Definition
Wool can be defined as the natural fiber
obtained from the body of sheep, known for its softness, warmth, and
suitability for spinning into cloth. Various dictionaries offer different
explanations of wool: According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, wool is a thick
covering or coat of specialized fibers found on domestic sheep. The Illustrated
World Encyclopedia describes wool as the soft, curly hair of sheep that is used
for making cloth. The Webster Universal dictionary defines wool as soft,
elastic hair with scaly fibers forming the fleece of sheep, which is used in
the production of various textile fibers. From these definitions, it is evident
that wool refers to the hair obtained from the body of sheep, which possesses
characteristics such as softness, warmth, crimpiness, waviness, scaliness, and
can be easily spun into different types of yarn to create various kinds of
clothing.
Virtues of Wool
Over the years, the unique characteristics
and virtues of wool have enabled it to maintain its prominent position despite
competition from other animal fibers, plant-based products, and numerous
synthetic materials. While certain other fibers may possess equal or superior
qualities in one or more aspects, none can boast the complete set of qualities
possessed by wool. The virtues of wool are as follows:
- Wool
is highly porous, allowing it to absorb water more readily than any other
textile fiber. It can absorb up to 18 percent of its own weight in
moisture without feeling damp and up to 50 percent without becoming
saturated. This is particularly important for maintaining health in
clothing, as it prevents body perspiration and external dampness from
clinging to the body in both hot and cold conditions, thereby eliminating
the chilling effect. - Wool
generates heat on its own. - Wool
serves as a superior insulator, preventing the body heat from escaping and
preventing cold air from entering. Due to this quality, wool is effective
in protecting against tropical heat and sun as well as gale-driven winter
storms. - Wool
is lightweight. - Wool
exhibits high elasticity, with the average fiber capable of stretching up
to 30 percent of its normal length and returning to its original shape.
This resilience allows wool garments to resist wrinkling, stretching, and
sagging during wear. - Wool
transmits health-giving ultraviolet rays. - Dyestuffs
are less likely to fade and adhere more strongly to wool. - Wool
is durable. - Wool
is strong, with a wool fiber being stronger than steel of the same
diameter. - Wool
is nearly nonflammable and extinguishes quickly when removed from a flame. - Wool
can be easily felted or matted.
FAQ’s
- What
is wool?
- Wool is the natural fiber
obtained from sheep, known for its softness, warmth, and suitability for making
cloth.
- What
makes wool unique compared to other fibers?
- Wool has exceptional
absorbency, generates heat, is a superior insulator, lightweight, elastic,
durable, resistant to fading, nearly nonflammable, and can be easily felted or
matted.
- How
does wool contribute to clothing comfort?
- Wool’s absorbency
prevents perspiration from clinging to the body, it retains body heat and
blocks cold air, and its elasticity resists wrinkling, stretching, and sagging
during wear.
- What
are the advantages of using wool in textile production?
- Wool transmits
health-giving UV rays, dyes adhere well and resist fading, it is durable and
strong (stronger than steel of the same diameter), and it is almost
nonflammable.
- Can
wool be used to create different types of clothing?
- Yes, wool can be spun
into various types of yarn, allowing for the creation of a wide range of
clothing items such as sweaters, scarves, blankets, coats, socks, and more.