19/02/2024
Wool evolved to enable a sheep to efficiently maintain its body temperature in all kinds of weather. The body temperature of a sheep (39°C/102°F) is a little higher than a human (37°C/98.6°F).
The wool fibre is incredibly complex. Here are some of the things that it does, quite naturally. And these natural characteristics are retained when the wool is used in clothing or other textile item.
The wool fibre is laced with tiny air pockets that trap air: this air pocket insulation is one reason we stay warm in wool in cold weather, and cool when the weather is warm.
Wool’s natural breathability also helps the body maintain a comfortable microclimate between the clothing and the skin.
Wool fibres absorb moisture vapour and pull it away from the body.
Each wool fibre is covered with tiny scales (like shingles on a roof) in a structure called the cuticle. The overlapping scales allow wool to shed, rather than absorb, water, rain or other liquids.
At the same time, the small spaces between the cuticle scales permit water vapour to enter and exit.
https://iwto.org/wellness/
