Carhartt Merino Wool

Wool is a natural fiber obtained from the fleece of sheep and other animals such as goats (cashmere and mohair), rabbits (angora), and certain camelids (alpacas and llamas). It is widely used for making textiles, clothing, blankets, and various other products due to its unique properties.

Characteristics of Wool:

1. Insulating Properties: Wool has excellent insulating properties, both in terms of keeping the body warm in cold weather and providing breathability in warmer conditions. It can absorb and release moisture while maintaining a comfortable temperature.

2. Moisture-Wicking: Wool fibers can absorb up to 30% of their weight in moisture without feeling wet to the touch, making it great for moisture management and preventing the wearer from feeling clammy.

3. Natural Elasticity: Wool fibers have a natural crimp that gives them elasticity. This allows wool garments to stretch and return to their original shape, making them resistant to wrinkles and deformation.

4. Flame Resistance: Wool is naturally flame-resistant due to its high protein content and moisture-absorbing capabilities. It tends to smolder rather than burn, and it's self-extinguishing once the heat source is removed.

5. Durable and Resilient: Wool is known for its durability and ability to withstand wear and tear. It has a natural resistance to abrasion, making it suitable for long-lasting products like carpets and outerwear.

6. Softness: Depending on the type of wool and how it's processed, wool can range from very soft to more coarse textures.

7. Naturally Occurring: Wool is a renewable resource and is produced by sheep through their natural growth cycle. Shearing the sheep is essential for their welfare and overall health.

8. Biodegradable: Wool is biodegradable and will break down naturally over time, which is an environmentally friendly aspect compared to synthetic fibers.

9. Variety: Different breeds of sheep produce wool with varying properties. For example, Merino wool is known for its fine and soft fibers, while some other breeds produce coarser fibers suitable for more rugged applications.

Wool is processed through several stages to turn raw fleece into usable fibers. These stages include shearing, sorting, cleaning, carding (to align the fibers), spinning (to create yarn), and weaving or knitting to create textiles.