5 Essentials You Must Know About Woollen Clothes in Winter

Winter is a great time to wear woollen clothes. All you need during the cold months is warmth, comfort, and style. That's what wool can provide you. This fabric is best suited for the winter climate.

Its features make it the preferred and trusted option compared to other fabrics. Hence here's a post on woollen fabric and woollen clothes. You could use some of this information while shopping for woolen clothes in winter.

So let's get going right away!

Advantages of Wearing Woollen Clothes in Winter

You should consider adding woollen clothes to your winter wardrobe. As I said, wool is a popular winter fabric. And here are some reasons why you must invest in the material for winter wear:

1. Natural

Wool is a natural protein fibre that's obtained from sheep. But you get it from animals other than sheep too. It's considered one of the most effective forms of all-weather protection.

2. Biodegradable

This fabric is also eco-friendly and bio-degradable. It naturally decomposes into the soil. As a result, it releases valuable nutrients back into the earth. Compared to synthetic materials, it's also a quick decomposer.

3. Breathable

Breathability is an essential characteristic of winter wear. Hence you should consider woollen clothes in winter. You will find that the fabric is breathable.

As the wool fibres are packed together, tiny pockets of air form. It allows the material to absorb and release moisture. This moisture could be from the atmosphere or your sweat.

It makes wool an extremely breathable material. It also helps you avoid clamminess when you return from the colder outdoors.

4. Reacts to the Changes in Your Body

Wool is also great at reacting to changes in your body temperature. It helps you to stay warm when it's cold around you. This makes it the perfect material throughout the winter season.

You can trust this fabric in varying winter conditions and temperatures. Hence here's another reason why you should buy woollen clothes in winter.

5. Static-Resistant

Static electricity is also a thing you should pay attention to. A current is generated when you touch or come in contact with someone's clothes. That's static electricity for you.

As wool absorbs moisture from your body or the surroundings, it rarely creates static electricity. But if you wear synthetic fabrics, static electricity is bound to happen.

But don't worry about wool in that regard. It will keep you cozy, comfortable and avoid any awkward clinging.

6. Easy to Clean

This fabric is easy to clean and maintain. You'll also read about some methods in one of the following segments.

Woollen fibres have a natural protective outer layer by design. It helps to prevent any marks or stains from being absorbed. So the dirt sits on the surface and is easily wiped out.

7. Anti-Wrinkle

Wrinkles are another factor you must deal with for winter wear. Hence, buy woollen clothes to avoid this concern. The clothes you buy will be anti-wrinkle.

Each wool fibre is structured like a coiled string. It allows it to return to its natural shape after getting bent.

So, woollen clothes don't tend to crease or wrinkle. This factor makes them the perfect addition to your everyday winter wear collection. Woollen clothes are also great items to pack when you're on holiday.

8. Odour-Resistant

The woollen fabric is also odour-resistant. So you won't have to worry about your clothes becoming smelly after a long day.

Wool can absorb moisture from your skin. Wool can absorb the odour from sweat only released upon washing.

This feature allows woollen clothes to be an ideal layer in post-workout sessions. That's the time when you need to fight the cooler air outside.

How Is Wool Fabric Used?

Let's try and understand how wool is used. Over the years, human beings have found many ways to use wool.

Wool is used for many other reasons other than clothing. But it's very popular for its durability in all fields.

The finer types of wool are often used to make garments that directly contact the skin. But it's also common to find wool in outerwear or other clothes. These are those that don't make direct bodily contact.

Most of the world's formal suits are made of wool. This fabric is also commonly used to make sweaters, hats, gloves, and other apparel. You'll get to read about a few in one of the segments later.

Types of Wool for Woollen Clothes

Now let's learn about some of the wool varieties available in the market. You must know about them. It comes in handy when you plan to buy woollen clothes. So here is a list of some types of wool:

1. Cashmere

Cashmere is a wool variety that's obtained from the cashmere goat breed. This fabric is ultra-soft and luxurious. You'll feel the luxury when you look at the price tags of such woollen clothes.

It's warmer, finer, and softer than lambswool. But it's a less durable and more expensive option. It requires extra care while cutting and pressing.

