Wool — the all-rounder

Press, 17 August 1978, Page 7

Wool — the all-rounder

The modern consumer now faces a growing range of man-made fibres, most of which were unknown until a few years ago. Each of them has its advantages — but none offer the natural versatility of pure virgin wool.

By comparison, man-made fibres are very simple substances, each one engineered for a limited range of advantages. Wool continues to set the world menswear standard for allround versatility, comfort and quality.

Wool is highly resilient and elastic. It can be stretched 30 per cent and still spring back to its original length.' It can be bent thousands of times without breaking. Wool, therefore, springs back into shape readilv after

crushing and sheds creases and wrinkles with ease. A wool suit needs only to : hang overnight to get rid < of wrinkles. Occasionally I when crushing has been severe in a suitcase, overnight recovery can be assisted by hanging the suit in a steamy bathroom. Woo! is especially appropriate in casual clothes, such as the shirt, jersey and tie above; woollen fabrics revel in rough treatment, giving a smart look to even the most informal garments. The fact that wool is static-resistant makes it very comfortable to wear. Wool garments are less likely to spark or cling to the body. Static electricity attracts dirt particles, so wool gets dirty more slowly than other fibres. It shows the dirt less and sheds dirt more readily. The advantage of wool during warmer weather is summed up in the simple phrase, “Wool is a living fibre — it breathes.” Wool’s natural crimp and the complex scale structure of the fibre surface helps to trap air between the strands, as an insulator against heat or cold. The body is cushioned against sudden changes in temperature, and the moisture vapour of perspiration is stored in the fibres without making them feel damp and clammy. In men’s suits, wool moulds into shape and hangs well. It is chosen by the world’s best tailors because of these qualities. Suits made of wool are also extremely hard-wear-ing, they do not spot and stain easily and minor burns or scorches do less damage to wool than to other fibres. Contributed by the New Zealand Wool Board.