Wool Clothing has Many Virtues

New Zealand Journal of Agriculture, Volume 82, Issue 6, 15 June 1951, Page 541

Wool Clothing has Many Virtues

LOTHING has two main and quite opposite heat functions — keep in the natural warmth of the body and to keep out cold. Wool, a pure animal fibre, performs these functions better than any other clothing material because it is a natural insulator. In the loose, porous texture of wool fabric countless little pockets of air are entrapped, and this air acts as a constant protection against loss of heat and penetration of cold.

WOOL gives warmth of the healthiest —light, airy, and unvarying. Two light-weight pullovers are always better than one of the same total thickness, because the additional layer of air provides extra warmth without extra weight. Wool is warm in itself and does not feel chilly when a garment is first put on; experts say this is because wool tends to improve circulation of blood to the skin. Comfort and Hygiene The comfort of wool is the result partly of its softness and partly of its natural elasticity, which enables garments to shape themselves to the figure without restricting body movements. Wool underwear, in particular, because of the springy texture of the fabric, which never lies flat against the skin, permits free circulation of air and allows the skin to “breathe”.

Wool removes perspiration moisture from the skin and will absorb up to 30 per cent, of its weight of moisture without becoming damp or clammy. This is a very valuable property, making for both comfort and hygiene. It is particularly appreciated by sportsmen and is one reason why wool is recommended for tropical regions by the Royal Geographical Society.

Protection against Cold and Heat Most chills are caused by sudden changes of body temperature, usually from hot to cold. In a changeable climate they are an ever-present risk, and wool offers sure protection. It provides constant warmth however much the outside temperature may fluctuate and protects from a toosudden loss of heat. Wool also generates heat within itself when it meets cold, damp air, and this is a double protection. Children frequently become hot and sticky rushing about and are then very susceptible to chills. Wool underwear absorbs perspiration without striking damp or chilly, and then evaporation takes place so slowly that the loss of heat is gradual. In summer, when people .wear fewer and lighter clothes, lightly woven wool fabrics ensure an even temperature and proper ventilation. Perspiration is absorbed naturally, and both skin and underclothing are kept comfortably dry. Wool is a slow conductor and, just as this virtue enables it to keep out cold in winter, so it keeps out heat in summer. In many parts of the world wool is worn as protection against the heat of the sun. Strength and Elasticity Wool’s capacity for hard wear is immense. A single wool fibre is as strong as a thread of gold of the same thickness, though this is no guarantee that if a small boy catches the seat of his trousers on a nail the result will not be disastrous. Wool puts up a particularly fine resistance to wear at pressure points, such as elbows, knees, and seats because a wool fibre can be bent thousands of times without even weakening. Wherever clothes are required for hard work and exceptionally long wear, such as in the uniforms of servicemen, policemen, and postmen, wool is the standard equipment all the year round. A single wool fibre can be stretched 30 per cent, of its own length with-

out breaking and when released it will return to normal. Artificial fibres do not possess this natural resilience. When they are stretched they either tear or stay stretched and garments quickly lose their shape and fit. If a wool garment becomes crushed, it need only be hung up to smooth out its own creases. Resistance to Fire Some textile fabrics give no protection against fire and, if touched by a spark,' will even flare up. Wool scarcely burns at all and, if it does catch fire, tends to smoulder and go out. This is a very important quality, for serious accidents can arise through such simple causes as a spark flying from a grate or curtains being blown by wind into a fire. If curtains, carpets, and upholstery, as well as clothes, are all made of wool, this risk is greatly reduced.

Sheep’s wool is usually white, though black, brown, fawn, grey, and even yellow shades of wool are seen. Natural colours are used to good effect in homespuns such as Shetland knitted shawls, but most valuable is the fact that wool, because of its cellular construction, allows dye to penetrate it more deeply than any other fibre, so that some of the loveliest, most enduring colours are found in wool.