Recently we had a lively debate with a vegan who deplored the wearing of woollen clothing or the wearing of any animal derived material for that matter. Whilst we don't disagree with the morality behind the exploitation of animals (factory farming is a pet hate of ours) we are mindful that in some cases the alternative to wool is much worse for the environment - which means you have to look at the whole picture. Eating solely a plant based diet for example, is not necessarily best for the planet when you look at what and who would be impacted if meat was removed from people's diet*
In many categories of the Ateliers Verts store we are pro-vegan. For example in our Beauty department, products containing 100% naturally derived plant-based materials are often scientifically proven to be better for us and the environment, and the manufacturers are vegan-certified.
Growing a crop like cotton, or worse still, using fossil fuels to make fabric like polyester is far more damaging to the planet than taking wool from sheep. But again we have to look at the wider picture and accept that for example the use of organic regenerative cotton in bed-sheeting or the use of recycled polyester for swimwear can also be 'better' for the planet.
So why do we applaud the use of wool? - Here are our 20 top reasons:
It’s 100% natural
1. Wool grows naturally on sheep. Just by consuming a simple blend of water, air, sunshine, and grass, Wool is a natural protein fibre found on the backs of the millions of sheep you see over the world. It is considered one of the most effective forms of all-weather protection.
It's Renewable
2. Sheep produce a new fleece every year!
It's 100% Biodegradable
3. Wool decomposes in a matter of years, releasing valuable nitrogen-based nutrients back into the soil. Products that are biodegradable are part of a natural cycle. They come from nature and go back to nature, enriching the soil and nourishing new life.
Woolrich Pure Virgin Wool Scarf
It's Durable, Resilient and Resists Compression
4. Each wool fibre is like a coiled spring, making it extremely elastic. Wool fibres can be stretched up to 50% when wet and 30% when dry, but still bounce back to their original shape when released. The coiled spring structure also gives wool its resistance to compression. Wool fibres can be bent back on themselves more than 20,000 times without breaking.
It's Breathable and Manages Moisture
5. Wool is hygroscopic, meaning it can absorb moisture. As the humidity of the surrounding air rises and falls, the fibre absorbs and releases water vapor. Wool has the capacity to hold up to 30% of its weight without feeling damp or cold to the touch.
It’s Thermal Insulation
6. Wool helps to keep you warm when it is cold and cool when it is hot because of its inherent insulation properties. The natural crimp of the wool traps pockets of still air, insulating your skin from cold environments and keeping you warmer. Also, due to its ability to take up moisture, wool maintains a drier microclimate next to skin, keeping the wearer warm and dry. One the other hand, in warm and dry environments or during activity and exercise, wool keeps you cooler, by transporting moisture vapour and heat away from the skin and allowing it to evaporate.
Falke Men Long Sleeve Wool Tech Shirt
It Fights Odour
7. Wool fibres’ ability to absorb large quantities of water vapour help to keep the skin drier and prevent the build-up of sweat, bacteria, and unpleasant smells. Wool’s complex chemical structure also enables it to absorb and lock away odours, only releasing them upon washing.
It's Stain Resistant
8. The surface of a fibre of wool has a natural protective membrane which acts to repel moisture and is also naturally stain resistant. A wool textile doesn’t conduct static electricity in the way synthetic textiles do. Less static electricity means less dirt! (more below)
It’s Hypo-Allergenic
9. Wool textiles naturally absorb and filter airborne volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are unwanted toxins and odours that can cause irritation to humans. Wool textiles bind the allergy-causing substances tightly, reducing those VOCs circulating in the air.
Aspiga Merino Wool Stripe Hearts Quarter Zip Sweater
It's Fire Resistant
10. Thanks to its high water and nitrogen content, wool is naturally flame-retardant and has a far higher ignition threshold than many other fibres. Also, the wool fibre will not melt and stick to the skin causing burns, and it produces less noxious fumes that can cause death in fire situations.
Long lifespans and Recyclability
11. Research shows that wool products often have long lifespans, meaning they are used or worn longer than other textile fibre products. Wool textile fibres can be washed less frequently because of their odour resistance, and be washed at lower temperatures, which has a lower impact on the environment. Wool is also one of the most recycled fibres.
It’s part of A natural carbon cycle
12. Sheep are part of the natural carbon cycle, consuming the organic carbon stored in plants and converting it to meat and wool. Wool is a short-term store of natural, renewable carbon. Pure organic carbon makes up 50% of the weight of wool. While the carbon is stored in wool, there is less carbon in the atmosphere.
Allbirds Women's Tree Dasher 2
It takes Dyes Well
13. Wool has an ability to dye better than any other fibre. The dyes penetrate the wool fibres as opposed to when you use synthetic fibres where the dye remains in the surface rather than a deep colour strength you get with wool. This also helps the colour to be retained for longer,
It's Comfortable
14. Importantly clothes made from wool are comfortable to wear. The flexibility of the wool and the tactile fabric feels great against the skin.
It’s static resistant
15. As wool can absorb moisture from your body or the surrounding air, it rarely creates static electricity like synthetic fibres do, keeping you cosy and comfortable and avoiding any awkward clinging.
Naturalmat The Lambswool Mattress
It Provides UV-Protection
16. Wool is an excellent barrier against UV rays from the sun. You’re unlikely to get burnt through a merino wool t-shirt for example.
It Creases Less
17. With wool garments like jackets, you can shake creases out fo them and stubborn creases that you may find in a jumper can be erased by hanging them in a steamy bathroom for a few minutes
It’s Stain Resistant
18. Wool is designed to protect the body of the sheep; it’s the sheep’s naturally protective outer layer. It has an ability to provide a barrier against dirt which sits on the surface and can be more easily removed when cleaned carefully.
Swaine London - Herbert Johnson Slim Cap in Wool
It’s Traceable
19. Most wool supplying countries, have a body which provides standards think Woolmark or British Wool which in turn provides total transparency and quality assurance of their origins.
It’s Good for the Environment
20. Encouraging farmers to raise sheep provides them with a small income from the wool (mostly farmed for food) and in so doing helps to protect the land which may otherwise be developed. The sheep’s droppings help fertilise the soil and they are generally beneficial to the local ecosystems. Supporting locally grown wool also helps reduce the carbon footprint generated by transport and wool often supports localised economies.
*We can highly recommend reading the book "Not the End of The World" by Hannah Ritchie (link to Amazon on the image)
(Header Image: © Georgi Kalaydzhiev via Unsplash )
#MinimiseOurHumanFootprint
©Ateliers Verts Ltd. 2025
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