We generally think that Wool garments are only for winter, protecting us from the cold, wind, and humidity.
All of this is really true, but behind there are many more advantages beyond those I just mentioned, which I will describe in more detail throughout this post.
Wool clothing and accessories can be worn year-round, with the unique difference that winter clothing is thicker and usually in darker colors, suitable for the cold season, while garments made for summer, especially spring, are thinner, more fluid, and in lighter colors, following the trends of each season.
At the beginning of spring, like now, the end of March is still cold, and even though we have beautiful sunny days, the warmth is not quite enough to feel truly comfortable. Depending on the year, this shoulder season sometimes extends into May... as is the case here in the Netherlands.
Of course, each country has its own climatic conditions, and I can only speak about climates I'm familiar with, such as southern South America or from central Spain northward. In Nordic countries, wool is often used and revered accordingly, as they have cool, very short summers.
Other countries, however, which are very hot and humid, don't need it, perhaps because culturally it hasn't been as necessary.
However, in areas where temperatures fluctuate regularly and the summer heat takes a while to arrive, as is the case here, garments made of good, soft wool are truly a necessary item.
Now let's look how are the reasosns for all these benefits.
Wool fiber is a natural material derived primarily from sheep and other species such as goats, camels, alpacas, vicuña, yak, etc. Wool is the animal's hair, and like everything in nature, this hair protects them year-round from inclement weather—the cold, wind, humidity, and even heat! The structure of wool fibers uses a high-tech process that keeps animals dry and warm in the winter and dry and cool in the summer. This wool insulates their bodies from the outside world to maintain a constant temperature, unaffected by the cold, humidity, or their own sweat in case of the heat. Their skin stays dry and healthy because the curl of the wool fiber creates thousands of air chambers that allow this to happen naturally, creating perfect insulation. In the case of external humidity, this hair retains up to 30% of its own weight in moisture; this moisture never reaches the skin. On the contrary, when it's hot, the animal's sweat is retained in its fur, keeping it always dry. The sweat escapes to the outside through this wonderful fiber to evaporate. Thanks to the many layers and air chambers, the animal maintains its body temperature, and the sweat doesn't affect the health of its skin, completely isolating it from insects and bacteria that could cause other discomforts. It's simple and so perfect at the same time!
All of this is a really good news for us because that's mean that the same effect when we wear wool garments or accessories in the summer. This advanced (natural) technology keeps our skin dry, drawing sweat to the outside, preventing us from feeling sweaty or smelling like sweat, since, because bacterias that cause bad odor, they can't develop in a wool garment. Wool absorbs moisture from both the outside and your own body that you don't even notice it on your skin. It also protects you from UV rays, which means the sun It does not affect either your skin.
A lightweight cashmere, alpaca, mohair or merino sweater can be worn a thousand times until your elbows are worn out! The same goes for accessories made of fine wool: a cashmere or wool-silk blend shawl is very elegant, fluid, and moves exquisitely as you walk. You can wear it open over your shoulders during an evening on a terrace on a cool summer evening and it will feel wonderful.
So, if you haven't experienced this before, you can start with a couple of timeless garments that will get a lot of use and offer you options for good combinations. A fine wool shawl that you can wear many times throughout the year it will pay for itself!
Wearing a fine wool garment in summer keeps you isolated and dry, you won't smell like sweat, and you can wear it multiple times without washing. Air it out enough to lose the moisture it has collected during use and store it folded until next time.
Find out and gather information on how to obtain quality, natural, and sustainable garments and do as has been done since ever.
Natural fibers have noble advantages for both animals and humans. Nature doesn't make mistakes, and humanity discovered this valuable resource to survive and achieve its goals till today. Evolution has been achieved by using what nature provides us, which is still very useful today.
I didn't want to go into scientific terms, as you can find a wealth of information on the subject if you'd like to delve deeper.
I want to share with you what I know from my own experience. I love natural fibers, and that's what I love to do! and both in winter and summer you can take advantage of their many advantages and benefits for you as a human being.
These are simple pleasures that we can realize once we are able to see beyond fashion, designs, colors, etc., and are able to carefully see the materials our clothes are made of, and how we can be connected to nature through them ♥
