KnowledgeCotton Apparel mottled wool sweater ELIAS BLUE made of 100% lambswool
A blue wool sweater might sound like a simple basic. That is, until you take a closer look at the ELIAS BLUE by KnowledgeCotton Apparel. The mottled yarn and the distinct relief knit give this men's sweater just enough character, while the deep blue color remains calm and easy to combine.
The ELIAS is made of 100% lambswool and features a relaxed fit, a classic round neck, and sturdy ribbed cuffs. Warm, comfortable, and neat enough for all kinds of occasions. It’s that kind of sweater you can pull on in the morning without having to think about the rest of your outfit. Add trousers and you’re ready to go.
Why the ELIAS is such a great wool sweater
- Made of 100% lambswool
- Deep blue, mottled color
- Relief knit with visible texture
- Relaxed fit
- Classic round neck
- Ribbed neck, cuffs, and hem
- Warm and breathable
- Easy to layer
- Suitable for both casual and smarter outfits
A calm sweater with a special knit
The ELIAS doesn’t need a busy pattern or large logos. The knit itself provides enough depth. The fine structure runs across the torso and sleeves, beautifully highlighting the different shades of blue in the mottled yarn.
Thanks to that mottled effect, the sweater isn't completely solid. Darker and slightly lighter blue fibers are mixed together, giving the color more life. Depending on the light, it can appear deep navy or slightly brighter.
The round neck, cuffs, and bottom hem are finished with sturdy ribbed edges. These keep the sweater in shape and provide a calm contrast to the more structured knit. No frills, just well-made. We love it.
What is lambswool?
Lambswool is fine wool that comes from young sheep and is usually obtained during their first shearing. The fibers are generally softer and finer than regular sheep's wool, while still retaining all the pleasant qualities of wool.
Lambswool retains heat well but is also breathable and moisture-wicking. This makes a wool sweater feel cozy without turning you into a personal sauna. This makes the ELIAS suitable for cold winter days, as well as crisp autumn and spring days.
How wool feels against the skin is personal. Many people wear lambswool without issue, but those with sensitive skin may experience the material differently. You can always wear a cotton, wool, or wool-silk shirt underneath. This also provides an extra layer of warmth.
Relaxed fit: comfortable without being shapeless
The ELIAS has a relaxed fit. It is intentionally cut a bit looser around the body, offering plenty of freedom of movement in the chest, shoulders, and arms. The ribbed hem ensures the sweater stays nicely in place rather than hanging down like a large wool sack.
Choose your usual size for the intended relaxed fit. Are you between two sizes and prefer your sweaters to be a bit more fitted? Then try the smaller size. If you want plenty of room for a shirt or a warm base layer, choose the larger one.
In the photo, you can see that the sweater falls to about the hip. This makes it easy to wear with jeans, chinos, or dress trousers. The length is comfortable without being overly long.
The color BLUE
BLUE is a deep, mottled shade of blue. The collar, cuffs, and hem are slightly darker, making the relief knit stand out even more. The overall look remains calm but gains more depth than a completely solid navy sweater through the different shades.
Blue naturally combines with almost everything. Wear the ELIAS with denim, anthracite, black, beige, sand, olive green, or brown. You’d really have to try hard to find trousers that don't match this sweater.
From casual to smart
For an easy everyday outfit, combine the ELIAS with jeans and sneakers or sturdy shoes. Want something a bit smarter? Wear it over grey or beige chinos with a shirt underneath. You can let the collar peek out above the round neck for a groomed, layered look.
Because the sweater has a calm design, you can wear both solid and checked shirts underneath it. It also looks great without a shirt. A thin undershirt or wool base layer is often enough.
The ELIAS is suitable for the office, a dinner, a day off, and everything in between. It is not a sweater meant only for "smart" or only for "lounging on the couch"—though you can certainly do the latter.
Wool clothing rarely needs washing
Wool has natural self-cleaning properties and absorbs odors less easily than many other materials. Hang the sweater outside or in a well-ventilated room after wearing. Often, airing it out is enough to wear it again the next day.
Is washing really necessary? Turn the sweater inside out and use the wool cycle on your washing machine at a low temperature with the lowest possible spin speed. Do not soak lambswool, do not wring it out, and never put it in the dryer.
For our wool clothing, ALWAYS use a special wool detergent with lanolin, such as our own LANALICIOUS wool detergent. It cleans gently and helps keep the wool fibers soft and well-conditioned. Standard detergent is often too aggressive for wool and can contain enzymes that damage protein fibers.
After washing, leave the ELIAS to dry flat. Lay it out into shape on a dry towel or drying rack and let it dry naturally at room temperature. Do not dry on a heater or on a hanger: wet wool is heavy and can stretch as a result.
Always store knitwear folded
Even when the sweater is dry, it is best stored lying flat in the closet. A knitted wool sweater that hangs on a hanger for a long time can become longer due to its own weight or develop bumps at the shoulders.
Fold it neatly instead. Less spectacular than a closet full of hangers sorted perfectly by color, but much better for your sweater. And ultimately, a garment that keeps its shape is much nicer to wear.
Pilling is part of wool
Lambswool can pill during wear. Friction causes loose fibers to come to the surface and form small balls. This happens mainly under the arms, at the sides, and in places where a coat, backpack, or bag rubs against the sweater.
Pilling does not automatically mean the wool is of poor quality. It is a normal phenomenon with natural wool fibers and often decreases after the first loose fibers have been removed.
You can easily make the sweater look neat again with a Gleener fabric shaver. Lay the sweater flat, choose the appropriate attachment, and work gently without pressing hard. Be a bit more careful near the ribbed edges and seams. A few minutes of maintenance and your sweater will look fresh again.
Frequently asked questions about the ELIAS BLUE
What is this sweater made of?
The ELIAS is made of 100% lambswool.
How does the sweater fit?
The ELIAS has a relaxed fit and is intentionally cut a bit looser. Choose your usual size for the intended fit.
Is the sweater solid blue?
The color is mottled. Different shades of blue are subtly mixed together, giving the sweater more depth than a completely solid model.
Does lambswool itch?
That depends on the person. Lambswool is generally finer than regular sheep's wool, but those with sensitive skin may still feel the wool. You can wear a thin shirt or wool-silk undershirt underneath.
How often should I wash this wool sweater?
As little as possible. Let it air out well after wearing. If washing is necessary, use a gentle wool cycle and always use LANALICIOUS wool detergent.
What can I do about fuzz and pilling?
Remove them carefully with a Gleener. Lay the sweater flat and work without using much pressure.
Can the sweater go on a hanger?
Preferably not. Store the ELIAS folded in the closet to prevent stretching and bumps at the shoulders.
Come try on the ELIAS BLUE in Rotterdam
Do you want to see the relief knit in person or are you unsure about the size? Come visit Natur-el at Zwaanshals 376 in Rotterdam. We are open from Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
You can also call us during opening hours at 010-7954177 or email klantenservice@natur-el.nl. We are happy to help with sizing, maintenance, and the question of whether you *really* need another blue sweater. We have our answer ready: this one is very special.