As the days get colder, let's talk about one of the oldest textiles of our time. In a world where most garments are now made of polyester, there needs to be a correction towards Real Fabric.Â
I still cannot wrap my head around sports teams bragging about their 100% plastic recycled jersey — made from bottles taken from a landfill. As if that's supposed to be a plus point. Don't get me wrong, I'm all against single-use plastic and pollution. Just never at the expense of our own health. These companies have no idea how damaging it is to lace our bodies with plastic 24/7. Thankfully if you're reading this, you should know better. Anyway, I digress.
One of the most popular and coveted forms of wool today is merino wool, from the merino sheep. It's funny. While they were discovered in Spain, Australia is now leading exporter. How did this happen? Well, King Charles IV (of Spain) gifted 6 of the best Merino Sheep to the Dutch. Some eventually found their way to South Africa, where they ended up being sold to John Macarthur, who brought them down under. Such is the Merino Circle. Add this to your arsenal.
Important: know that wool doesn't only come from sheep. but a multitude of animals. Goats, llamans, camels,... the list goes on.Â
Cool Facts About Wool You Probably Didn't Know
• Funded the maritime operations of Christopher Columbus
• Medici family built fortune off wool during Renaissance
• Merino wool is the original "performance fibre"
If you have always thought of wool as an uncomfortable material it's probably because you came into contact with what people call "common wool". It's usually not as soft, and rougher on the skin. Merino wool is also not the best you can get, there are other unique varieties that are sought after.
Top 5 Wool Varieties of the Universe
1. Vicuna Wool
2. Guanaco Wool
3. Merino Wool
4. Cashmere Wool
5. Alpaca Wool
You can read more about Wool in the fantastic article by Gentleman's Gazette. Scroll to Manuscripts & Musings.
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