Industry knowledge
Can wool garment fabric be used in all types of clothing, or are there limitations to its use?
Wool garment fabric can be used in a wide variety of clothing, but there are some limitations to its use.
Wool is a versatile natural fiber that is valued for its warmth, softness, durability, and ability to wick away moisture. It is commonly used in clothing items such as sweaters, coats, suits, pants, and skirts. However, there are some factors to consider when using wool fabric in clothing:
Temperature: Wool is a warm fabric, making it great for winter clothing, but not ideal for summer clothing, as it can cause overheating.
Texture: Wool can be scratchy or itchy to some people, especially when it is used in clothing that has direct contact with the skin. Wool blends or softer wool varieties like merino wool can be used in such cases.
Care: Wool garments require special care to prevent shrinkage, felting, or damage. They need to be hand washed or dry cleaned, and should not be dried in a dryer, ironed, or exposed to direct sunlight.
Price: Wool is generally more expensive than synthetic fabrics, making it less suitable for budget clothing items.
There are several types of wool that are commonly used to make wool garment fabric, including:
Merino wool: This type of wool comes from Merino sheep and is known for its fine, soft fibers. It is commonly used in high-end clothing and is prized for its excellent warmth-to-weight ratio and moisture-wicking properties.
Shetland wool: This wool comes from Shetland sheep and is known for its durability and warmth. It is commonly used in outdoor clothing and blankets.
Cashmere: This is a type of wool that comes from the undercoat of cashmere goats. It is known for its softness, warmth, and luxury.
Angora wool: This wool comes from the fur of Angora rabbits and is known for its softness, warmth, and halo effect.
Alpaca wool: This wool comes from the fleece of alpacas and is known for its softness, warmth, and hypoallergenic properties.
The type of wool used to make a garment will depend on factors such as the desired level of warmth, softness, durability, and texture.