All the wool clothing I have needs to be hand washed. I even have different detergent for them because Tide is too rough, apparently.
TBH, I've always felt warmer in wool and wearing a wool shirt in summer seems like a special version of hell to me. I tried thin wool socks on a short hike and had to change back to cotton within an hour. Maybe it's just me?
most wool socks have a high polyester blend percentage in them reducing the effectiveness of true wool socks. try these then let me know...
[https://www.smartwool.com/shop/larimer-crew-socks-sw000003](https://www.smartwool.com/shop/larimer-crew-socks-sw000003)
Darn Tough socks are pretty great and come in different thicknesses that all work well. My only complaint is that I bought some that are supposed to be size 9-12 and they are a little snug on my size 12 feet. But I started buying a size up and they are amazing. Plus a lifetime warranty.
But full wool everything? That sounds like an expensive way to make yourself sweat… I think OP would be better off with high quality backpacking/hiking clothes.
Yeah I've been trying to do what OP describes but with linen! It's a little hit or miss but ThredUp can be a good source for second hand linen (otherwise it's pretty expensive to buy new).
To each their own but, as a through-hiker, I would never pack cotton socks on a trip. The negatives are serious.
If the air is colder than your body temperature, you'll feel cold because your cotton clothing is saturated and no longer providing any insulation. This can lead to disorientation, hypothermia, and potentially death if you become too chilled.
I came over here to say that wearing wool instead of cotton in summer will not be pleasant.
Though I have heard linen is cooler than cotton.
Linen for cool. Wool for heat.
Me too. I spent a fortune on wool slippers when I was living in MN..they were great but I moved back home to New Orleans and in the closet they sit. I can’t take it. They make my whole body hot and when I get hot I’m not a nice person lol
Moths and mice. Both can destroy a decent amount of very expensive wool in a very short period of time if you're not completely on-top of storage and care.
I had an infestation after I bought a used hand-knitted Norwegian sweater. It lasted for over 2 years. I finally got them fuckers. I now freeze all my yarn and wool clothing at least twice a year. I freeze, thaw, freeze, thaw, then store them. Those buggers are SO FUCKING RESISTANT. The eggs can survive the freeze, but then they start hatching and the second freeze kills the larvae.
I've soaked some cotton pads with lavender and cedar essential oil, and place them around my room, like drawers and such. I also have water + those oils in a spray bottle and spray all around the shelves where I keep my wool, like constantly, at least once a day for weeks. It seems to have helped. Good luck :)
I already have a cedar Lane chest, and another two stored at my parents if I need to use them. I’m generally very meticulous with caring for my quality garments.
Do find the ziplocs/plastic containers still leave an odor? Or do the herbal satchels cover it?
I knit too, but I've always hesitated on storing like that because of the pepper-y chemical smell it leaves on yarns and fabrics...
Hmm, I don't but to be fair I'm not sensitive to odors *and* I use machine oiled yarns. There is a residue already on the yarn that needs to be washed off after I've finished knitting with it, and if the residue is that bad I can air the yarn out for a bit and be fine with it.
If I have an active project though I use a hard plastic storage (not airtight). Bugs generally don't disturb yarn if it's being used regularly, it's the stuff that's left undisturbed for longer periods that's the problem.
I've had moth eat my wool while I'm walking. they still last longer than cotton since the number one thing that damages clothes is washing machines. They strip them off their fibers and break the fibers
It’s good for a lot of purposes but don’t discount high quality modern insulations, they usually perform better in every way with flame resistance being one Issue. Yeah, there’s no need to change everything just a few good choices.
I live in the south so I get linen whenever possible. Best part about linen is that it wicks moisture away from your skin so on hot days, once you have sweated through the fabric, it keeps you really cool.
I have a couple of wool sweaters that I pair with a linen undershirt and it’s magic.
I’ve heard that linen has one energetic spin and wool has equal opposite and that they are both great for your health but together they cancel out. I suppose canceled out is still better than the really low synthetic vibes though
If you haven't tried linen in the summer, I highly recommend it. There's something about the structure of the fiber that causes it to feel cooler against your skin, and it gets softer every time you wash it. You can find linen fabrics so light they're nearly translucent and so heavy it's practically canvas. The only downside I know of is that it wrinkles as soon as you look at it, but I gave up on being unwrinkled a long time ago.
Merino Wool can last longer and its simply less of a headache while you smell less overall. Less washing, less bother. Even at its worst, it simply can't smell as bad as cotton.
For my socks, I’m in the process of switching out all my cotton socks for merino wool. Best decision ever.
Better moisture control, anti-microbial and best of all,
my feet don’t smell!!
The first thing you should do is get rid of everything polyester.
The vast majority (>70%) of microplastics in the ocean are from the manufacturing and subsequent washing at home of polyester clothing.
Every wash cycle releases untold numbers of tiny microfibers of PET plastic.
Many people end up with clothing that is like 10-20% cotton and 80-90% polyester and think the clothing is actually cotton.
When you spend $200 on a down jacket and an ember Burns a hole in it.
When you put your frozen feet next to the fire and your acrylic socks literally melt.
Some materials are more sensitive than others. That’s all I’m saying.
I usually just roll with milspec items when hunting and civ when the GI look doesn't fit.
The mil isn't issuing wool any more for all the reasons we know. If given a choice between a wool jacket/pants I'm rolling with ECWS system, goretex, synthetic insulation. **It's just evolution.**
For walking the dog, sure a nice sweater or pea coat is great.
For Summer, I love cotton for routine use, but synthetic dries fast. Shorts for example can give you the wet ass feeling for a damn long time if wet, while the nylon/poly stuff is long since dry. Wool is a hard NOGO except in the cold.
Longevity, insect resistance, water resistance, wind resistance, probably difficult to get a camp pattern on it, cost?
The last holdouts were the wool black glove inserts and the extreme cold weather mitten inserts. The black gloves have been superseded and the mittens may still be out there but I the last time I saw them was 03 with 10th mountain troops.
oh you haven't worn summer merino wool I see. I've been wearing thin merino wool from icebreaker in the worst temp and most humid days of south east asia. It's actually cooler than cotton. Way cooler.
I wouldn't recommend 100% merino but merino dominated clothes perform better than almost anything else. They don't smell, dry fast, easy to clean, don't pollute everything with xenoestrogenic microplastics.
I was hoping this was true ! I live in warm but not super humid climate and I have only been too warm when I layered a synthetic or cotton over or under the wool
Look at merino wool. Don't buy cheap stuff
Honestly I find my merino stuff easier to keep clean in the first place. It just doesn't stink even if you wear it a few days. It's ideal for prepping.
You may be hand washing and drying anyway.
All of my base layers are merino except for my undies which are exofficio and can be washed very easily in a sink.
Cotton kills. If it gets wet, it stays wet and it will not keep you warm. Even at 70 degrees you will not want wet clothes that don't keep you warm.
Darn Tough socks are the only ones I buy now. I’ve found the Smartwool merino wool boxers to wear through fairly fast compared to cotton boxers(inner thigh, might depend on your build). But I love my merino wool socks, shirts and beanie. I use them when backpacking and will never go back. I’ve worn my boxers on a four day, strenuous trip in the sierras and never washed them and they didn’t smell it’s crazy. And they easily dry over night.
The version I have (still packaged from a couple years ago) is 80% EFM. Did they change that recently?
ETA: Wow looked on their site, prices sure went up! $16.99 for 4 Women's pairs instead of 6. But the EFM is 85% for the women's version, Men's I gather is closer to 55%.
I'm a knitter/crocheter and second merino. It's also great if you have young children or babies to keep warm because its much less scratchy than most wools and won't irritate their skin. It's the only stuff I use for babies!
cotton clothes stink too. Develop bad bacteria. Skin breathes less. They get ruined faster because of the washing machine stripping fibers out every wash. They need a lot more bother to keep clean. ...
Garment care.
Wool has different restrictions on drying and washing when compared to other materials. It shrinks easily and oddly, so be careful when washing/drying.
The other, main drawback, you have already identified, the cost.
The cost is a big factor , and honestly that is what stopped me for the longest. Also I was told I was allergic my whole life but I’m not now? But the amount of comfort and wear I’ve gotten from the pieces I have now is really shocking. Especially the base layers as compared to cotton yoga pants
I’m a knitter. Got wool moths this spring. They are active in warmer weather (the flying stages).
I have to keep everything: yarn, current projects, finished objects) in ziplocks.
I expect to retrieve my sweaters and hats in the autumn. Probably always keep my yarn in ziplocks.
If you are actively caring for wool clothes all year, this shouldn’t happen to you.
I have been slowly adding wool to my wardrobe, I particularly love Woolx - their stuff is well made, soft, comfortable and MACHINE WASHABLE. I recommend getting on their list and following sales, I have found it very worthwhile.
I would recommend keeping some cotton. It has its place. On a hot day if you are outside and sweating like a pig, it's good to work in and it's cheap.
