Wool is a complex fibre, which is naturally hygroscopic. It's composed of proteins that bring natural flexibility and unmatched performance characteristics – something that simplistic inert synthetic fibres are unable to reproduce. Additionally, thanks to wool's antimicrobial properties, wool layers create an environment in which odour producing microbes are less likely to thrive. After high activity, simply 'air' the wool garment and the natural action of absorption and desorption of moisture will help cleanse the fibre as opposed to most synthetics which need washing after every use as they collect body odour fast, and it never seems to go away…
There is also a negative side-effect of washing synthetics - the production of micro-plastics pollution. These tiny strands (microfibres) are released when synthetic fabrics are washed, which results in these microscopic pieces of plastic ending up in our water systems, and, ultimately our oceans. It is estimated by Greenpeace that between 15 – 30% of marine plastic pollution comes from micro-plastics.
Increasing consumer demand for natural, high-performance fashion means that advances and innovations in wool technology are likely to continue.
Combined with wool's natural properties, that synthetics simply can't match, especially when it comes to moisture management and odour control, we'll see more cool, lightweight fabrics suitable for active sportwear enter the market.
More than ever before, wool will be a true trans-seasonal fabric.