Organic Wool

Don't You Deserve Organic Wool?

If you like to wear wool, don't you deserve to enjoy the purity of organic wool?

Wool is one of nature's most unique masterpieces. It has been used for decades and is especially known for it's durability and warmth.

However, it has become somewhat of a forgotten fiber because it's commonly perceived as being heavy, itchy and scratchy.

Well now it's had a bit of a face-lift with rapidly growing interest. Special sheep breeds, like the merino have now made wool itch a thing of the past.

What Is Organic Wool?

Organic wool originates from healthy sheep raised on an organic farm.

As opposed to conventional wool, pure wool goes right from the farm through the manufacturing process without exposure to any harsh chemicals.

Many wool producers are embracing the demand for organic wool. Consumers and designers fuel the fire by being aware of health issues and making a conscious effort to be environmentally responsible.

Benefits Of Organic Wool

Aside from it's natural softness and comfort, organic wool offers up several other benefits:

Non-allergenic - widely used by people with chemical sensitivities.
Naturally absorbent - natural wicking abilities. Wools are able to absorb up to 30% of their weight without feeling damp. The coiled fibers wick moisture away from the body to evaporate naturally.
Mold and mildew resistant - due to the wicking action, moisture is able to pass through the fibers. Mildews require held in moisture to grow.
Insulation - fibers trap dry, warm air near the skin keeping us warm in the winter. When it's warmer, the breathable fibers pull heat and moisture away from the skin making us feel cooler.
Water repellent - natural ability to repel liquids, rain and snow.
Durability - fibers resist tearing and wool clothing will last for years.
Wrinkle resistant - when fibers are stretched, they will bounce back so clothing keeps its shape well.
Natural Fire Retardant - unlike synthetic fleece which ignites and melts easily, wool easily resists flame. It doesn't support combustion which is why firefighters wear wool.
Anti-static - natural fibers don't collect static and dust or dirt can be easily brushed off the surface. Because of the lanolin, wool naturally stays cleaner than most fabrics.
Colorful - amazing breeds of sheep produce charming natural colors.
Wool easily accepts dyes and color bonds permanently.

Disadvantages Of Wool Clothing

The main complaint about wool clothes is the prickly or scratchy feeling. Many people who think they have a wool allergy may actually be experiencing a reaction to the harsh chemicals used in conventional processes, rather than the wool itself.

However, some people may be sensitive to lanolin, which is the oil naturally found in wool. Reaction to dyes could be another culprit.

The itchy, prickly feeling is often caused by shorter fibers and may become more noticeable with increased skin temperature and moisture.

Using material such as silk or cotton between your skin and the wool clothing will alleviate this feeling.

Wool clothing with organic cotton blended in also delivers a softer feel with less itch.

The other option is to buy high end wools such as Merino wools which utilize finer fibers and is spun smoothly, with no itch factor.

Wool Clothing Care

Wool clothes are easy to care for but to keep them looking gorgeous for years, you need to follow a few simple rules.

Everyday Care

After you have worn your garment, give it a shake to remove any dust and air it out by laying it out on a clean towel. Check for any fuzz balls and remove them with scissors. Pulling can damage garment fibers.

To store, fold your garment rather than hanging it. Wrap in natural paper.

Hand washing

It's a good idea to check the label before laundering your garment.

Never use bleach or clothes dryer.
To begin, turn garment inside out.
Water temp - may use cold, warm or hot but tepid is best. Use the same temperature water for both wash and rinse
Soap - use a non-alkaline detergent to avoid "fulling". It's a good idea to use shampoo for washing and conditioner for rinsing your wool garments.
Soak for about 20 minutes - avoid rolling or kneading as fibers are more likely to stretch when they're wet.
Rinse in a soak again, then rinse in clear water. Some people recommend adding a capful of normal hair conditioner to the rinse water to help eliminate itching. Others recommend 2 teaspoons of vinegar. Give these a try to see what you think.
Allow garment to drain excess water.
Gently lay out on a towel, then roll the garment inside the towel and gently press. Never wring.
Unroll and lay flat on a fresh, dry towel. Reshape the garment and leave laying flat to dry completely (which may take up to 72 hours)

Luxury has been created with this sustainable resource, and the new clothing and linens have a sophisticated look and feel. Spoil your skin - try some organic wool.

Environmental Benefits

Organic sheep wool is highly renewable resource that is easily sustained using organic methods. In a worldwide "living green" movement, eco-wool is emerging as a hot new market.

Organic wool comes from sheep raised under a holistic approach toward humans,animals and the environment. These animals are raised "free range" under natural, healthy conditions.

This means that they have been grazed on land that is pesticide and fertilizer free, and haven't been exposed to synthetic or harmful chemicals that are harmful to humans or the livestock.The result is disease free animals with healthy immune systems.

Sheep are shorn annually in an animal-friendly manner. This naturally renewable resource is highly sustainable and doesn't cause environmental pollution. The natural fibers are recyclable and biodegradable.

Right from the farm to the finished wool product, organic wool has not been chemically treated. When it comes to processing, raw wool is cleaned using biodegradable cleansing agents, then it's carded and spun at organic mills.

Organic agriculture is one of the fastest growing areas of agriculture. On a global scale, organic wool production accounts for approximately 1.3 tonnes per annum. About 60% of that is processed into apparel.

That's a drop in the bucket compared to the overall growth potential. The global marketplace is awakening and demonstrating a need for organic wool.

Many growers are turning to organic farming methods. Consumer support will help them succeed, and why not? In the end, we benefit dramatically too.

Choosing eco wool clothing promotes a positive human lifestyle and is infinitely more beneficial for animal and environmental health.

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