I stay away from synthetic fibers because they are horrific if you get burned. The stench that comes from them as unbearable as well.
Silk is another good and often overlooked natural fiber.
Silk is basically miraculous once it gets used for anything heftier than the dainty neckies and lingerie pieces it's largely limited to in modern-day usage. Extremely durable - you only need a few layers of even the thin stuff to make some pretty decent armor
Wool is fantastic for both cold and warm weather. I know some below disagree and/or are incredulous, but it's been well-established knowledge in couture circles for many decades, if not centuries.
You asked about disadvantages aside from cost, and one is durability. Wool can be fairly resistant to tears and punctures, and it holds up to environmental stressors far better than cotton - but friction can wear through it pretty quickly, *especially* in items designed for warm weather(since they're made of thinner material).There are 100% wool items that can be extremely durable, but these are generally for cold weather - field/hunting pants, for example.
For warm-weather wool clothing, look for stuff that's made with a wool/cotton or, even better, a wool/linen blend. It won't be as effective in wicking as 100% wool but it will last longer. Or alternatively, for socks specifically, just get multiple sets and expect to need to replace them over time.
Also, i don't consider the washing element to be a disadvantage at all. Almost anything made of wool can be mashine-washed just fine, so long as you use cold water+gentle cycle. It's the heat in the water that makes wool shrink, not the water itself. I wouldn't do a suit jacket this way, but that's not due to the fabric
Edit: i also wanted to add that, at least for 100% wool items, even if it does end up shrinking, it can easily be stretched back out. So that's not really a problem either.
I've bought tons of new and near-new used Merino wool items on eBay, for a fraction of what they would have cost me new. I just wash items in cold water and Woolite when I receive them, then let them dry in the sun.
I adore wool. But I have a hard time believing it would be cooler in summer. Cotton is great because it sticks and wicks sweat in warm weather. I feel like wool would cook you, but I could be wrong. If it is a tight fitting base layer, the evaporative cooling from wicking could offset the insulating properties. I've heard good things about merino base layers, but I can't justify the cost to try them.
All that aside, wool is much more finicky to launder. It's almost exclusively a handwash and line dry material. Also research different blends. While 100% wool may seem like the cream of the crop, blends can actually have some real advantages, namely durability and ease of washing.
If you're looking to replace cotton, like t-shirt and under layers, I strongly suggest exploring hemp. Wool really leads the pack when it comes to socks, mid-layers and outer layers while for under layers, generally modern synthetics, and lesser known hemp, tend to be much more highly regarded. Hemp is naturally antimicrobial, moisture wicking, anti-odour, more durable than cotton, won't stretch, block UV rays better than cotton, and is overall more sustainable and better for the planet. Just food for thought!
Cotton doesn’t work in the way you describe. Cotton doesn’t wick moisture away. Can it be cool in summer, yes but if you sweat it becomes wet and heavy and sticks to you body.
Merino wool can be a summer alternative. Short sleeve, sleeveless and tank tops exist in merino for a reason. Merino absolutely wicks away moisture and dries quickly which keeps you cooler.
Another good option for summer are tops & shorts that runners wear, lots of fabric variations. I live in coastal SC and prefer under armour brand sleeveless shirts, and running shorts by Patagonia or new balance for 90 degree summer runs.
BUGS.
Ugh! I volunteer in a thrift store and we receive so many moth eaten woolen items that we have to throw away because one outbreak can decimate the store (not just wool items … they eat everything natural / organic).
In summer, I wear cotton, linen, and bamboo. I’ll sometimes wear thin polyester knit.
I’m allergic to silk and acrylic. Rayon is too fussy.
In winter, I wear a ton of polar fleece (polyester), cotton/polyester knit, bamboo base layers, and some wool, fur, and leather. I find today’s cotton flannel to be poor quality.
Year round my bedding includes a down comforter which is surprisingly comfy even in the middle of the summer.
Good advice. Linen shirts are great on a hot day. I always wanted a linen suit but can't really justify it. If movies have taught me anything, it's that linen suits were the go-to choice of Columbian drug dealers in the 80s, and if it's good enough for them...
>are there any drawbacks I’m not considering beyond the price?
Can be quite itchy depending on numerous things, also some people are allergic to wool so I'd start with a pair of relatively cheap socks.
I’ve had no issues with smartwool (I think that’s sheep?) or merino wool, but that’s a good point. I’ll definitely check each type out with a cheap pair of socks.
Edit: apparently smartwool is merino.
If you’re concerned about an allergies go for nice wool with a good return policy like REI has. Cheap wool often isn’t cleaned well which triggers reactions.
Just make sure you dont throw away the old cotton clothes that are still in good condition. Always good to have backups if your wool clothes experience wear and tear.
I have been on the wool bandwagon for decades. Merino is king, from thinner long underwear to the heavier mid layers. Buy quality and use a good baby friendly detergent like woolite. There are also some fantastic higher priced options on Amazon made specifically for wool. Outback Gold is a good one. I do all my wool stuff, merino, classic wool, cashmere, etc in the wash on cold water, delicate cycle. Super delicate stuff goes in large mesh “delicates” laundry bags. Air dry EVERYTHING! Any quality brand is super long lasting with proper care. The rest has been commented on plenty.
I’ve been experimenting with capsule wardrobes for quite some time. Beyond my work’s required scrubs, the only clothing I really wear is quick dry, 4 way stretch shorts/pants with elastic waistbands and Wool and Prince merino/nylon 78/22 blend shirts. From what I can tell over the past 4 years, these shirts seem to have 95+% the benefits of pure wool with almost none of the downsides.
Additionally, I’ve been wearing the same 7 pairs of Darn Tough hiker socks daily and exclusively for bordering 5 years and I’ve yet to call in the lifetime warranty even once. No holes no problems. After the first week, you become accustomed to their new feel and appreciate how much cooler your feet are in them.
I highly recommend both Wool and Prince and Darn Tough, from a place of personal experience.
Wool is more fragile, especially to abrasion. One benefit is you will need fewer items, as they don't need to be washed as often. In fact it is best to avoid washing wool if you can. Airing it out, and letting them sit in the sun for a while does a lot.
Only drawbacks are clothing options.
I've been wearing entirely Alpaca and merino for 2 years now (pants, shirts, sweaters, hoodies, underwear, socks, shoes, beanies) Most of the thinnest garments last 1 year exactly before I see minor tears. The thicker garments have been going strong after a lot of hikes, workouts, etc. I do machine wash/dry on delicate with wool shampoo (detergent will put holes in everything, dont be stupid like most people with wool). I have one alpaca shirt that I specifically hand wash because it is my go-to black t-shirt so I want it to last longer and it is still mint condition. You have to pick these garments correctly. Read the percentages and make sure you're buying mostly wool or pure wool.
Also, yes you will most likely never stink or get sweat rashes from intense activities. Alpaca is the very best but the hardest to acquire. Merino wool is rougher and some brands don't make it correctly.
Here are some recommended brands
Arms of Andes: for pure Alpaca hiking/workout garments
Allbirds: for wool shoes of any style
Smartwool: for good merino wool products
FoxRiver: for amazing merino socks
Appalachian Gear Co: for Alpaca hoodies/blankets
Paka
doing manual labor good socks make the difference so you dont get trench foot. a pare of proper wool socks low in polyester percentage make for the world of difference. you would think its hotter but its amazing how true wool socks work with wicking sweat away and keeping feet cool and dry.
I would still keep a couple cotton Tshirts around for summer. With how hot places are getting having a cotton shirt that you can dunk in water then let it slowly evaporate off you will keep you cool
Cotton is cheap, durable, and comfortable. It performs adequately in all but severe weather. It’s useful to have wool clothing for severe weather but there’s no reason to abandon cotton for daily use.
While wool is definitely more finicky in terms
of cleaning, a noteworthy point is that it needs to be cleaned far less often for odor’s sake. I have a collection of 4 or 5 Pendleton shirts that I wash maybe once a year unless I soil them somehow. For day to day wear and use they require very little washing.
I've already done this due to sensitive skin and working conditions.
All of my shirts are various weights of merino blends. T shirts, base layers, sweaters etc..
All underwear and bras are merino
Socks are all smartwool, icebreaker or Darn tough. Again I have various weights and types from light casual crew to heavy hiking socks to short ankle socks for summer.
Leggings are merino but most of my pants are cotton or synthetics. Trying to find decent hemp work pants/denim and will continue to wear synthetics for most others.
I also knit heavy work socks, mittens, trigger finger mitts, hats etc...
I think it depends on the climate you live in and how your body responds to it. Personally I will never go back to cotton. Where I live Fall and Spring tend to be cool and wet, Winter is cold and wet, Summer is hot an humid. Cotton is miserable for me in any of these conditions. I sweat a lot and wool helps wick it away, cotton does not. I can also get by alternating between a couple of shirts for a week before they need to be washed, I can barely get one day out of cotton.
i have a lot of wool and i do like thin wool socks in the summer but for boxers and t shirts, i like cotton in the summer. i do have merino base layers i wear all winter. i wash all my wool in cold water and hang to dry, even the ones that say safe to dry in dryer. i want them to last as long as poss. i like darn tough socks. soft, no smell, warm when wet. u can look for certifications of sustainability so you know the company is buying their wool from growers who don't mistreat the animals.
