Wool

Wool is the natural fibre widely available and the usage of wool is specialised and restricted than cotton. Quantity of wool produced is much smaller and more expensive.

Wool can be classified into three

Merino or botany- Wools are about 50 to 100mm long, fine, soft and crimpy. The best quality wool is obtained from Merino sheep. Merino wool is the warmest but neither strong nor durable. Merino wool is used for best quality wool fabrics desired for maximum softness and warmth.

Cross bred type- Fibre ranges from 75 to 200 mm long, thick but not soft and crimpy. As the length increases the strength and resilience of wool also increase but diminish in softness and crimpiness. Cross bred type wool are used for wool fabrics where economy strength, resilience, lustre and durability are more important than fineness and softness.

Carpet type- These are 150 to 400 mm long, coarse type wool which are strong and resilient but not really soft. They are not fit for clothing fabrics but used in carpets; they are lustrous in nature and also the resilience is utilised.

Wool fibres are much longer than cotton. They possess a feature called crimp meaning a ‘permanent wave’. Wool fibres tend to felt or mat under the influence of heat, moisture and movement. But when done deliberately to produce close compact structures they can be shaped into garments. Wool is much more sensitive to heat moisture and chemicals than cotton. Wool is less sensitive to acid but alkalis can damage the wool irreparably. Wool fibres have good dye affinity. Fine wool yarns are expensive to produce because of the physical difficulties and strength limitations.

Wool fabrics produce warmth because of the thousands of tiny air pockets trapped in the yarns. Wool fibres being a protein do not transmit heat quickly. Wool prevent body heat to escape thus keep the feel of warmth. Wool can absorb less moisture without feeling cold and clammy. Wool does not cause skin irritations. Washing of wool needs extra care. Wool fabrics are not highly flammable but not easy to ignite and do not carry flame readily.

Fine quality wool possesses comfort but not strength and durability. On the other hand lower or cross bred qualities have superior durability but not really soft.

When selecting wool fabrics depending on the purpose go for the fine and less durable or for cross bred and long durable ones. The choice is yours.. J

Australia is the leading producer of wool