other than sheep, such as alpaca, angora, and cashmere, fibers from these animals are usually referred to by their individual names. In general, the word “wool” most commonly refers to sheep’s wool.
The texture and quality of wool vary depending on the breed of sheep, and wool is often ranked by the fineness of its fibers. One of the most representative and highly valued types is Merino wool.
Merino wool comes from Merino sheep, a breed mainly raised in Australia and New Zealand.
Compared with other types of wool, Merino wool has extremely fine fibers and excellent warmth retention, making it widely regarded as one of the finest and most luxurious types of sheep’s wool.
Merino Wool: One of the Oldest High-Performance Fibers Known to Humankind
Merino wool is one of the oldest high-performance fibers known to humankind and is also considered one of the most technically advanced natural fibers in the world.
As a natural fiber that has evolved over millions of years to protect sheep from various natural environments, Merino wool has the ability to absorb ultraviolet rays and help shield the skin from sunlight. This is why it is often worn by hikers, outdoor enthusiasts, and people who enjoy sports.
When used in clothing, Merino wool brings out the natural functions of wool even more effectively, including temperature regulation, moisture absorption and release, odor resistance, and elasticity.
Why Merino Wool Feels So Comfortable
Merino wool has functions that help manage sweat and reduce odor. Because Merino wool absorbs water vapor, it helps reduce the amount of sweat left on the body.
In addition, Merino wool fibers can trap odor molecules until the garment is washed, helping you stay comfortable for longer periods of time.
Wool also naturally has excellent moisture absorption and release properties, so it feels less sticky compared with clothing made from many other fibers, making it extremely comfortable to wear.
Thanks to its odor resistance and moisture control, Merino wool helps you stay comfortable even when you sweat.
It is a highly recommended material not only for outdoor activities and sports, but also for everyday wear.
Resistant to Dirt, Wrinkles, and Easy to Care For
Merino wool fibers have a natural protective layer on the outside, making them less likely to attract dirt. They also generate less static electricity, which helps prevent dust and lint from clinging to the fabric. In addition, the natural oil on the surface of the fibers gives wool water-repellent properties.
Because Merino wool combines odor resistance, soil resistance, and water repellency, it generally requires fewer washes compared with many other fibers.
Furthermore, our products are easier to care for than many other wool garments. Simply turn the item inside out, place it in a laundry net, and wash it together with your other laundry. If you hang it to dry soon after washing, it is unlikely to shrink.
※Leaving wool wet for a long time may cause felting and shrinkage.
An Eco-Friendly Material That Is Gentle on the Planet
Wool is a 100% natural fiber. It can be reused as recycled wool and made into clothing again. Even when discarded, wool gradually decomposes in the soil while slowly releasing nutrients that enrich the earth.
In recent years, eco-friendly and sustainable products have gained increasing attention in the fashion industry.
As the industry faces many issues such as mass production, mass consumption, and large-scale waste, wool has attracted renewed interest as a sustainable, natural fiber that is gentle on the planet.