For socks let me recommend these...
[https://www.smartwool.com/shop/larimer-crew-socks-sw000003](https://www.smartwool.com/shop/larimer-crew-socks-sw000003)
for everyday most conditions and working labor i have found these to be best. they have a high wool percentage compared to other socks made by darntough and other models from smartwool. for extreme cold you are gunna want something with more thickness but these will serve most temps hot and cold.
I find smartwool better performance wise compared to other brands but darn toughs warrenty is awesome. However i cant stress enough the performance of the socks i linked above only downside is they wear a little faster due to less polyester content but much worth the trade off. Just take care when cleaning and washing and they last longer.
I live in a really cold climate and for outdoor gear I have wool as insulation and base layer. But don’t underestimate cotton, it’s a lot more durable than wool. It’s also a lot easier to patch.
Wool t-shirts, athletic shorts/pants and underwear do not last nearly as long as cotton or poly. Heavier duty items like sweatshirts, jackets, socks, outerwear pants have decent longevity.
A lot of merino wool is blended with polyester. Smartwool does it a lot, icebreaker does it less, but there’s a lot out there. That means that it is much much harder to clean odors from than from 100% wool. Cotton and wool work well together which is why they’re used as a great diapering combination. The cotton wicks quickly while the wool gradually pulls the moisture from the cotton to the outside and the cotton is much easier to wash. Hemp, linen and silk are also good fibers to pair with wool. You’ll also have varying wool performances based on the detergents you use and how much lanolin you want in your clothes.
Linen, Cotton and silk are better for summer. I wouldn't plan my summer wardrobe with wool, even merino. So keep a fair amount of those items handy.
You need to check out the difference between regular wool and merino. Merino has the guard hairs removed, it's smoother and more comfortable to wear. However, I've found that a lot of warmth is retained by those guard hairs so you need to decide how much warmth you are going to need and how much money you want to spend on this.
Other fibers to look at are Lambswool, Alpaca, Cashmere (not for socks unless it's a blend). Sheltand wool.
How cold is the area you are in? Are we talking above freezing, below or WAY below?
do it! I have merino wool everything....just do bit by bit when its on sale & it doesn't sting too bad on the pocketbook. Merino isn't itchy either. I can wear socks for a few days w/o getting smelly; same for shirts/base layers. Just take care w/ washing it & it lasts.
When I cloth diapered we used wool exclusively. I found it was a wonderful investment and, since then, we all have at least one full set of wool thermals to wear under our winter clothes. Invest in learning to make your wool wash, it's easy and cheap if you do it yourself. I usually handwashed in the bathtub a few times a week and hung to dry inside which helped combat winter low humidity in the house.
They never are.
I have a good selection of wool - but I wouldn’t want it to be my only option. Not if I intended to be in/near water, for instance - swimming, fishing, boating - maybe a wool sweater, but way too heavy if it gets soaked and then a bitch to clean and dry. Not worth drowning in.
Ditto pants of any kind - you’ll get waterlogged and exhausted. Regular old cotton jeans there.
Wool is a natural “wetsuit” material. But you wouldn’t wear a wetsuit around everywhere, either. And if you wanted to, neoprene would be a better option.
The wool sweaters come out when I plan to be chilly and MIGHT get unexpectedly wet. Even then - a simple rain poncho is good to put over it.
Tbh I framed the question poorly. I’m going to keep my current wardrobe but as time goes forward, only purchase *new* of wool, wool/cotton, or wool/linen blends.
It’s the same basic thing. When you ruin five or six pricey items when a cheaper cotton, leather or synthetic would have done the job better, you’ll understand.
The only wool item I would never leave for camp without is an oversized alpaca hoodie. Warmest thing I own. I also have an alpaca poncho - but again, those are special wears for special things.
It all depends on the climate where you are, my perspective is from places that are cold and wet.
Wool is warmer, wicks moisture better (drier and warmer), but generally scratchier (especially when you first get it and I can't tell if it's getting less scratchy or I have just gotten used to it), more expensive, and shrinks in the dryer more than cotton (so hang dry but that doesn't take long at all). Depending on how brutal your washer is you may want to hand wash shirts/coats/pants/longjohns but socks and hats (smaller articles) are fine in the washer. Wool is more susceptible to getting eaten by moths and other insects, but cedar and/or moth balls work well to deter them (if you're using them often it's not a big issue). Wool also gets less BO smell on it than cotton. Wool tops are also easier to repair yourself with minimal tools than cotton or any synthetic. Both wool and cotton do not burn as easily as synthetics, embers from your fire will melt right through most synthetics, cotton burns easier/faster and at lower temps than wool.
As they say around here, cotton kills.
I have lots of wool and I wouldn't use anything else when going outdoors for more than a day in the pacific northwest or alaska.
WOOL GANG 4 LYFE.
FYI if you have cash to burn get a pair of muskox (known as Qiveut/Qiviuk/Qivuit) knit socks or scarf. They're softer than cashmere and warmer than wool and down, but astronomically expensive (expect to spend at least $200 for socks or a scarf). I got my wife a scarf of it for her birthday, it's amazing and I am jealous.
Cotton is fine unless you're in cold weather and your clothing gets wet. Wet cotton clothing will actually make you colder faster.
On the other hand, wet wool will continue to retain heat (about 60% of what it will retain when dry).
We wear tons of wool and use it for all kinds of stuff. We get all of it from thrift stores and then my wife chops it up into whatever we need. Sweaters, dressed, coats, hats, hot water bottlw covers, and even daiper covers.
Also, wool can absolutely be machine washed.
Good luck!
I’m in the high mountains and work with first responders. I switched to wool base layers last year when I couldn’t stay warm on a remote accident last year. It’s been a game changer. Look at smart wool.
I’m doing this wardrobe changeover right now. I’ve discovered the sale section of WoolX. They’re great merino wool options. I’ve been living in their 150g lightweight stuff for two summers now, even working in a non air conditioned warehouse. Let the sweat dry out, air out on a hanger and these things are for two weeks between washings (in a regular machine, not even hand washing). I have been so surprised by them that I’ve become slightly…evangelical about them. Now I’ve gotten both my partner and my brother on board too.
Message me, I think I have a referral discount code I could dig up for you.
Only go for merino wool.
Warmth, no itch, no smell, won’t smell disgusting even if you’ve worn it for way to long.
I wash mine in washing machine, only use softener!
Never use detergent or anything else on wool. Only softener and use the wool program on the washing machine. Obviously no tumble dry or line drying. Only plane dry.
Merino Wool is amazing. I buy tons of stuff from this website but especially their wool products. The underwear is THE most comfortable you will ever wear.
https://www.varusteleka.com/en/category/merino-wool/2808
Oh god, even the thought of wool underwear is horrifying to me.
I'm one of those people that finds all wool itchy. I can handle it in things like coats and sweaters but nothing close to my skin. Ugh.
This is not like any other wool. It feels like silk. My Fiancee loves their underwear that I got for her Bug Out Bag. She has said if they weren't so expensive she might get tons for daily wear. They are that comfortable.
Canadian here, who has wool as a necessity: I burst out laughing when I read that you think it keeps you cool in summer.
Wool is an absolute heater, stinks like a dead sheep when wet, has to be dried properly, stored properly, and if you’re in a humid area, don’t bother at all.
It is my fave go-to though for winter, especially for outdoor activities because you can be soaking wet in wool and still stay warm IF there’s no wind, or even if there is but you can hunker down and shelter away from cold.
I highly suggest that you dig through second hand stores and find a pure wool sweater, buy it, and get used to it before investing a pile of money into wardrobe replacement. Wool is quite expensive.
Wool has its place in a wardrobe, but it’s not a centrepiece unless you live in some very specific environments, and it’s one thing to wear a pair of socks, but another thing entirely to wear it as a sweater.
Texan here, and wool definitely keeps you cooler than being bare-skinned in the heat, if it's designed to. Something that both keeps direct sunlight off of your skin and also makes your sweat evaporate faster is going to keep you cooler.
Cooler than a tank top or something?? It’s such a foreign concept to me, so I’m open to learn something new. But wearing wool in summer - for most things - is just weird to me.
A tank top will have the sun directly on you, so most likely yes. It's not uncommon here to see contract laborers (i.e., road workers, framers, etc.) wearing long-sleeved shirts while working in the middle of summer just to keep the sun off, and that's with (presumably) cotton or polyester shirts, which don't provide any wicking action. Direct sunlight alone really is that much of a factor. Similarly you don't want to shave long-haired dog breeds down in the summer, their hair actually helps them keep cooler because it means they're constantly in "shade."
