Why Wool Is A Wardrobe Staple

In Style Advice by Melanie Shaw

Wool… it isn’t all that exciting, is it? It’s not something you’ll want to buy specifically, and often it’s more something you buy out of necessity because it’s warm and ideal for winter. However, if that’s your attitude towards wool, you’re making a mistake, and it’s probably a good idea to think again and make some changes – it could actually be that wool deserves the top spot in your wardrobe after all. 

There are many reasons why wool should be a wardrobe staple and why you should reconsider your feelings towards it if you’re not currently wearing it much (or at all). You might be surprised at exactly how versatile wool can be and how it can truly enhance your style. Read on to find out more.

It’s So Warm

Of course, one of the best things about wool, if you’re looking at it from a purely practical point of view, is that it’s warm. It’s so warm that it might be the only thing you need when it comes to finding the top layer for your winter clothing options, and that can mean saving a lot of money or finding some exciting new styles – or even both. 

Wool is essentially a natural insulator, and on chilly mornings, that could make all the difference. It’s all down to the clever way wool is made because it has tiny air pockets in the fibers, and those air pockets actually trap heat. When you wear wool, you really are keeping warmer than if you put on lots of layers or used other materials. The fact that wool clothes like a fisherman sweater also look great is just an added bonus that you’ll love just as much as staying warm. 

For All Seasons

You might think that wool is only really useful in the winter, but it’s a highly versatile material, and it can be used in all seasons in different ways. As we’ve said, wool will keep you extremely warm in cold weather, but it’s also a very breathable material, as strange as that might sound, and that makes it ideal all year round, no matter what you might be doing. 

In the summer, it literally keeps you cool by wicking away moisture, so you’ll stay comfortable and dry (of course, don’t choose a thick sweater on a hot day, but a thinner wool top like a t-shirt could be perfect). You can be confident in how you look, and your hygiene can stay excellent too. Wool should be a wardrobe staple all year round; just choose different thicknesses and styles to make it work for you and ensure you stay comfortable. 

It Lasts

Some clothes last a few months, sometimes even a few weeks, and then you know you won’t wear them again – they’ve faded, shrunk, torn, or they just don’t look as good as they did when you bought them. Or perhaps the clothes themselves are fine, but they’re suddenly no longer in fashion. Whatever the case, if you buy them and only wear them a handful of times, they’re not great value for money, and they’re bad for the environment too, when you dispose of them.

Wool won’t fall into that category. Wool is actually a highly durable material that is very resistant to wear and tear that would ruin other fabrics. That means you won’t have to replace your wool clothes as often as you would other things, and you might still be wearing an old favorite many years down the line. It’s sustainable and money-saving, and if you pick wisely to start with, you’ll stay in fashion for a long time to come. 

Easy To Care For

This point might seem like a strange one, and perhaps it’s not easy to believe at first because there are so many horror stories about looking after wool clothes, but it’s true; wool is easy to care for. 

The great thing about modern wool garments is that most of them can go in the washing machine (although please always check the label to make sure), but even better, they usually don’t need to be washed all that much anyway because wool has a natural ability to repel odors and stains. In a lot of cases, just hanging your woolen clothes up to air (outside if possible) is enough to make them fresh, and washing them can just be something you do every now and then when it’s really called for. 

Of course, one key thing to remember when it comes to wool is that it should never be tumble-dried. Bear that in mind, and you really shouldn’t have any problems with keeping your wool clothes clean and ready to wear whenever you want them. 

Timeless Appeal

If you follow fashion, or even if you’re just aware of the fashion world, you’ll know that trends come and go all the time. Something that was in one day is out the next, and if you try to keep up, it can be expensive and stressful. 

If you want to save yourself as much stress as possible, but you still want to be fashionable, wool is the answer. Wool is a stylish option, and it is timeless, so you won’t have to worry that the fashion ‘rules’ are going to tell you not to wear it. If anything, more and more wool seems to be used in trends, perhaps because it’s so eco-friendly or because those in the know have realized that it’s elegant and classic, and can go with pretty much anything. 

Think about the types of clothes you can get that are made of wool: sweaters, t-shirts, tailored suits, coats, skirts, dresses, and so on. There’s room for wool to be a staple in your wardrobe no matter what style you prefer and what trends you’re following (or not – even if you’re not into fashion, wool will help you look stylish anyway). 

It’s Hypoallergenic

If you’ve got sensitive skin, you might find it hard to find materials and clothes that you’re comfortable wearing, but that won’t be the case with wool because it’s all-natural. In a lot of cases, it’s the synthetic fibers in clothes that cause skin irritation, but since wool isn’t synthetic, the issues shouldn’t come up. 

Wool feels lovely on your skin, making it a comfortable material to wear, and the fact that it won’t cause you to get itchy and uncomfortable just makes it so much better. 

Photo by Isabelle Taylor

About Melanie Shaw

Melanie Shaw is a fashion and lifestyle writer who has worked in the fashion industry in PR and communications, helping brands launch their latest products and collections.

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Melanie Shaw

Melanie Shaw is a fashion and lifestyle writer who has worked in the fashion industry in PR and communications, helping brands launch their latest products and collections.