Keith Barrett

Why do we wear wool?

Woollen clothes have been popular for centuries, but how often do we stop and think about what the clothes that we wear are made of? There are some very good reasons why wool is so popular.

Going back through the ages, we know that the Romans were well aware of the advantages of wearing wool. Indeed, in some regions of the Roman Empire, goats and sheep were bred specifically because they produced high quality wool.

So what is it that attracted the Romans to this material and why is it that it retains its popularity?

The first clear reason is the ease with which wool can be removed from an animal. The invention of sheep shears meant that the task became relatively simple, ensuring a plentiful supply of the raw material.

A closer look at wool gives us a few more clues.

If you try and crinkle a piece of wool, you'll see that it soon springs back into place. This is because its molecular structure ensures that it has a natural elasticity. This feature also makes it more resistant to tearing.

Both of these properties are ideal for a material that is used in clothing.

Wool also has the capacity to act as a temperature regulator, due to its ability to absorb moisture easily. It is this feature that means that clothing made from the material are ideal for keeping you warm in winter, or indeed cooler in summer.

As with so many things, it's clear that the Romans knew what they were talking about. The tradition of wearing products produced from goats, sheeps or even possums, as is often the case in New Zealand, continues to this day.

We all appreciate the properties that wool offers, although it may be that we have never stopped for long enough to consider them.

The next time you choose a garment, whether it be made from wool, cotton or nylon, maybe you'll think about why you're about to make the choice that you are.

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