• Uses

This fabric is often used for tailored coats. Its lighter varieties and blends are frequently used for making jackets, trousers, skirts, and dresses. It's also used to manufacture knit tops, sweaters, underwear, scarves, and gloves.

2. Merino Wool

Merino wool is a fabric that's obtained from Merino sheep. It's a finer, softer, and warmer wool. It comes in different ranges, from ultra-fine to strong.

• Uses

Merino wool is a versatile fabric for winter woollen clothes. It can be found in knit and woven varieties.

Merino knits are ideal for sewing tees, turtlenecks, sweaters, dresses, and skirts. In woven form, it's perfect for tailored garments. The list includes coats, jackets, waistcoats, trousers, dresses, or skirts.

3. Mohair Wool

Mohair wool is obtained from angora goats. These goats are commonly raised in South Africa, Turkey, and the United States.

The wool obtained is fluffier, softer, and hairier than sheep's wool. It's also resilient to shrinking or soiling. This fabric too, needs extra care when cutting and pressing.

• Uses

The Mohair wool is usually used for sewing tailored suits, coats, and jackets. It makes soft, fluffy sweaters and other knitwear in knit form. So consider this type of wool as well while buying woollen clothes.

4. Alpaca Wool

Alpaca wool comes from the alpaca breed. This breed is raised in Peru. It's a lighter, warmer, and silkier fabric than sheep's wool. Yes, it has a silky texture. But it can be rough against the skin too. Hence, the garment may require a lining.

• Uses

Alpaca wool is often made into suitings. You can use it to make beautiful suits, dresses, and other tailored woollen clothes.

5. Wool Tweed

Woollen tweed is a generic name for woolen, rough-textured wool fabrics.

Some examples of tweed include Harris tweed, Shetland tweed, and Donegal tweed. They get their names from their districts of origin.

Tweeds often feature many colours and patterns, such as the classic herringbone or the more subtle heathered variety. Due to their rough texture, they often require a lining to be comfortably worn.

• Uses

Wool tweeds are often used for sports blazers, jackets, waistcoats, overcoats, structured dresses, or skirts. They work better in structured, tailored garments rather than designs that rely on draping.

Types of Woollen Clothes

As I mentioned earlier, winter essentials have their woollen varieties. Here are some options you can consider while shopping:

1. Woollen Coats

A coat is one of the many winter essentials you need. As for the fabrics, wool is an excellent choice during winter. It'll keep you warm and protected. But it'll also ensure your comfort for as long as you wear it.

Woollen coats are available in a wide variety of cuts, colors, and styles. So find one that complements your sense of winter fashion. You could pair them with dress pants for a classic winter look.

Some of the winter coats available are:

• Double-Breasted Overcoat
• Trench Coat
• Parka Coat
• Peacoat
• Fur Coat

2. Woollen Sweaters

Sweaters are a must-have in every winter wardrobe ther is. So when you choose your fabrics, consider wool. It's one of the essential woollen clothes you must have in your collection.

Sweaters have a wide variety available in the winter market. They have many exciting designs, cuts, and hues for you to pick from. So you should find one that suits your weather and style.

Even when it's not chilly outside, keep your body warm with a woollen sweater.

Some of the sweaters to consider for your woollen clothes collection are:

• Cardigan Sweaters
• V-Neck Sweater
• Crewneck Sweater
• Turtleneck Sweaters
• Zip-Up Sweaters

3. Woollen Scarves

Scarves are another fantastic item for a winter wardrobe. And yes, you get them in woollen varieties too. So use them as accessories along with other woollen clothes.

A wool scarf is an excellent choice to keep your head and neck warm. It keeps your head and neck shielded from the cold weather.

Scarves are available in many colours, patterns, and sizes. You should find one that's an excellent fit for your wardrobe and personality.

Some of the woollen scarf varieties are:

• Knitted Cowl
• Infinity Scarf
• Snood
• Cashmere Scarf

3. Woollen Hats

Winter hats are a crucial part of your headgear in winter. Like scarves, they, too, are great users of wool. A woollen hat is an excellent technique to prevent the cold from affecting your head.

