When was the last time you looked at a wool garment and really thought about what made it worth buying? Did you wince at the price and put it back on the rail? Or do you avoid wool because you think it's scratchy, difficult to care for, or unethical?
These assumptions can put some people off choosing wool in favour of modern synthetic fibres or cotton. However, I want to explore these common misconceptions and outline why I believe wool is actually a versatile, economical and ethical choice for your wardrobe.
My love of wool is rooted in two main areas: my support for the British countryside and the rural economy, and my desire for a smaller, more curated wardrobe of timeless pieces I will wear again and again.
The key point to remember is that wool is not one single material with one set of characteristics. Rather, it's qualities can vary significantly depending on the type of wool, how it's processed and where it's sourced from.
Myth One: Wool is Always Scratchy
Some wool products can been coarser that synthetics, particularly when made from certain fibres or when worn directly against sensitive skin. However, its properties vary significantly depending on the type of wool. Here are some examples:
- Merino wool: Typically fine, soft, and comfortable, making it a popular choice for clothing worn close to the body.
- Lambswool: Taken from a sheep's first shearing, lambswool is often quite soft and springy, making it popular for knitwear and accessories.
- British breeds' wool: Depending on the breed, different sheep produce wool with different characteristics. Some British breeds produce a coarser, more robust wool, which is better suited to outerwear, tweed, and hard-wearing textiles such as upholstery.
- Alpaca: A softer option than sheep's wool, especially for people with sensitive skin.
Ultimately, softness is not a measure of quality. Rather, it's about each fibre's suitability for its intended purpose. Depending on your personal preferences and what type of garment you're looking for, different types of wool will be more or less suitable. Choosing wool does not have to mean a scratchy jumper!
Personally, I quite like softer wools - such as alpaca - for things like socks or headbands, which are worn close to the skin. Meanwhile, you can't beat British sheep's wool for a tweed jacket or 100% wool jumper! This wool scarf by Glencroft (pictured below) is midway between the very soft alpaca and the coarser wool used for tweeds. It's got a lovely texture and I'll happily wear it all day!
Myth Two: Wool is Difficult to Care For
Unlike many clothes made with modern synthetic fabrics, wool actually requires minimal washing. You don't need to chuck it in the machine after every wear, due to wool's natural breathability and antibacterial properties. Unless the item is actually dirty, a simple airing is often all it needs.
Try this simple wool care routine:
- After wearing: Simply lay the item flat somewhere dry and out of direct sunlight to air it. A quick refresh is often all it takes to make a wool scarf or jumper feel good as new.
- For small marks: Gently spot-clean the item where required. Let soil or dirt dry before gently brushing it off.
- When a "proper wash" is necessary: Always check the care label first, as some wool items (e.g. tweeds) require dry cleaning. Otherwise, use the recommended wool cycle or hand wash, using a suitable mild wool detergent and cool or lukewarm water. Glencroft actually recommend gently handwashing your wool garments in the bath, avoiding the washing machine altogether.
- When drying: Avoid wringing, spinning, or stretching wet knitwear. Reshape it and dry it flat.
- Before storing: Always ensure the item is clean and completely dry. No need to iron!
What about moths?
Moths can be a problem for wool garments, upholstery and rugs. However, by using suitable moth repellents and traps, inspecting your wardrobes, drawers and garments regularly, and using proper sealed storage for seasonal pieces, you can minimise the risk of your favourite wool items getting damaged.
If you've invested in wool clothing, then it makes sense to invest in wool care. Check out these moth protection products by Clothes Doctor.
Please note: we are not affiliated with Clothes Doctor, and do not receive any payment to promote them.
Myth Three: Wool is Too Expensive
A wool jumper or scarf - particularly if it's 100% wool - will likely cost more upfront than a synthetic alternative. I believe this higher initial cost is outweighed once you factor in things like the cost-per-wear and environmental impact. However, I also want to explain why a wool jumper (especially one that's made in the UK) is going to be more expensive than a designer jumper made with synthetic fibres.
The Cost of Making a Wool Product in the UK
A wool jumper starts on a farm. Sheep must be cared for throughout the year, which includes feed costs, vet bills, shearing costs and all the overheads associated with farming such as labour and diesel.
Once shorn, the fleece must be collected, sorted and graded. Depending on the product, it may then need scouring, carding or combing, spinning into yarn, dyeing, weaving or knitting, finishing and manufacturing.
