"Wool" covers a wide range of fiber types and qualities. Here's a plain-language breakdown, written as we prepare to bring wool pieces into our own collection.
What are the main types of wool?
Merino, lambswool, and shetland are among the most common, and they differ mainly in fiber fineness and softness. Merino is generally the finest and softest, which is why it's the most common choice for garments worn close to skin.
What actually makes wool worth the investment?
Wool is naturally warm even when damp, odor-resistant across long wear, and durable enough to last for decades with proper care. A well-made wool piece genuinely can become a hand-down heirloom in a way most fabrics can't — see Choosing Heirloom Pieces You'll Actually Hand Down.
How does wool care differ from linen care?
Wool generally needs cold water, minimal agitation, and flat drying rather than machine drying, to avoid shrinking and felting. We'll cover full wool care in detail once our wool pieces launch; the short version is that wool is more sensitive to agitation and heat than linen is.
Is all wool itchy?
No — itchiness usually comes from coarser, lower-grade wool, not wool as a fiber category. Finer wools like merino are typically soft enough for direct skin contact. We cover this fully in The Truth About "Itchy Wool".
A note on timing: our wool collection is still in development as of this writing — see our women's collection for what's available today, with wool pieces to follow as we finalize sourcing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is merino wool the best type for beginners?
It's a reasonable starting point, since it's generally the softest and most versatile for everyday wear across a range of temperatures.
Can wool be washed in a regular washing machine?
Some wool is machine-washable on a wool-specific cycle, but many pieces do better hand-washed or gently machine-washed on cold with minimal agitation.
Does more expensive wool always mean better quality?
Generally price tracks fiber fineness and processing quality, though as with linen, it's worth checking specifics rather than assuming price alone guarantees quality.
