Woolen underwear?!
Why would you?
Well, why not? Everyone is dealing with sky-high gas bills, and wearing a woolen base layer is the easiest way to turn your thermostat down a few degrees without having to compromise on warmth.
Sounds pretty good, right?
But what’s the deal with woolen underwear? And doesn't it itch like crazy?
When you first think of woolen underwear, these are often the first questions that come to mind. It's no wonder that this is one of our most frequently asked questions. And it is more the rule than the exception that people come into our shop feeling practically traumatized. Woolen underwear; just the thought! So why are we so enthusiastic, stubborn, and persistent about it?
Got a minute?
If you're cold, what advice do you often get? Exactly: Layers, layers, layers. And for good reason. Layers between your clothes act as an insulating coat around your body. Heat is retained, and if you're lucky, you're wearing clothing made of natural fibers that actually breathe. Problem solved, right?
Yes, you might think so. Were it not for the fact that you often have to wear multiple layers to achieve and maintain that effect. If you're outside, that's usually not a problem. But what happens when you go inside somewhere warm? Exactly, then you're way too hot again. Everything has to come off, and by now, your armpits are usually damp. Cotton gets wet, and then you cool down rapidly. What a hassle, trying to keep yourself warm.
It can be much simpler.
Wool is a hollow fiber; it takes on the heat from your own body and insulates. You can probably see where this is going... By putting on layers, you're essentially imitating wool! And that is spot on. In addition, wool has scales. These open up when it gets (too) warm and close when it's cold. If you wore wool, you wouldn't have to keep dressing and undressing. Actually, the wool does that work for you. You need far fewer layers, you barely sweat, and because wool can absorb up to 30% of its weight in moisture without feeling cold, you stay comfortable under any circumstances.
Not TOO hot, and not TOO cold. That is exactly the reason why we believe there is no "wool season," but that it is ALWAYS wool season.
Nice story, short and sweet, but wool ITCHES!
That's true; if you have woolen clothing made of coarser wool (like the undershirts and tights of the past), then it itches. Another reason why you think wool itches is that wool is almost always mixed with a synthetic fiber. Have you ever taken off a synthetic shirt? Do you remember what happened? It probably crackled quite a bit. Synthetic fibers cause you to become electrically charged. You are literally under tension all day long. It's no wonder that if you often wear synthetic clothing, you get tired faster in the evening or feel "wired." After all, you are under tension. Now imagine being intimately intertwined with such a synthetic thread all day. And I mean all the way... You don't want to think about that, do you?
A melted plastic bag....
No, and the 20% wool often found in such a so-called "woolen sweater" (which is actually acrylic or something else nasty: we call them "melted plastic bags" here very disrespectfully) isn't happy about it either. It is also under this tension all day and it shows. Its fibers stand straight up (just like your static hair). And you can feel that. The poor wool gets the blame for what its synthetic friend is causing. We don't think that's fair.
You should feel a pure wool sweater from our shop just for fun....
This past week, there was a lady in the shop who couldn't believe it. She's not the only one, and many of you will likely recognize yourselves in her. Somewhat skeptical, she put on (just to please me) a wool silk undershirt and a wool sweater. And you know, I’m gutted that I don't have that moment on film.... She didn't know what hit her. She kept saying: "Yes, but I really don't feel anything... How is that possible?" This wool was pure and super soft. Not comparable to the wool sweaters of the past. Especially when it is also mixed with 30% silk...
Of course, wool can feel a little prickly at first.
And some people are just more sensitive than others. What helps is to keep the shirt or sweater on for a while. This allows the wool to take on your body temperature and the fiber will relax.
I challenge you! Give it a try!