Each stage requires skilled labour, energy, equipment, transport and expertise. Every business along the production line has overheads, including rent, staff wages, insurance, and all the other costs of doing business. In the UK, we have among the highest energy costs in the world, the highest labour and employment standards, and the highest environmental regulations. All of this costs money, and any profit is then taxed.
That's before the product reaches the retailer (us), and all the overheads we have to cover!
Compare all of this to the costs of overseas mass production using synthetic fibres. There's no sheep involved, so nature and animal welfare are taken out of the equation. Furthermore, wages are lower, regulations are more lax, and the whole process is shorter, more consistent, easier to scale, and geared towards cheaper, faster, mass production.
The Reality for British Sheep Farmers
The UK has a long history of wool production. During Medieval times, raw wool exports were a major part of the economy, and by the 17th century, wool and cloth accounted for roughly two-thirds of England's export value.
The industrial revolution increased production of wool products, and the British Wool Marketing Board (now British Wool) was established in 1950 to stabilise prices and grade fleeces.
Sadly, the advancement of modern technologies, globalisation and synthetic fibres has led to a marked decline in the value of wool as a commodity. Today, it can cost a farmer more to have their sheep shorn than they will receive for the fleeces, and sheep are predominantly farmed for meat. British farmers are also facing many challenges including livestock diseases, tax reforms, climate change and the rising costs of feed, fertilisers, labour and diesel.
British Wool supports sheep farmers by collecting, grading, and auctioning their wool. This helps the farmers get the best price for their wool, and gives smaller farmers market access that would otherwise be very difficult. Look for the crook mark (pictured below, right hand side) when shopping for British wool products to be sure of provenance and quality.
Cost Per Wear
A "cheaper" product isn't automatically of better value if it loses its shape, wears out quickly, doesn't get worn often or fails to actually keep you warm! A well-made wool garment that you wear repeatedly over many years may offer better value than something you replace every season.
Whilst I can't guarantee that your wool jumper will last a lifetime - many factors will influence its lifespan, including usage, care, and quality - wool products tend to be durable, versatile, warm and timeless. They won't go "out of style", and they are built to last.
Versatility Matters
A well-made wool scarf or jumper can work with a winter coat, formal jacket, or a more casual everyday outfit. Many wool products come in neutral colours and timeless designs, so they won't go out of fashion or suddenly feel like they no longer suit you.
I personally have been curating my wardrobe to include fewer, better quality items that work with a variety of outfits. It's not about having a "designer" wardrobe or expensive clothes - it's about building a collection that really works hard for me and gives me excellent value for money.
You're Not Just Paying for a Label
Hopefully, I have demonstrated that when you choose to invest in British-made wool clothing, you aren't paying for a label. You aren't paying more for it just because it's wool, or just because it's made in the UK.
I spend much of my time researching products, talking to brands and sourcing products that meet my strict quality and provenance standards. When you choose to shop wool products with Harradine's Country, you're choosing quality, longevity and timelessness with traceability and high ethical standards.
Myth Four: Wool is Unethical
It's perfectly reasonable for consumers to take an active interest in ethics when it comes to how their clothing is produced. There are a few key points to consider here, particularly when it comes to British wool:
- Shearing is welfare: Modern commercial sheep breeds do not shed their fleeces naturally (unlike wild species or ancient breeds). Shearing must be carried out at least annually to avoid overheating and other serious welfare issues that can arise if the fleece were left to grow.
- The UK has among the strictest animal welfare laws in the world: The UK was the first country in the world to introduce animal welfare legislation in 1822, and it has among the strictest penalties for breaches of welfare laws with unlimited fines and up to 5 years in prison.
- Skilled shearers: British Wool run shearing courses, which train people to shear without causing the animal stress or pain. They train between 800-1,000 shearers every year.
Animal welfare is of the upmost importance to farmers, manufacturers, brands and retailers like myself. That's why I look for British wool wherever possible when sourcing new products. I specifically look for brands that can tell me how and where their materials are sourced, and only work with those I trust.
Closing Thoughts
For me, wool represents much of what I love about true British country style: natural materials, skilled manufacturing, and products chosen to be worn and enjoyed for many years. By understanding a little more about wool, we can all appreciate its natural qualities and make more informed choices about what we wear.