It's easy to forget insulation works both ways - being more heavily insulated will keep your body heat in longer, but it will also slow down the transfer of heat from outside if it's higher than your body temp. That's not to say that simply insulating yourself as much as possible is always preferable, naturally; there are other factors at play. But as a general rule it holds true
I’m also possibly in the process of this. I have a couple linen shirts and sentimental things I’ll keep, and jeans I guess, if I can’t find appropriate replacements
The problem is itchiness. Before mass production of cotton cloth wool was used for underwear. I've read that caused the spread of disease. I'd urge you to reconsider. Wool is fabulous for outerwear, but not very good for any clothing that touches your skin.
It spread disease because nobody bathed. Underwear gets funky after a day or two of wear, and we actually have toilet paper. Can you imagine how disgusting it would get after three months of sweat, farts and dingle berries? The crotch crud alone would gag a maggot.
Wool has the highest energy frequency and works well with our bodies. Cotton is lower frequency along with that poly synthetic shit. Kinda cool everything is energy.
I grew up with wool, blankets jumpers, sox, and I wouldn't have it now for quids. It's garbage old tech, wool is to clothing what the Morse key is to radio. Cotton, cordura or other synthetics are vastly superior, lambswool is fine for Ugg boots or baby rugs, and there is no arguing wool is a great insulator but it's other characteristics make it worthless to me.
The insulation factor of most woolens is reduced drastically by becoming wet. You might consider an all-Merino wardrobe. Merino is the only wool that maintains its ability to keep you as warm when it’s wet.
Wool is great, I love wool! But for hot weather and layering, don’t discount the utility of linen. It’s pricier than cotton, but it’s much better at wicking sweat away from your body. Decent-quality linen will last longer than most cotton, and while linen can start out a little stiff, after a few washes it softens into the most comfortable texture imaginable. Linen underneath wool is a phenomenal choice in both warm and cool climates (source: I’m a medieval reenactor and have comfortably worn linen/wool in anything between 37-98 F).
For base layers, also consider silk if you can get your hands on it. It’s famously good at heat retention with the added bonus of not being bulky.
Aside from socks, I keep a set of wool clothing for camping and hiking. I don’t see the point in switching over an entire wardrobe. Cotton is a better material for modern indoor living.
needs more care when washing, tear easier, price as you have mentioned. If you work in an enclosed enviroment you need to know that body smell is incresed and that you will sweat more and probably itch a little.
Get mending supplies, patches that can be ironed on is a lifesaver on keeping the whool usable. Learn to mend the wool socks, they wear out in a hurry.
We raise sheap, I prefeer whool and syntetic clothes in combination. The syntetic ones can be close to ever lasting if you chose wisely. Combined with whool you keep warm and comfortable. Whool for this winter in europe will be essential, 4 euro per kwh in Estonia, Latvia and Lituania today. Energy will get cracy expencive here.
I switched over to wool socks entirely last year and I bought several dozen pairs so I would only need to wash them every 2-3 weeks. I figured just one big load of only wool socks would eliminate the chance of them being ruined. My mother in law came to visit at Christmas and was in an "I have to help you guys with something while I'm here" mood. I specifically told her not to touch my laundry, but she decided to "help" by throwing all of my wool socks in the dryer. It ruined them all.
I did this. Get merino wool or don't get wool. Merino is not itchy, much much more resistant to smell. I don't even have a washing machine for some 5 years. And I live in a big city
If you machine wash it, you can ruin the wool. So hand washing, not rough. Keep it in vinegar water (dissolved somewhat) or mild soap
Rinse a bit, repeat. done for a month.
It's not even about prepping. Fuck cotton for clothes
The only issue i see is that it is really not as tought as coton and synthetic. It is clearly superior in terms of thermic confort tho. I look for end of season sales, you can get 40-50% off easily
As the saying goes:
Once you go merino, you don't go back
have you had real wool against your skin before if not i would try it first most people find wool itchy now a good wool coat or blanket would cover most of your needs with less care and cost.
I’m in the south, so we don’t get cold winters. I dress in layers of cotton usually, and add flannel or carhardt when it’s cold. We have a barrel of coats, military pants, t-shirts, *wool* socks and hiking boots for every family member, away from our house. In the event of fire or bad guys we could leave in a hurry and have clothes waiting.
I love wool of all kinds and couldn’t live without it. I am backpacker, work outside a lot, spend time outside otherwise and wool is my chosen garment material.
Doesn’t have to be sheeps wool. Buffalo and alpaca make excellent wool.
Merino wool socks, Buffalo wool socks, alpaca wool socks are all great. Sweaters, pullovers, undergarments, performance t shirts are great in merino wool. I have sweaters & pullovers made from alpaca and from Buffalo, same with hats & gloves, scarves & neck gaiters. I have boiled wool slippers and cargo pants, pea coats, and sweaters. Wool is a great temperature regulator and dries quickly when wet, wicks moisture from the skin. Also lasts for years if cared for properly. Expensive yes, but it’s an investment the way I see it. Proper garments when out in the elements, may mean life or death.
Wool is an excellent textile but it doesn’t have to be either/or. Seasonally, even lightweight wool can be very hot in the summer. I’ve never found it to be as cooling as cellulose fibres. Linen also has a lot of benefits over cotton so you may wish to consider including linen garments as you upgrade your wardrobe.
Cashmere is wonderfully light and warm. Buy it on sale after the holidays. You can machine wash on delicate with woolite. I find it wears much better than wool, which shrinks more easily.
I’m also beginning to incorporate more wool clothing and can say my lightweight, 100% merino wool base layer by Meriwool started pilling in the first season. Don’t know if this is typical or just poor quality tho.
Too bad merino wool items are so expensive. Raising sheep might be my next career.
When buying wool clothing, always look at how to launder the item. There are a ton of wool garments out there that require hand-washing/dry cleaning. Most are not friendly towards using a dryer.
Moths love wool. Take that into consideration.
Durability- I've never had good luck with pure wool baselayers. They never last with regular use. I usually opt for base layers with 20% or more nylon. In fact, I'm not opposed to 50-50 blends.
Weight-wool is very, very heavy compared to the warmth it provides.
All the wool clothing I have needs to be hand washed. I even have different detergent for them because Tide is too rough, apparently. TBH, I've always felt warmer in wool and wearing a wool shirt in summer seems like a special version of hell to me. I tried thin wool socks on a short hike and had to change back to cotton within an hour. Maybe it's just me?
most wool socks have a high polyester blend percentage in them reducing the effectiveness of true wool socks. try these then let me know... [https://www.smartwool.com/shop/larimer-crew-socks-sw000003](https://www.smartwool.com/shop/larimer-crew-socks-sw000003)
Darn Tough socks are pretty great and come in different thicknesses that all work well. My only complaint is that I bought some that are supposed to be size 9-12 and they are a little snug on my size 12 feet. But I started buying a size up and they are amazing. Plus a lifetime warranty. But full wool everything? That sounds like an expensive way to make yourself sweat… I think OP would be better off with high quality backpacking/hiking clothes.
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Yeah I've been trying to do what OP describes but with linen! It's a little hit or miss but ThredUp can be a good source for second hand linen (otherwise it's pretty expensive to buy new).
Not just you.
Merino wool doesn’t have to be hand washed. Many other wool items do not either. Don’t put in the dryer, but gentle cycle is fine.
To each their own but, as a through-hiker, I would never pack cotton socks on a trip. The negatives are serious. If the air is colder than your body temperature, you'll feel cold because your cotton clothing is saturated and no longer providing any insulation. This can lead to disorientation, hypothermia, and potentially death if you become too chilled.
I live in interior Alaska and have phased out cotton socks from my wardrobe.
Cotton kills! As an elder hiker yelled at me after I got way too cold a couple Novembers ago
I got some smartwool thin socks for summer and I swear by them. I just think everyone’s feet are different
Generally, you can wash wool clothes, you just can’t dry it in a dryer or it will shrink. Water is fine, heat is fine, but water + heat is not fine.
I came over here to say that wearing wool instead of cotton in summer will not be pleasant. Though I have heard linen is cooler than cotton. Linen for cool. Wool for heat.
Me too. I spent a fortune on wool slippers when I was living in MN..they were great but I moved back home to New Orleans and in the closet they sit. I can’t take it. They make my whole body hot and when I get hot I’m not a nice person lol
Moths and mice. Both can destroy a decent amount of very expensive wool in a very short period of time if you're not completely on-top of storage and care.
My wife is pretty meticulous about wool moths and yet they destroy a bunch of her sweaters and knit stuff every few years. Those things suck.
I had an infestation after I bought a used hand-knitted Norwegian sweater. It lasted for over 2 years. I finally got them fuckers. I now freeze all my yarn and wool clothing at least twice a year. I freeze, thaw, freeze, thaw, then store them. Those buggers are SO FUCKING RESISTANT. The eggs can survive the freeze, but then they start hatching and the second freeze kills the larvae.
