5 Reasons Why I Prefer Wool

There are many reasons why I prefer wool to man-made fibres in hand knitting yarn or shop bought sweaters and cardigans and all other fabrics.

Here are five of the most important:

  1. Wool is a natural fiber. It is made from the fleece of sheep, and it is biodegradable and sustainable. Man-made fibers, on the other hand, are made from petroleum, which is a non-renewable resource.
  2. Wool is breathable. It has hollow fibers that trap air, which helps to keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Man-made fibres are not as breathable, and they can make you feel hot and sweaty. For my jumpers I personally now avoid even yarn mixes with more than 5-10% man-made fibres.
  3. Wool is durable. It is a strong fibre that is resistant to wear and tear. Look after your wool garments and they can last you lifetime, plus reduce waste created by fashion. Man-made fibres are not as durable, and they can easily get worn out. 
  4. Wool is comfortable. It is a  fibre that feels good against your skin. Man-made fibres can feel hot and uncomfortable. In my opinion the softness of synthetic/acrylic yarn is very overrated. 
  5. Wool is a renewable and biodegradable resource. This means that it can be replenished by nature, unlike man-made fibres which are made from non-renewable resources like petroleum. Disposed wool will break down over time and return to the earth, unlike man-made fibres which can pollute the environment and if incorrectly disposed, can turn into pollutants.

In conclusion, I prefer wool to man-made fibres because it is a natural, sustainable, durable, comfortable, and versatile fibre, and as lover of colour, I just like the way how wool shows variety or dyes including natural dyes. If you are looking for a high-quality fabric that is good for the environment and your skin, I recommend choosing wool over man-made fibres any time.