Wool is an all-encompassing, comforting addition to almost any wardrobe in the world. Everyone wants something woollen, whether that be a snuggle scarf, the thick lining of a coat or a cotton t shirt fit for the summer. Wool has been one of the most popular materials for clothing for centuries now and is multifaceted in its daily applications. At Hampstead Bazaar we pride ourselves on the wide range of wool based clothing and accessories we stock, and thought we’d give you a chance to learn a little more about the range on display. Whatever your needs, there’s plenty you can learn to improve your wool game.

Firstly, what is wool?

Wool is hair grown on the topcoat of animals. Animals who grow wool grow it above their undercoat, protecting against rain and other elements. Both wools are utilised for different purposes, the underlayer typically being softer and used in more luxury products. The topcoat is coarser but still often blended with its softer counterpart in many wool products. Moreover, wool in general can be blended with other materials in clothes to retain shape, elasticity and durability.

Why go for wool?

Alongside its comfort, wool can be used to line clothes to add insulation, as well as being flame retardant and water repellent. Wool is often great for retaining coloured dyes, ensuring that your clothes keep their colour. On top of this, wool is very environmentally friendly, being recyclable and increasingly organic in its processing.

Lamb’s wool

Lambs wool is utilised through regular sheep shearing and allows for a fine and soft wool, some sheep being able to grow up to thirteen kilos of wool every year. Some sheep’s wool is used in clothing due to its softness, whilst finer, more durable wool is used in carpets, rugs and other often used accessories.

Merino

Merino wool is from a Spanish breed of sheep and is used in the highest quality sheep wool products. The reason or this is that each strand is incredibly fine, ranging from anywhere between 17 and 25 microns.

Alpaca

Like Merino wool, alpaca wool can be as fine as 18 microns, but also sweep a broader scale, ranging up to 30 microns. A little coarser than other wools, this thick coat from the Peruvian Alpaca is an often-used wool internationally.

Cashmere

Used by Hampstead Bazaar in our cashmere and lambswool scarf, cashmere is a soft goat wool from the goat species of the same name. Luxurious in feel, this indulgent wool is popular as one of the comfiest out there. Head on down to our lady’s cashmere jumper sale today!

Mohair

Mohair is sheared from the Angora goat ands is often used for its distinctive frizzy look. With its undercoat mixed with its top coat, you get an array of textures in the Mohair wool products.

Which wool is right for you?

There are of course many other wools you can choose from, some rare and some commonplace. Each one comes with a different consistency and is therefor used in a variety of products. If you are looking for a softer wool, then cashmere is the one to go for, whilst a thicker, more durable option would be the Mohair or Alpaca wool.