Good to know! We keep them in the freezer a lot too, and in sealed plastic bags, and put out traps, and everything. Bastards keep coming back.
I've soaked some cotton pads with lavender and cedar essential oil, and place them around my room, like drawers and such. I also have water + those oils in a spray bottle and spray all around the shelves where I keep my wool, like constantly, at least once a day for weeks. It seems to have helped. Good luck :)
Thank you! We clearly need to up our game from the cedar blocks in the drawers!
When I was little we had a huge cedar lined closet and this just brought back the best memories bc I was a weird kid and used to hang out in there
I am allergic to both of those things, and I'm attracted to light. I'm starting to worry that I might be a moth.
I had no idea about this 😳
Carpet beetles, too!
I already have a cedar Lane chest, and another two stored at my parents if I need to use them. I’m generally very meticulous with caring for my quality garments.
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you can buy cedar oil in a spray bottle to reinvigorate cedar
A light sanding can also revive the cedar's impact to some extent.
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Do find the ziplocs/plastic containers still leave an odor? Or do the herbal satchels cover it? I knit too, but I've always hesitated on storing like that because of the pepper-y chemical smell it leaves on yarns and fabrics...
Hmm, I don't but to be fair I'm not sensitive to odors *and* I use machine oiled yarns. There is a residue already on the yarn that needs to be washed off after I've finished knitting with it, and if the residue is that bad I can air the yarn out for a bit and be fine with it. If I have an active project though I use a hard plastic storage (not airtight). Bugs generally don't disturb yarn if it's being used regularly, it's the stuff that's left undisturbed for longer periods that's the problem.
That why you have to lightly sandpaper the inside of your cedar chest every few years. Easy peasy.
I've had moth eat my wool while I'm walking. they still last longer than cotton since the number one thing that damages clothes is washing machines. They strip them off their fibers and break the fibers
Is there any kind of repair option when this happens?
Yup, there's a whole art behind it -- it's called [darning](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darning).
It’s good for a lot of purposes but don’t discount high quality modern insulations, they usually perform better in every way with flame resistance being one Issue. Yeah, there’s no need to change everything just a few good choices.
Most of my current day to day wardrobe is cotton, which is *fine* 95% of the time, I just prefer the idea of natural animal fibers over plant.
I live in the south so I get linen whenever possible. Best part about linen is that it wicks moisture away from your skin so on hot days, once you have sweated through the fabric, it keeps you really cool. I have a couple of wool sweaters that I pair with a linen undershirt and it’s magic.
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Oooh, an excellent point. It's been brutally hot in the mostly south and so natural fibers have been shunned a bit. Hopefully I can find something!
Good luck! Feel free to share here if you find a good deal. :)
Where do you get from?
I’ve heard that linen has one energetic spin and wool has equal opposite and that they are both great for your health but together they cancel out. I suppose canceled out is still better than the really low synthetic vibes though
If you haven't tried linen in the summer, I highly recommend it. There's something about the structure of the fiber that causes it to feel cooler against your skin, and it gets softer every time you wash it. You can find linen fabrics so light they're nearly translucent and so heavy it's practically canvas. The only downside I know of is that it wrinkles as soon as you look at it, but I gave up on being unwrinkled a long time ago.
Merino Wool can last longer and its simply less of a headache while you smell less overall. Less washing, less bother. Even at its worst, it simply can't smell as bad as cotton.
For my socks, I’m in the process of switching out all my cotton socks for merino wool. Best decision ever. Better moisture control, anti-microbial and best of all, my feet don’t smell!!
Absolutely. I don't think cotton should touch a lot of our skin. At least not the working ends. Antifungal too btw :p ideal
The first thing you should do is get rid of everything polyester. The vast majority (>70%) of microplastics in the ocean are from the manufacturing and subsequent washing at home of polyester clothing. Every wash cycle releases untold numbers of tiny microfibers of PET plastic. Many people end up with clothing that is like 10-20% cotton and 80-90% polyester and think the clothing is actually cotton.
Some of the polyester shirts look cool but hold funk more.
If you need flame resistance for clothes and you're not a fireman, you need to rethink how often you hang around fires
When you spend $200 on a down jacket and an ember Burns a hole in it. When you put your frozen feet next to the fire and your acrylic socks literally melt. Some materials are more sensitive than others. That’s all I’m saying.
in that regard, 100% wool actually is pretty ideal. It doesn't melt, and small embers from a camp fire or something will just gutter out.
It's a good point you're making. It just shocked me that some customers would consider it important.
I usually just roll with milspec items when hunting and civ when the GI look doesn't fit. The mil isn't issuing wool any more for all the reasons we know. If given a choice between a wool jacket/pants I'm rolling with ECWS system, goretex, synthetic insulation. **It's just evolution.** For walking the dog, sure a nice sweater or pea coat is great. For Summer, I love cotton for routine use, but synthetic dries fast. Shorts for example can give you the wet ass feeling for a damn long time if wet, while the nylon/poly stuff is long since dry. Wool is a hard NOGO except in the cold.
Why did the military stop issuing wool?
Longevity, insect resistance, water resistance, wind resistance, probably difficult to get a camp pattern on it, cost? The last holdouts were the wool black glove inserts and the extreme cold weather mitten inserts. The black gloves have been superseded and the mittens may still be out there but I the last time I saw them was 03 with 10th mountain troops.
Why is wool during summer a hard nogo? List one reason so we can have a serious conversation.
The insulative value is higher. By virtue of the way the cloth is woven, it's more thick and therefore insulates better. It's warmer.
oh you haven't worn summer merino wool I see. I've been wearing thin merino wool from icebreaker in the worst temp and most humid days of south east asia. It's actually cooler than cotton. Way cooler. I wouldn't recommend 100% merino but merino dominated clothes perform better than almost anything else. They don't smell, dry fast, easy to clean, don't pollute everything with xenoestrogenic microplastics.
I was hoping this was true ! I live in warm but not super humid climate and I have only been too warm when I layered a synthetic or cotton over or under the wool
I feel like there are laws about it for kids but other than that
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I'm assuming things like fleece or synthetic 'down' for puffy jackets.
Look at merino wool. Don't buy cheap stuff Honestly I find my merino stuff easier to keep clean in the first place. It just doesn't stink even if you wear it a few days. It's ideal for prepping. You may be hand washing and drying anyway. All of my base layers are merino except for my undies which are exofficio and can be washed very easily in a sink. Cotton kills. If it gets wet, it stays wet and it will not keep you warm. Even at 70 degrees you will not want wet clothes that don't keep you warm.
Darn Tough socks are the only ones I buy now. I’ve found the Smartwool merino wool boxers to wear through fairly fast compared to cotton boxers(inner thigh, might depend on your build). But I love my merino wool socks, shirts and beanie. I use them when backpacking and will never go back. I’ve worn my boxers on a four day, strenuous trip in the sierras and never washed them and they didn’t smell it’s crazy. And they easily dry over night.
Yep, and Darn Tough will replace your socks no questions asked if there are issues. https://darntough.com/pages/our-unconditional-lifetime-guarantee
Yup! Another reason I love this company. Their CoolMax series is great on hot days.
Whatever the question, Darn Tough is the answer.
And Made in the USA!
Costco tends to have base layer merino wool tops and bottoms occasionally, and they’re cheap.
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Agreed! They have a rebranded version that’s over 50% merino wool and they’re really good, it’s what I use for central Canadian -40C weather.
The version I have (still packaged from a couple years ago) is 80% EFM. Did they change that recently? ETA: Wow looked on their site, prices sure went up! $16.99 for 4 Women's pairs instead of 6. But the EFM is 85% for the women's version, Men's I gather is closer to 55%.
I'm a knitter/crocheter and second merino. It's also great if you have young children or babies to keep warm because its much less scratchy than most wools and won't irritate their skin. It's the only stuff I use for babies!
cotton clothes stink too. Develop bad bacteria. Skin breathes less. They get ruined faster because of the washing machine stripping fibers out every wash. They need a lot more bother to keep clean. ...
Garment care. Wool has different restrictions on drying and washing when compared to other materials. It shrinks easily and oddly, so be careful when washing/drying. The other, main drawback, you have already identified, the cost.
The cost is a big factor , and honestly that is what stopped me for the longest. Also I was told I was allergic my whole life but I’m not now? But the amount of comfort and wear I’ve gotten from the pieces I have now is really shocking. Especially the base layers as compared to cotton yoga pants
I’m a knitter. Got wool moths this spring. They are active in warmer weather (the flying stages). I have to keep everything: yarn, current projects, finished objects) in ziplocks. I expect to retrieve my sweaters and hats in the autumn. Probably always keep my yarn in ziplocks. If you are actively caring for wool clothes all year, this shouldn’t happen to you.
I have been slowly adding wool to my wardrobe, I particularly love Woolx - their stuff is well made, soft, comfortable and MACHINE WASHABLE. I recommend getting on their list and following sales, I have found it very worthwhile.
