Are Wool Sweaters Warm?

As you’re preparing to brace for the cold weather, you may be wondering, what are the warmest fabrics out there that’ll keep me cozy? Wool sweaters are some of the best sweaters you can stock up on to combat frigid weather. In fact, wool is the warmest fabric for you. Wool comes from sheared sheep or other animals and has natural insulating properties. There are various wool fabrics to choose from with their own qualities.

Background About Wool

Wool is a type of fabric made from the hairs of various animals, such as sheep. The strands are spun into yarn, and the yarn is woven into clothing like women’s sweaters and other accessories (scarves, gloves, and more). Wool, along with cotton, is the most used textile in the world—and it has been for many, many years.

Types of Wool

There are so many types of wool to fit various needs—all with their own attributes:

Cashmere: Cashmere is a luxurious type of fabrication and made from cashmere and pashmina goats. It’s also notably super-soft. The fibers are so fine that they’re almost silky. Cashmere is considered one of the most expensive wool out there due to the involved production process. The fibers are separated by hand!

Merino: Merino is a type of wool made from Merino sheep. This fabrication type is also thin and super-soft, and you can also wear it next to your skin. Similar to cashmere, Merino wool is considered a luxurious fabric.

Alpaca: Another luxury fabric, alpaca is exceptionally lightweight, durable, and soft. The fabric comes from the alpaca, which is a llama-like animal that’s native to Peru. Fun fact: alpacas come in over 20 natural colors! Alpaca wool is warmer and stronger than sheep’s wool.

Angora: Angora wool comes from the fur of Angora rabbits, and it’s incredibly fluffy. This luxurious fabric is very fine and lightweight. Also, Angora wool appears shiny because of the halo-like effect of fur around each strand.

Mohair: Mohair is a prized, luxurious fabric that comes from the hair of the Angora goat. This type of wool has a distinct luster and sheer, which is why some call it the “diamond fiber.” The production process is involved for Mohair products.

Virgin: Virgin wool is a wool that’s never been used before, which results in a stronger and higher quality product. Virgin wool is taken from a lamb’s first shearing, resulting in an incredibly soft and fine fabric.

Camel: Camel wool is, of course, derived from the coats of camels. This fabrication is super-soft and fine. Cool fact: since camels naturally shed their hair, they don’t have to be sheared to obtain the wool.

Features That Make Wool a Great Fabric

The list above is definitely non-inclusive, and there are a few more types of wool. However, those wool types are some of the most popular and well-known out there. They’re all incredibly warm, durable, and ideal for cold weather. So, how does wool keep you warm? Wool reacts to a body’s fluctuations, so it’ll keep you warm when you’re cold. That’s because of tiny air pockets located within the fibers that help to circulate heat. Even when wet, wool can keep you warm. Wool is naturally water-resistant. In contrast to fabrics like cotton that soak up liquids quickly, wool can soak up around 20 percent of its weight before leaking. Here are some other cool features of wool outside of its warmth: stain-resistant, antibacterial, antimicrobial, natural UV protection, and easy to care for. Wool is just all-around fantastic!

Ways to Style Wool Sweaters for Ultimate Warmth

So, what are some ways you can style wool for even more warmth to keep you looking and feeling your absolute best? You can layer it underneath stylish women’s winter coats or jackets for ultimate warmth. Fleece jackets offer an extra dose of cozy comfort when layered over sweaters. If you want to show off your sweater underneath, make sure to choose a fleece jacket that can fully open. Choose a solid women’s fleece jacket for more versatility or wear a patterned or bold-colored jacket to make a stylish statement. Women’s winter vests will let you show off your long-sleeved wool sweater. A fleece vest is a great option, but select a puffer women’s down vest. Down vests are available in plenty of patterns, like plaid and leopard, and colorways.

As for your bottoms, leggings are extremely popular cold-weather-ready clothing pieces—plus stylish! Leggings are the epitome of cozy comfort, and there are so many choices out there in the world of fashion. Some leggings are even lined with fleece! Stick to solid hues if your sweater is patterned or eye-catching. However, you can never go wrong with florals, polka dots, stripes, and plaid leggings or styles with funky prints (think ombre, chevron, zebra stripes, or anything else that’ll turn a few heads).

Finally, you can top off your wool sweaters with chic winter accessories. Beanies, bucket hats, trapper hats, pom hats, fleece headbands, and earmuffs offer protection and style on colder days. Stock up on gloves and mittens in an array of colors and patterns to match with your women’s wool sweater any time of the year. Elevate your sweater game by accenting with a scarf or wrap. Accessories are just another way to up your style game! Wool sweaters are incredibly warm, soft, durable, and stylish pieces for cold weather. Stock your closet with one—or a few!