Fashion is considered to be one of the most polluting global industries, behind oil, and even exceeding the emissions of aviation! When we talk about the need for fashion habits to change, and reducing consumption, we need to also be conscious of the types of fibres we are adding to our wardrobe and look at long-lasting fashion staples.
While there has been a drive for recycled plastics to be used in polyester garments, reducing the carbon footprint associated with creating clothing from virgin polyester, it is still not as kind to the environment as natural fibres like wool.
Wool is not only a sustainable and long-lasting fabric, wearing wool is actually less damaging to the environment than wearing its polyester counterpart that is sending plastic particles into the environment with every wear.
So why else should we wear wool?
- Wool is super soft
Many people assume wool is itchy and heavy, but cashmere and, more specifically Merino wool, is fine, breathable, and can be knitted with more elasticity. This is a wool that is finer and with a higher quality, and a perfect, timeless, wardrobe staple.
- Wool keeps you warm
Wearing wool keeps you warmer than cotton in winter because wool fibres trap air pockets, which helps to insulate you from the cold. This makes it ideal for active wear, like hiking or ski clothing, as well as for blankets.
- Wearing wool is healthy
In addition to keeping you warm, wool is a naturally breathable fabric because of its fibre, which lets air flow through it, whereas synthetics only breathe through pores in between the fibres. The breathability of wool means it will not feel sticky when you sweat and will therefore prevent you from overheating; wearing wool will keep you comfortable and dry.
- Wool is kinder to the environment
Wool is a natural fibre, and unlike manmade polyester, it won’t release plastic microfibres into the environment but, what’s even better, wool is biodegradable so won’t pollute oceans or add to landfill. Natural fibres like wool, silk and cotton will biodegrade from a few months to a few years, while polyester will take hundreds of years to breakdown.
- Wool is kind to animals
Wool traceability and animal welfare standards are helping to ensure wool production is tracked and animals are cared for, as well as yarn being traceable from animal to garment. You can read about the Linea Azzurro traceability promise here.
- Wool is long-lasting
Fabrics with longevity are considered sustainable and wool is durable, as well as easy to clean and resists deterioration. Clothing that must be replaced regularly is not good for the environment or fitting with the slow fashion ethos. Wool is also timeless so makes the perfect wardrobe staple.
When pledging to follow a slow fashion or eco fashion ethos, and reducing the consumption of fast fashion, take a look at adding long-lasting, high performance, wool garments to your wardrobe instead of those made from polyester.
Read more about some of the sustainable knitwear brands pledging to clean up the fashion industry. Is wool in your wardrobe?
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