3 Reasons to Wear Wool in Warm Weather

While it might seem counterintuitive, there are a number of ways that wool can help keep us cool in warm-weather months. Tired of wearing clammy cotton socks this summer? Read on.

True: Wool is moisture wicking

One of wool’s important attributes is that it can absorb a tremendous amount of moisture and still feel dry to the touch. Its structure is hydrophilic, which means water-loving. As our skin sweats in an effort to lower our body temperature, wool pulls the moisture away and can help keep us dry and comfortable.

According to Minus33 Merino Wool Clothing Company, “The main thing to know is that wool adsorbs (yes, adsorbs not absorbs, that’s different) moisture. Adsorption means that water molecules get trapped in the naturally porous fibers of the fabric versus absorption where water molecules permeate the fabric and are wet to the touch. For wool, because the water is trapped, your garments don’t feel especially wet against your skin even when they’re soaked.”¹

Coco’s Wrap is triangle shawl that's easy to wrap around your shoulders when you need a light cover-up.

True: Wool provides airflow

A breeze, a fan, anything that can move the air around us when we’re hot and sweaty can quickly lower our body temperature. But if we also need to cover our skin for sun protection or propriety’s sake, having a “breathable” fabric is key. What we often mean by breathable is a cloth that allows the breeze to still reach our skin. Crimpy wool creates air pockets that can allow more airflow.

Knitwear brand OUBAS states, “Contrary to popular belief, wool is a breathable fabric that allows air to circulate freely. The natural crimp and moisture-absorbing capacity of wool fibers enable air to flow through the fabric, preventing the buildup of heat and moisture next to the skin. This breathability ensures that the body stays dry and comfortable, even during hot and humid weather.”²

The adaptable Pilaster Socks could be worked with a shorter cuff to make them summer-friendly.

True: Wool is odor resistant

This might be the most surprising of these wooly truths! Research has shown that wool is not only less likely to build up a stank, it also excels at releasing odors after laundering. I think we all likely have a favorite cotton tshirt that releases a familiar musty smell each time we begin to “glow.” Wool’s natural ability to release these odors when washed means that even if our winter socks get stinky after a couple of wears, they will be fresh and clean the next time we give them a wash.

According to Woolmark, an Australian organization that promotes the wool industry, “Odour-wearer trials . . . show that Merino wool socks were preferred for both lack of odour after wearing, and also for lack of odour after washing, especially when compared to synthetic socks.”³

Notes:

1. Minus33 Merino Wool Clothing Company, “7 Reasons You Want Wool for Working Out,” minus33.com/blogs/allaboutwool/7-reasons-why-you-want-wool-for-working-out

2. OUBAS, “Wool Wonders: The Science Behind How Wool Keeps Us Warm and Cool,” oubasknitwear.co.uk/blogs/news/wool-wonders-the-science-behind-how-wool-keeps-us-warm-and-cool

3. Woolmark, “Research: Wool is Naturally Odour Resistant,”woolmark.com/industry/research/wool-odour-resistant/