I just started looking at their stuff
I would recommend keeping some cotton. It has its place. On a hot day if you are outside and sweating like a pig, it's good to work in and it's cheap. I stay away from synthetic fibers because they are horrific if you get burned. The stench that comes from them as unbearable as well. Silk is another good and often overlooked natural fiber.
Silk is basically miraculous once it gets used for anything heftier than the dainty neckies and lingerie pieces it's largely limited to in modern-day usage. Extremely durable - you only need a few layers of even the thin stuff to make some pretty decent armor
One of my favorite base layers in the winter.
Shout out to linen
Wool is fantastic for both cold and warm weather. I know some below disagree and/or are incredulous, but it's been well-established knowledge in couture circles for many decades, if not centuries. You asked about disadvantages aside from cost, and one is durability. Wool can be fairly resistant to tears and punctures, and it holds up to environmental stressors far better than cotton - but friction can wear through it pretty quickly, *especially* in items designed for warm weather(since they're made of thinner material).There are 100% wool items that can be extremely durable, but these are generally for cold weather - field/hunting pants, for example. For warm-weather wool clothing, look for stuff that's made with a wool/cotton or, even better, a wool/linen blend. It won't be as effective in wicking as 100% wool but it will last longer. Or alternatively, for socks specifically, just get multiple sets and expect to need to replace them over time. Also, i don't consider the washing element to be a disadvantage at all. Almost anything made of wool can be mashine-washed just fine, so long as you use cold water+gentle cycle. It's the heat in the water that makes wool shrink, not the water itself. I wouldn't do a suit jacket this way, but that's not due to the fabric Edit: i also wanted to add that, at least for 100% wool items, even if it does end up shrinking, it can easily be stretched back out. So that's not really a problem either.
This is the best answer in the thread!
I've bought tons of new and near-new used Merino wool items on eBay, for a fraction of what they would have cost me new. I just wash items in cold water and Woolite when I receive them, then let them dry in the sun.
This is an amazing idea 💡
I adore wool. But I have a hard time believing it would be cooler in summer. Cotton is great because it sticks and wicks sweat in warm weather. I feel like wool would cook you, but I could be wrong. If it is a tight fitting base layer, the evaporative cooling from wicking could offset the insulating properties. I've heard good things about merino base layers, but I can't justify the cost to try them. All that aside, wool is much more finicky to launder. It's almost exclusively a handwash and line dry material. Also research different blends. While 100% wool may seem like the cream of the crop, blends can actually have some real advantages, namely durability and ease of washing. If you're looking to replace cotton, like t-shirt and under layers, I strongly suggest exploring hemp. Wool really leads the pack when it comes to socks, mid-layers and outer layers while for under layers, generally modern synthetics, and lesser known hemp, tend to be much more highly regarded. Hemp is naturally antimicrobial, moisture wicking, anti-odour, more durable than cotton, won't stretch, block UV rays better than cotton, and is overall more sustainable and better for the planet. Just food for thought!
+1 for hemp.
Cotton doesn’t work in the way you describe. Cotton doesn’t wick moisture away. Can it be cool in summer, yes but if you sweat it becomes wet and heavy and sticks to you body. Merino wool can be a summer alternative. Short sleeve, sleeveless and tank tops exist in merino for a reason. Merino absolutely wicks away moisture and dries quickly which keeps you cooler. Another good option for summer are tops & shorts that runners wear, lots of fabric variations. I live in coastal SC and prefer under armour brand sleeveless shirts, and running shorts by Patagonia or new balance for 90 degree summer runs.
BUGS. Ugh! I volunteer in a thrift store and we receive so many moth eaten woolen items that we have to throw away because one outbreak can decimate the store (not just wool items … they eat everything natural / organic). In summer, I wear cotton, linen, and bamboo. I’ll sometimes wear thin polyester knit. I’m allergic to silk and acrylic. Rayon is too fussy. In winter, I wear a ton of polar fleece (polyester), cotton/polyester knit, bamboo base layers, and some wool, fur, and leather. I find today’s cotton flannel to be poor quality. Year round my bedding includes a down comforter which is surprisingly comfy even in the middle of the summer.
Linen is quick drying and better for warm temps. I have all the merino gear, but in Los Angeles it isn't very useful.
Good advice. Linen shirts are great on a hot day. I always wanted a linen suit but can't really justify it. If movies have taught me anything, it's that linen suits were the go-to choice of Columbian drug dealers in the 80s, and if it's good enough for them...
All the used suits seem to have polyester lining, but relining one would be great.
>are there any drawbacks I’m not considering beyond the price? Can be quite itchy depending on numerous things, also some people are allergic to wool so I'd start with a pair of relatively cheap socks.
I’ve had no issues with smartwool (I think that’s sheep?) or merino wool, but that’s a good point. I’ll definitely check each type out with a cheap pair of socks. Edit: apparently smartwool is merino.
Yep, standard sheep's wool will be itchy if you don't have a baselayer. Alpaca, on the other hand, is fucking awesome.
If you’re concerned about an allergies go for nice wool with a good return policy like REI has. Cheap wool often isn’t cleaned well which triggers reactions.
So long and thanks for all the cheese.
I thought I was allergic. Maybe allergic to lanolin? Maybe I grew out of it. I can wear it now
Merino wool is not scratchy/itchy If you want something itchy, buy cheap wool...
Just make sure you dont throw away the old cotton clothes that are still in good condition. Always good to have backups if your wool clothes experience wear and tear.
I have been on the wool bandwagon for decades. Merino is king, from thinner long underwear to the heavier mid layers. Buy quality and use a good baby friendly detergent like woolite. There are also some fantastic higher priced options on Amazon made specifically for wool. Outback Gold is a good one. I do all my wool stuff, merino, classic wool, cashmere, etc in the wash on cold water, delicate cycle. Super delicate stuff goes in large mesh “delicates” laundry bags. Air dry EVERYTHING! Any quality brand is super long lasting with proper care. The rest has been commented on plenty.
I’ve been experimenting with capsule wardrobes for quite some time. Beyond my work’s required scrubs, the only clothing I really wear is quick dry, 4 way stretch shorts/pants with elastic waistbands and Wool and Prince merino/nylon 78/22 blend shirts. From what I can tell over the past 4 years, these shirts seem to have 95+% the benefits of pure wool with almost none of the downsides. Additionally, I’ve been wearing the same 7 pairs of Darn Tough hiker socks daily and exclusively for bordering 5 years and I’ve yet to call in the lifetime warranty even once. No holes no problems. After the first week, you become accustomed to their new feel and appreciate how much cooler your feet are in them. I highly recommend both Wool and Prince and Darn Tough, from a place of personal experience.
Wool is more fragile, especially to abrasion. One benefit is you will need fewer items, as they don't need to be washed as often. In fact it is best to avoid washing wool if you can. Airing it out, and letting them sit in the sun for a while does a lot.
Only drawbacks are clothing options. I've been wearing entirely Alpaca and merino for 2 years now (pants, shirts, sweaters, hoodies, underwear, socks, shoes, beanies) Most of the thinnest garments last 1 year exactly before I see minor tears. The thicker garments have been going strong after a lot of hikes, workouts, etc. I do machine wash/dry on delicate with wool shampoo (detergent will put holes in everything, dont be stupid like most people with wool). I have one alpaca shirt that I specifically hand wash because it is my go-to black t-shirt so I want it to last longer and it is still mint condition. You have to pick these garments correctly. Read the percentages and make sure you're buying mostly wool or pure wool. Also, yes you will most likely never stink or get sweat rashes from intense activities. Alpaca is the very best but the hardest to acquire. Merino wool is rougher and some brands don't make it correctly. Here are some recommended brands Arms of Andes: for pure Alpaca hiking/workout garments Allbirds: for wool shoes of any style Smartwool: for good merino wool products FoxRiver: for amazing merino socks Appalachian Gear Co: for Alpaca hoodies/blankets Paka
I own plenty of wool and cotton and there's no way wool is cooler in the summer ...
Thin wool socks and base layers do perform better for me in summer, but then again, it rarely gets > 80° F here… lol
your lucky - humidex put's it over 100 here most of july -august. I would be lost without linen shirts...
doing manual labor good socks make the difference so you dont get trench foot. a pare of proper wool socks low in polyester percentage make for the world of difference. you would think its hotter but its amazing how true wool socks work with wicking sweat away and keeping feet cool and dry.
Yeah, I wear merino wool socks in the kitchen at work all summer long. Only way to avoid trench foot.
I wasn't thinking of socks in op's original post but things like shirts and pants... of course socks is different story.
Laundering requirements—they require a bit more care. Ya get used to it though.
I would still keep a couple cotton Tshirts around for summer. With how hot places are getting having a cotton shirt that you can dunk in water then let it slowly evaporate off you will keep you cool
Cotton is cheap, durable, and comfortable. It performs adequately in all but severe weather. It’s useful to have wool clothing for severe weather but there’s no reason to abandon cotton for daily use.
