Wool

Wool:

Wool is a protein-based textile, derived from the protective coat or the fleece of different hairy animals like sheep, goats, rabbits, bison and camelids. Primitive men covered themselves with the skins of sheep and slowly learnt to process yarn and fabric from them. Wool consists of Keratin protein with small percentage of lipids in it. This fibre is chemically different from the cellulose content of cotton fibre.

The small cells called follicles that produce wool in an animal are divided into two categories- Primary and Secondary follicles. The primary follicles, grown on the upper layer of the skin, produces three types of fibre - kemp, medullated fibre and true wool fibre. Whereas, the secondary follicle, grown on the dermis, the inner layer of the skin, produces only true wool fibre. The kemp fibre is coarse and eventually shed out. But the medullated fibre is long and has more like a texture and attributes of hair, but lack the crimp and elasticity.

Characteristics of Wool Fibers and Products

Anti-static

Anti-wrinkle

Biodegradable

Breathable

Naturally Elastic

Fire-resistant

Nature’s fibre

Odour resistant

Renewable

Stain-resistant

Soft

Sun-safe

Warm and cool

Types of wool:

Lambswool -This is a thermally resistant, flawless pristine (natural, not regenerated and not derived from waste material) wool, sheared from lambs, characteristically having a very thin fibre.

Merino Wool - The softest and purest wool derived from the fleece of Merino sheep, raised in Spain, Argentina, Australia and particularly in New Zealand. Its curled fibre makes creates insulation that protects the wearer from the intense cold and heat.

Cashmere wool- The purest and valued fibre, popular for its softness and shine, is a favourite for Haute couture garments, derived from the goats of the Himalayan region Kashmir. Although the goats are also bred in Russia, China, Afghanistan, Turkey and India, finest quality cashmere we get from the Tibetan highlands in the Himalayas and from Mongolia. The famous "Kashim" or "Pashmina" wool is also obtained from the Capra Hircus goats of this region. (Another source: Chanthangi goats - verification needed )

Mohair Wool- A very fine wool, obtained from Angora goats, originated in Turkey, appreciated for its softness, whiteness and thermal properties.

Alpaca Wool - derived from Alpaca fleece, is a very fine, resistant and antiallergic fibre. Alpaca is from a Camel family, raised in South America.

The global production of wool is around 2 million tonnes of which 60% goes for the apparel industry. Wool is also a preferred fibre for carpet industry. Animal rights organizations are deeply against wool fibre especially because of mulesing. However, the demand of organic wool is coming up slowly with a high price tag.