SELF-CLEANING EFFECT
The keratin in wool naturally breaks down the bad-smelling bacteria from the skin. At the core of wool’s fibres are two types of cells that absorb different amounts of moisture. One type swells more than the other causing a constant motion friction between the two. This characteristic creates a mechanical self-cleaning effect.
OPTIMAL INSULATION
The crinkly nature of the wool fibres binds large amounts of air and provides good insulation. The air between the fibres reduces heat transmission in the fabric and thereby has an insulating effect, both against heat and cold. Merino wool contains up to 40 crinkles per centimetre giving it a high degree of insulation and also limiting the number of contact points between the fabric and the body.
MACHINE WASHABLE
The surface of wool’s fibres is water repellent, which prevents bacteria growth and thereby bad odours. Woollen clothes don’t need to be washed often, and instead do well being aired in damp weather. The surface of wool’s fibres is covered with small scales, which means that woollen clothes can become bobbled when washed. The scales can be removed with treatment so the wool is machine washable. Woolpower’s clothes can be washed at 60 degrees without shrinking. Find out more under Washing tips.
Air gaps in the fabric increase the insulation of the body’s heat. That’s how a loose-knit garment is warmer than a tight-knit one. And that’s why Woolpower LITE clothes that are made of a tight-knit fabric, are cooler even though they actually contain more wool than Ullfrotté Original clothes. LITE clothes are good when it’s warmer outside as the fabric helps to cool the body.
THE COOLER LITE
Air gaps in the fabric increase the insulation of the body’s heat. That’s how a loose-knit garment is warmer than a tight-knit one. And that’s why Woolpower LITE clothes that are made of a tight-knit fabric, are cooler even though they actually contain more wool than Ullfrotté Original clothes. LITE clothes are good when it’s warmer outside as the fabric helps to cool the body.
WARM EVEN WHEN DAMP
When moisture gets absorbed, something known as absorption warmth occurs through a chemical heat producing process. Heat energy occurs when water molecules and polar molecular groups of the fibre collide. The collision is so powerful that it creates heat. This process continues until the fibres are saturated with water molecules. So our undergarment provides heat, even when it is damp.
HYDROPHOBIC
Wool is hydrophobic and can attract water vapour, or rather moisture from the body. Wool can absorb moisture both between its fibres and inside the fibres; leaving the wool next to your skin feeling dry even if it’s moist. Wool fibres can absorb up to 30 per cent of its own weight in moisture without feeling damp.
WHEN WOOL FEELS ITCHY
The micron count, i.e. the thickness of the wool fibre in thousandths of a millimetre is used as a quality criterion. Fine wool is between 17 and 23 microns. When wool is perceived as itchy, it’s because there are coarse fibres in the wool that don’t flatten against the skin, instead they stick straight out. The finer the wool fibres, the softer you experience it. Coarse fibres in excess of 28 microns may feel itchy. Woolpower’s undergarments don’t itch in the slightest.
GET RID OF MOISTURE
When the moisture levels inside the garment are higher than outside, the wool works actively to absorb the moisture and transport it through the fabric until the level is equal on both sides. As the moisture is transported to the outside of the garment, the heat insulation increases and you stay dry.