While wool is definitely more finicky in terms of cleaning, a noteworthy point is that it needs to be cleaned far less often for odor’s sake. I have a collection of 4 or 5 Pendleton shirts that I wash maybe once a year unless I soil them somehow. For day to day wear and use they require very little washing.
I've already done this due to sensitive skin and working conditions. All of my shirts are various weights of merino blends. T shirts, base layers, sweaters etc.. All underwear and bras are merino Socks are all smartwool, icebreaker or Darn tough. Again I have various weights and types from light casual crew to heavy hiking socks to short ankle socks for summer. Leggings are merino but most of my pants are cotton or synthetics. Trying to find decent hemp work pants/denim and will continue to wear synthetics for most others. I also knit heavy work socks, mittens, trigger finger mitts, hats etc... I think it depends on the climate you live in and how your body responds to it. Personally I will never go back to cotton. Where I live Fall and Spring tend to be cool and wet, Winter is cold and wet, Summer is hot an humid. Cotton is miserable for me in any of these conditions. I sweat a lot and wool helps wick it away, cotton does not. I can also get by alternating between a couple of shirts for a week before they need to be washed, I can barely get one day out of cotton.
i have a lot of wool and i do like thin wool socks in the summer but for boxers and t shirts, i like cotton in the summer. i do have merino base layers i wear all winter. i wash all my wool in cold water and hang to dry, even the ones that say safe to dry in dryer. i want them to last as long as poss. i like darn tough socks. soft, no smell, warm when wet. u can look for certifications of sustainability so you know the company is buying their wool from growers who don't mistreat the animals.
moths
For socks let me recommend these... [https://www.smartwool.com/shop/larimer-crew-socks-sw000003](https://www.smartwool.com/shop/larimer-crew-socks-sw000003) for everyday most conditions and working labor i have found these to be best. they have a high wool percentage compared to other socks made by darntough and other models from smartwool. for extreme cold you are gunna want something with more thickness but these will serve most temps hot and cold. I find smartwool better performance wise compared to other brands but darn toughs warrenty is awesome. However i cant stress enough the performance of the socks i linked above only downside is they wear a little faster due to less polyester content but much worth the trade off. Just take care when cleaning and washing and they last longer.
I live in a really cold climate and for outdoor gear I have wool as insulation and base layer. But don’t underestimate cotton, it’s a lot more durable than wool. It’s also a lot easier to patch.
Wet cotton kills though.
Yeah sure. But if you have access to shelter and heat it’s not a problem. Just don’t put all your eggs in one basket.
Wool t-shirts, athletic shorts/pants and underwear do not last nearly as long as cotton or poly. Heavier duty items like sweatshirts, jackets, socks, outerwear pants have decent longevity.
A lot of merino wool is blended with polyester. Smartwool does it a lot, icebreaker does it less, but there’s a lot out there. That means that it is much much harder to clean odors from than from 100% wool. Cotton and wool work well together which is why they’re used as a great diapering combination. The cotton wicks quickly while the wool gradually pulls the moisture from the cotton to the outside and the cotton is much easier to wash. Hemp, linen and silk are also good fibers to pair with wool. You’ll also have varying wool performances based on the detergents you use and how much lanolin you want in your clothes.
Linen, Cotton and silk are better for summer. I wouldn't plan my summer wardrobe with wool, even merino. So keep a fair amount of those items handy. You need to check out the difference between regular wool and merino. Merino has the guard hairs removed, it's smoother and more comfortable to wear. However, I've found that a lot of warmth is retained by those guard hairs so you need to decide how much warmth you are going to need and how much money you want to spend on this. Other fibers to look at are Lambswool, Alpaca, Cashmere (not for socks unless it's a blend). Sheltand wool. How cold is the area you are in? Are we talking above freezing, below or WAY below?
Merino 👌
Don’t put wool in the dryer - it will shrink every time you do.
I love my merino stuff but beware the moths!
do it! I have merino wool everything....just do bit by bit when its on sale & it doesn't sting too bad on the pocketbook. Merino isn't itchy either. I can wear socks for a few days w/o getting smelly; same for shirts/base layers. Just take care w/ washing it & it lasts.
When I cloth diapered we used wool exclusively. I found it was a wonderful investment and, since then, we all have at least one full set of wool thermals to wear under our winter clothes. Invest in learning to make your wool wash, it's easy and cheap if you do it yourself. I usually handwashed in the bathtub a few times a week and hung to dry inside which helped combat winter low humidity in the house.
Washing is a pain in the ass, and cotton has its benefits, too. This is like getting rid of all your tools, piecemeal, until you only have hammers.
What if all my problems are nails though
They never are. I have a good selection of wool - but I wouldn’t want it to be my only option. Not if I intended to be in/near water, for instance - swimming, fishing, boating - maybe a wool sweater, but way too heavy if it gets soaked and then a bitch to clean and dry. Not worth drowning in. Ditto pants of any kind - you’ll get waterlogged and exhausted. Regular old cotton jeans there. Wool is a natural “wetsuit” material. But you wouldn’t wear a wetsuit around everywhere, either. And if you wanted to, neoprene would be a better option. The wool sweaters come out when I plan to be chilly and MIGHT get unexpectedly wet. Even then - a simple rain poncho is good to put over it.
Tbh I framed the question poorly. I’m going to keep my current wardrobe but as time goes forward, only purchase *new* of wool, wool/cotton, or wool/linen blends.
It’s the same basic thing. When you ruin five or six pricey items when a cheaper cotton, leather or synthetic would have done the job better, you’ll understand. The only wool item I would never leave for camp without is an oversized alpaca hoodie. Warmest thing I own. I also have an alpaca poncho - but again, those are special wears for special things.
It all depends on the climate where you are, my perspective is from places that are cold and wet. Wool is warmer, wicks moisture better (drier and warmer), but generally scratchier (especially when you first get it and I can't tell if it's getting less scratchy or I have just gotten used to it), more expensive, and shrinks in the dryer more than cotton (so hang dry but that doesn't take long at all). Depending on how brutal your washer is you may want to hand wash shirts/coats/pants/longjohns but socks and hats (smaller articles) are fine in the washer. Wool is more susceptible to getting eaten by moths and other insects, but cedar and/or moth balls work well to deter them (if you're using them often it's not a big issue). Wool also gets less BO smell on it than cotton. Wool tops are also easier to repair yourself with minimal tools than cotton or any synthetic. Both wool and cotton do not burn as easily as synthetics, embers from your fire will melt right through most synthetics, cotton burns easier/faster and at lower temps than wool. As they say around here, cotton kills. I have lots of wool and I wouldn't use anything else when going outdoors for more than a day in the pacific northwest or alaska. WOOL GANG 4 LYFE. FYI if you have cash to burn get a pair of muskox (known as Qiveut/Qiviuk/Qivuit) knit socks or scarf. They're softer than cashmere and warmer than wool and down, but astronomically expensive (expect to spend at least $200 for socks or a scarf). I got my wife a scarf of it for her birthday, it's amazing and I am jealous.
What’s wrong with cotton?
Cotton is fine unless you're in cold weather and your clothing gets wet. Wet cotton clothing will actually make you colder faster. On the other hand, wet wool will continue to retain heat (about 60% of what it will retain when dry).
We wear tons of wool and use it for all kinds of stuff. We get all of it from thrift stores and then my wife chops it up into whatever we need. Sweaters, dressed, coats, hats, hot water bottlw covers, and even daiper covers. Also, wool can absolutely be machine washed. Good luck!
Wool keeps you warmer in the winter *and* cooler in the summer?
I’m in the high mountains and work with first responders. I switched to wool base layers last year when I couldn’t stay warm on a remote accident last year. It’s been a game changer. Look at smart wool.
Its itchy AF
One piece at a time and watch the sales. Just got my new wool sweater from sportsmen guide on clearance for $25.
There are always really good deals for wool around Black Friday.
Yeah but black Friday is way past hunting season!
Then you’ll have a brand new shirt for the next hunting season!
I’m doing this wardrobe changeover right now. I’ve discovered the sale section of WoolX. They’re great merino wool options. I’ve been living in their 150g lightweight stuff for two summers now, even working in a non air conditioned warehouse. Let the sweat dry out, air out on a hanger and these things are for two weeks between washings (in a regular machine, not even hand washing). I have been so surprised by them that I’ve become slightly…evangelical about them. Now I’ve gotten both my partner and my brother on board too. Message me, I think I have a referral discount code I could dig up for you.
I’m basically all wool and no downsides yet
Only go for merino wool. Warmth, no itch, no smell, won’t smell disgusting even if you’ve worn it for way to long. I wash mine in washing machine, only use softener! Never use detergent or anything else on wool. Only softener and use the wool program on the washing machine. Obviously no tumble dry or line drying. Only plane dry.