You could wear beanies, berets, skull caps, or Russian caps. You can easily pair them with your outfits and make them look attractive.

Some of the winter hats are:

• Knitted Beanies
• Slouchy Beanies
• Skull Caps
• Berets

4. Mittens or Gloves

Gloves and mittens are essential to keep your hands protected during winter. They're slightly different in design from each other. Gloves have an opening for each of your fingers. But mittens have one opening for the thumb and one for the rest of your fingers.

These winter accessories keep your hands warm without making them too heavy to wear. Wear them and put your cozy hands in the coat packets while walking around town.

Some of your options are:

• Touch Screen Gloves
• Thermal Insulation Mittens
• Leather Gloves
• Knitted Gloves
• Fingerless Gloves

5. Woollen Socks

When you think of footwear, it's not only boots. You'll also need socks made of wool to keep your feet warm. They are a massive part of your woollen clothes collection for winter.

Wool socks aren't only for the chilly winter outdoors. You can also chill around at home in these socks. They're also an excellent pick to keep your feet dry also. They're comfortable enough that you won't want to take them off.

Some of the woollen sock varieties are:

• Ankle Length Socks
• Calf Length Socks
• Slip-on Socks
• Quarter Length Socks
• Leg Warmer Socks
• Split Toe Socks

Ways to Maintain Woollen Clothes

Your woollen clothes will care for you as long as you care for them. It doesn't need a lot of effort on your part. But you must give enough time to the caretaking of your woollen clothes.

Here are some easy methods to follow while you're at it:

How To Store Woollens

• Soak Them In The Sun

After you remove woollens from your cupboard, hang them in the sun. Please ensure to fold and not hang woollen clothes. It kills the bacteria and eliminates the smell of naphthalene balls. In the end, the clothes appear fluffy again.

• Fold and Don't Hang

You shouldn't hang your woollen clothes in the cupboard. Instead, you could fold them and stack them on a shelf. Hanging winter clothes can stretch them out. This practice can damage the looks and knits of the attire.

Avoid this inevitable damage by folding your sweaters, inners, jackets after washing or wearing them.

• Add Moth Balls to Your Cupboard

Add moth balls in the corners of your cupboard or shelves. It helps to ensure that insects don't attack your clothes. Also, ensure that the balls don't add a strong smell to sweaters and pants.

You can add them to a muslin cloth and then place them around the corners.

How To Wash Woollens

Woollens don't need to be washed after every wear. You should look to wash your woollens after the fourth or fifth wear. Apart from this, wash your coats and jackets only twice a season.

• Wash In Cold Or Lukewarm Water

Always use cold or lukewarm water while washing your woollen winter clothing. If you wash your woollens in hot water, they could fade or develop lint. For a machine wash, always select cold, normal, or lukewarm water settings.

You should also use mild detergent for woollens. It keeps the threads intact and increases longevity. Most of the clothes come with the wash-care instructions you must follow.

How To Maintain Woollen Clothes

• Safeguard Against Moisture

You must safeguard your woollens against moisture in winter. Add silica gel to your wardrobe or containers where you stack them up. If you store slightly wet woollens, they become a breeding ground for germs and bacteria.

• Save Against Dust

Woollen clothes often lose their shine due to the dust and dirt in the surroundings. Bring home the right brushes for your sweaters, warm pants, inners, and coats this winter.

It'll help you save your woollens from the dust. Always brush woollens before and after wearing them. It will keep them shiny and free from lint.

• Don't Iron

Ironing your woollens is something you should avoid. There's hardly any type that looks messy or develops creases after a wash.

Ironing can also result in lint formation. If you air-dry them, that should be enough. But then, too, if you iron sometimes, spread a cotton cloth over your woollens. And also remember to iron it inside out. This will ensure that your clothes remain in good shape.

Conclusion

Woollen clothes are precious when you think of the winter season. It would be great if wool tops your winter wear fabrics list. If you shop the right clothes for the right reasons, you're all set.

I hope this post could educate you about the value of wool in winter. So get some woollen clothes and stock them in your winter wear collection for the season.

This post was written by Kosha team member - Shawn Mathias