Wool

Wool is usually sheep's wool; other types of wool are named after the animal they come from: mohair from the mohair rabbit, angora from the angora rabbit, cashmere from goats, llama, alpaga, etc.

Wool is a great thermal insulator, trapping up to 80% of air in its own weight. It absorbs damp quite easily and stays clingy, unlike other fabrics that easily stretch out of shape.

 

Sheep’s wool is quite solid and simply needs to be washed with care to stop it losing its shape.

Cashmere needs careful treatment, so don't pull on the neck or the stitching. Cashmere pills and forms little balls on your favourite sweaters, even if it’s good quality. Remove pills by hand as soon as they appear. You can use a soft brush but make sure that you always brush very delicately, in the direction of the stitching, from top to bottom.

Mohair and angora: before wearing for the first time, wash, put in a plastic bag and place in the fridge for 1-2 hours or in the freezer for 1 hour max. Remove half an hour before you put it on.

 

Whatever the type of wool, it’s important to read the label carefully.

 

Sheep’s wool is often thick so you can machine wash it, at 30°C on a delicates programme. Ideally, put it in a pillow case or net. Wash wool alone because the colour could run. It’s best to buy special washing products for wool and use a softener that brings out the colour and makes it silky. Dry on a hanger so it doesn't lose shape. Wool shouldn’t be washed too often as it can soon get damaged.

Wash by hand, in cold water, and dry flat. Wring well, as wool gorged with water can stretch and lose its shape. After washing, put your wool in a pillow case, place in the drum of your washing machine and give it a gentle spin to remove most of the water.

Ironing wool: Turn the garment inside out and place a wet cloth on top so that you don’t burn the wool fibres.

 

You can get very soft wool for newborn babies that doesn’t itch or irritate their sensitive skin.