The Benefits of wool for your health and for comfort
For over 5000 years, sheep’s fleece has clothed humans and protected them from cold, heat, and humidity. Sheep were the first animal to be domesticated and the first fabrics were probably made of wool. Wool is one of the main fibers used worldwide to make fabric, especially because of health and comfort benefits!
Eight properties of wool for health and comfort
Wool is good for your body, as it protects it from bad weather, is very positive for your health, and wool scarves offer unparalleled comfort for both winter and summer! We can list eight properties of wool that preserve your health and comfort.
Wool is thermoregulating
In fact, wool is 80% air in its composition, which slows down the passage of air as the temperature changes. This gives it a much greater thermo-regulatory capacity than other fibers. Wool therefore not only dyes warm but it maintains a temperature adapted to our body temperature. The air contained in the wool acts as a barrier against both heat and cold. It allows your skin to breathe dry by wicking away perspiration and drying quickly.
Merino wool is soft and does not itch
Choose Merino wool for your close-fitting clothing because it does not itch, thanks to the fineness of its fibers. It is ultra soft and ultra comfortable! La Fabrique d’écharpe only uses Merino wool in making our scarves!
Wool protects against UV rays
Wool naturally absorbs the sun’s UV rays before it can come into contact with the skin. By wearing wool, you will be protected against the harmful rays of the sun.
Even when untreated, wool absorbs radiation across the entire UV spectrum. With a UPF50 protection index, wool filters between 97.5% and 98% of the sun’s rays.
Some fibers such as merino wools may even have an even greater UV protection factor.
Wool is antibacterial and antimicrobial
Yes! Since wool is a natural fiber, it naturally contains antibacterial and antimicrobial agents to prevent it from being a haven for bacteria.
It’s the thin, waxy layer of wool fiber known as “lanolin” that contains fatty acids and protects against mold and bacteria.
The same coating repels water which could cause mold. This means that wool clothing does not need regular washing. They will stay “fresh” even after repeated use, unlike synthetic fibers.
Wool is hypoallergenic
Many studies have shown that natural fibers have a positive effect on allergies. In addition, wool, composed largely of keratin, is a hypoallergenic fiber, meaning it does not cause skin or respiratory allergies.
Regulation of cardiac rhythms
Since wool is temperature-regulating, it also develops less static electricity and thus helps the heart. As there is less static electricity than in most other fibers, wool clothing, and especially wool scarves, do not pick up dust.
Wool absorbs moisture
Thanks to keratin, wool can absorb up to 0.5 liters of the water vapor per day which is released by perspiration from the human body, even when resting. This power of absorption has two beneficial effects on our health. Firstly, it provides a dry heat, and secondly, it lets the skin breathe. In addition, this absorption takes place inside the fibers, which allows the air held between them to remain drier and protects the body from an unpleasant feeling of dampness. The humidity is then transmitted to the outside, thus preventing the body from cooling. This dry heat brings comfort, relaxation, and relief from rheumatic, osteoarthritic, and muscular pain.
Absorbs toxins in the outside environment
Several studies have highlighted how wool clothing absorbs chemicals and toxins products, including:
A study on “The absorption and binding of indoor air pollutants, such as formaldehyde by wool” carried out by Gabrielle Wortmann of the German Wool Research Institute
An experiment carried out by the allergist Pascal Demoly from the INSERM research laboratory in Montpellier.
These two studies make the same conclusion by demonstrating that sheep wool is a sustainable solution for the absorption of certain chemicals and toxic products including formaldehydes and other VOCs.Therefore, wool helps improve the air we breathe!
Besides its benefits for health and its comfort, wool has many other properties including:
Wool is practical
It does not pick up dust and does not get dirty easily. It can be dyed in any color. A wool garment fits well. It is very easy to remove wrinkles, a little steam restores its volume and softness. Our blog offers maintenance tips on how to wash your wool scarf.
Wool is a renewable raw material.
Every year, wool grows back on sheep after shearing. Its production requires little energy because the sheep are raised outdoors.
Wool is 100% biodegradable
When it is no longer useful to sheep or humans, it can be composted and fertilizes the soil.
Check out our website La Fabrique d’écharpe.fr and find original collections of scarves. They are all made of natural materials such as wool, silk, cotton, and cashmere. You will find spring/summer and fall/winter models as well as collections for women, men, and children.
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