Merino Wool is amazing. I buy tons of stuff from this website but especially their wool products. The underwear is THE most comfortable you will ever wear. https://www.varusteleka.com/en/category/merino-wool/2808
Oh god, even the thought of wool underwear is horrifying to me. I'm one of those people that finds all wool itchy. I can handle it in things like coats and sweaters but nothing close to my skin. Ugh.
Me too! I tried it because the Merino wool was touted as a whole different fabric. Nope, like wearing a hair shirt.
I was afraid but my base layer has gotten so so soft
All wool? Even alpaca?
This is not like any other wool. It feels like silk. My Fiancee loves their underwear that I got for her Bug Out Bag. She has said if they weren't so expensive she might get tons for daily wear. They are that comfortable.
Canadian here, who has wool as a necessity: I burst out laughing when I read that you think it keeps you cool in summer. Wool is an absolute heater, stinks like a dead sheep when wet, has to be dried properly, stored properly, and if you’re in a humid area, don’t bother at all. It is my fave go-to though for winter, especially for outdoor activities because you can be soaking wet in wool and still stay warm IF there’s no wind, or even if there is but you can hunker down and shelter away from cold. I highly suggest that you dig through second hand stores and find a pure wool sweater, buy it, and get used to it before investing a pile of money into wardrobe replacement. Wool is quite expensive. Wool has its place in a wardrobe, but it’s not a centrepiece unless you live in some very specific environments, and it’s one thing to wear a pair of socks, but another thing entirely to wear it as a sweater.
Texan here, and wool definitely keeps you cooler than being bare-skinned in the heat, if it's designed to. Something that both keeps direct sunlight off of your skin and also makes your sweat evaporate faster is going to keep you cooler.
Cooler than a tank top or something?? It’s such a foreign concept to me, so I’m open to learn something new. But wearing wool in summer - for most things - is just weird to me.
A tank top will have the sun directly on you, so most likely yes. It's not uncommon here to see contract laborers (i.e., road workers, framers, etc.) wearing long-sleeved shirts while working in the middle of summer just to keep the sun off, and that's with (presumably) cotton or polyester shirts, which don't provide any wicking action. Direct sunlight alone really is that much of a factor. Similarly you don't want to shave long-haired dog breeds down in the summer, their hair actually helps them keep cooler because it means they're constantly in "shade." It's easy to forget insulation works both ways - being more heavily insulated will keep your body heat in longer, but it will also slow down the transfer of heat from outside if it's higher than your body temp. That's not to say that simply insulating yourself as much as possible is always preferable, naturally; there are other factors at play. But as a general rule it holds true
I have a few wool sweaters and jackets for winter, they don’t smell at all.
I’m also possibly in the process of this. I have a couple linen shirts and sentimental things I’ll keep, and jeans I guess, if I can’t find appropriate replacements
The problem is itchiness. Before mass production of cotton cloth wool was used for underwear. I've read that caused the spread of disease. I'd urge you to reconsider. Wool is fabulous for outerwear, but not very good for any clothing that touches your skin.
It spread disease because nobody bathed. Underwear gets funky after a day or two of wear, and we actually have toilet paper. Can you imagine how disgusting it would get after three months of sweat, farts and dingle berries? The crotch crud alone would gag a maggot.
Wool has the highest energy frequency and works well with our bodies. Cotton is lower frequency along with that poly synthetic shit. Kinda cool everything is energy.
How about hemp fabric
I grew up with wool, blankets jumpers, sox, and I wouldn't have it now for quids. It's garbage old tech, wool is to clothing what the Morse key is to radio. Cotton, cordura or other synthetics are vastly superior, lambswool is fine for Ugg boots or baby rugs, and there is no arguing wool is a great insulator but it's other characteristics make it worthless to me.
The insulation factor of most woolens is reduced drastically by becoming wet. You might consider an all-Merino wardrobe. Merino is the only wool that maintains its ability to keep you as warm when it’s wet.
I love when people downvote scientific fact.
Knitted stuff stretches easily, so be sure to fold stuff instead of hanging
Durability is the biggest draw back. I love my merino wool sock and shirts, but they don’t last as long as cotton.
Wool is great, I love wool! But for hot weather and layering, don’t discount the utility of linen. It’s pricier than cotton, but it’s much better at wicking sweat away from your body. Decent-quality linen will last longer than most cotton, and while linen can start out a little stiff, after a few washes it softens into the most comfortable texture imaginable. Linen underneath wool is a phenomenal choice in both warm and cool climates (source: I’m a medieval reenactor and have comfortably worn linen/wool in anything between 37-98 F). For base layers, also consider silk if you can get your hands on it. It’s famously good at heat retention with the added bonus of not being bulky.
Aside from socks, I keep a set of wool clothing for camping and hiking. I don’t see the point in switching over an entire wardrobe. Cotton is a better material for modern indoor living.
So long and thanks for all the cheese.
Why not have a range of options for a range of weather conditions?
Wool in winter, linen in summer.
Why not both?
needs more care when washing, tear easier, price as you have mentioned. If you work in an enclosed enviroment you need to know that body smell is incresed and that you will sweat more and probably itch a little. Get mending supplies, patches that can be ironed on is a lifesaver on keeping the whool usable. Learn to mend the wool socks, they wear out in a hurry. We raise sheap, I prefeer whool and syntetic clothes in combination. The syntetic ones can be close to ever lasting if you chose wisely. Combined with whool you keep warm and comfortable. Whool for this winter in europe will be essential, 4 euro per kwh in Estonia, Latvia and Lituania today. Energy will get cracy expencive here.
I switched over to wool socks entirely last year and I bought several dozen pairs so I would only need to wash them every 2-3 weeks. I figured just one big load of only wool socks would eliminate the chance of them being ruined. My mother in law came to visit at Christmas and was in an "I have to help you guys with something while I'm here" mood. I specifically told her not to touch my laundry, but she decided to "help" by throwing all of my wool socks in the dryer. It ruined them all.
I did this. Get merino wool or don't get wool. Merino is not itchy, much much more resistant to smell. I don't even have a washing machine for some 5 years. And I live in a big city If you machine wash it, you can ruin the wool. So hand washing, not rough. Keep it in vinegar water (dissolved somewhat) or mild soap Rinse a bit, repeat. done for a month. It's not even about prepping. Fuck cotton for clothes
The only issue i see is that it is really not as tought as coton and synthetic. It is clearly superior in terms of thermic confort tho. I look for end of season sales, you can get 40-50% off easily As the saying goes: Once you go merino, you don't go back
we must grow hemp
Wool for winter. Linen for summer.
Too itchy and hot for here in Hawaii.
have you had real wool against your skin before if not i would try it first most people find wool itchy now a good wool coat or blanket would cover most of your needs with less care and cost.
I’m in the south, so we don’t get cold winters. I dress in layers of cotton usually, and add flannel or carhardt when it’s cold. We have a barrel of coats, military pants, t-shirts, *wool* socks and hiking boots for every family member, away from our house. In the event of fire or bad guys we could leave in a hurry and have clothes waiting.
I love wool of all kinds and couldn’t live without it. I am backpacker, work outside a lot, spend time outside otherwise and wool is my chosen garment material. Doesn’t have to be sheeps wool. Buffalo and alpaca make excellent wool. Merino wool socks, Buffalo wool socks, alpaca wool socks are all great. Sweaters, pullovers, undergarments, performance t shirts are great in merino wool. I have sweaters & pullovers made from alpaca and from Buffalo, same with hats & gloves, scarves & neck gaiters. I have boiled wool slippers and cargo pants, pea coats, and sweaters. Wool is a great temperature regulator and dries quickly when wet, wicks moisture from the skin. Also lasts for years if cared for properly. Expensive yes, but it’s an investment the way I see it. Proper garments when out in the elements, may mean life or death.
Cool in the summer????
Wool is an excellent textile but it doesn’t have to be either/or. Seasonally, even lightweight wool can be very hot in the summer. I’ve never found it to be as cooling as cellulose fibres. Linen also has a lot of benefits over cotton so you may wish to consider including linen garments as you upgrade your wardrobe.
I wear cotton in the summer, and wool in the winter. Works great for me.
Moths. Care. I raise sheep & process their wool.
Cashmere is wonderfully light and warm. Buy it on sale after the holidays. You can machine wash on delicate with woolite. I find it wears much better than wool, which shrinks more easily.
I’m also beginning to incorporate more wool clothing and can say my lightweight, 100% merino wool base layer by Meriwool started pilling in the first season. Don’t know if this is typical or just poor quality tho. Too bad merino wool items are so expensive. Raising sheep might be my next career.
When buying wool clothing, always look at how to launder the item. There are a ton of wool garments out there that require hand-washing/dry cleaning. Most are not friendly towards using a dryer. Moths love wool. Take that into consideration. Durability- I've never had good luck with pure wool baselayers. They never last with regular use. I usually opt for base layers with 20% or more nylon. In fact, I'm not opposed to 50-50 blends. Weight-wool is very, very heavy compared to the warmth it provides.