Wool

Wool is a natural fiber harvested from the fleece of sheep and other animals, prized for its warmth, durability, and remarkable properties. Humans have processed wool for millennia, making it one of our oldest textile materials.

The fiber itself is composed of proteins arranged in overlapping scales, which give wool its distinctive qualities: excellent insulation, moisture-wicking abilities, and natural elasticity. These properties arise from the fiber's structure and chemical composition, making wool warmer than many synthetic alternatives despite weighing less.

Wool production begins with shearing, typically performed annually. The raw fleece undergoes cleaning, carding, and spinning before becoming yarn suitable for knitting, weaving, or felting. Different breeds of sheep produce wool of varying fineness and color—from coarse, hardy varieties for outerwear to ultrafine merino wool for delicate garments.

Beyond clothing, wool finds use in carpets, insulation, industrial felts, and bio-based innovations. The sustainability of wool remains debated; while renewable and biodegradable, modern animal husbandry raises environmental and ethical questions.

Related

Sheep, Textile, Natural fiber, Felting, Knitting, Merino wool