Complete guide to woolens: Everything you need to know to choose the right wool sweater for you

Wools are essential pieces in our wardrobe, especially when the temperatures start to drop. But did you know that not all wool sweaters are created equal? ​​There are different types of wool, each with its own unique characteristics. Whether you're looking to stay warm or opt for a lighter material, here's everything you need to know to choose the right wool sweater for you.

1. Pure wool (sheep)

Classic wool comes from sheep and is widely used in clothing for its insulating properties. It's ideal for tackling cold days.

Take, for example, the Atyla Saint-James Wool Sweater (100% wool, 1x1 rib), which is perfect for keeping you warm while remaining breathable. This type of wool, sourced from New Zealand or Australia, is known for its ability to maintain body temperature without trapping moisture.

• Heat: Very high, ideal for winter.
• Breathability: Good, allows air to circulate while retaining heat.
• Softness: Variable, merino wool is softer than raw wool.

Benefits :

• Excellent thermal insulation.
• Natural resistance to odors.
• Durable if well maintained.

Disadvantages:

• May cause itching if raw.
• May shrink if washed incorrectly.

Fun Fact: Wool is measured in microns. The finer the fibers, the softer they are. For example, merino wool measures between 17 and 23 microns, while Shetland wool is coarser.

2. Merino wool

Merino wool is renowned for its softness and ability to regulate body temperature. It's ideal for those looking for a lightweight yet warm material.

The J.Lindeberg Lymann Merino V-Neck Sweater (100% Mulesing-Free Merino Wool) is an excellent example of this fiber. Originally from Spain, but now produced mainly in Australia and New Zealand, merino wool is prized for its fineness and lightness.

• Heat: Moderate but sufficient, ideal for everyday use.
• Breathability: Excellent, perfect for avoiding overheating.
• Softness: Very soft, ideal for sensitive skin.

Benefits :

• Odor resistance, even after several days of use.
• Light but warm.
• Very soft to the touch.

Disadvantages:

• More expensive than classic wool.
• Delicate care (cold or hand wash).

Fun Fact: Merino wool is naturally antimicrobial, making it a perfect choice for travel or long days because it resists odors.

3. Cashmere

Cashmere is one of the most luxurious fibers. Known for its incomparable softness, it offers exceptional warmth without the bulk of other wools.

For example, the Cashmere 3/15 RLX Sweater (100% cashmere) is an excellent choice for those seeking both elegance and comfort. Cashmere comes from cashmere goats, mainly raised in Mongolia, China, and India.

• Heat: Very high despite its lightness.
• Breathability: Good, it prevents overheating.
• Softness: Exceptional, one of the finest fibers available.

Benefits :

• Extremely soft and light.
• Remarkable warmth without thickness.
  
• Elegant and luxurious.

Disadvantages:

• High price.
• Very susceptible to pilling if poorly maintained.
• Delicate care (hand wash or dry clean).

Fun Fact: It takes about three cashmere goats to produce enough fiber for a single sweater, hence its high price!

4. Blended wool (with alpaca, cashmere or synthetic fibers)

Wool blends often combine natural and synthetic fibers to provide garments that are easier to care for and more affordable, while still maintaining warmth and comfort.

Take the Albertville Saint-James Turtleneck Sweater (34% wool, 34% alpaca, 32% polyamide) as an example. This type of blend adds the lightness of alpaca, sourced from the Andes, while maintaining the durability of synthetic fibers like polyamide.

• Warmth: Moderate to high, depending on the proportion of wool.
• Breathability: Varies depending on the blend. The more wool, the better the breathability.
• Softness: Very soft, especially with alpaca or cashmere.
  

Benefits :

• Blend balancing durability and comfort.
• Often lighter and more affordable.

Disadvantages:

• Less breathable than pure wool.
• Pilling faster with synthetics.

Fun Fact: Mohair, from Angora goats, is known for its shine and strength, adding a touch of luxury to clothing.

5. Synthetic fibers (acrylic, polyester, etc.)

Synthetic fibers like acrylic and polyester are often blended with wool to make garments more affordable and easy to care for.

A good example is the Ermont Daily Sports Pullover (70% acrylic, 30% wool), which combines the softness and warmth of wool with the durability of acrylic.

• Warmth: Moderate, but less than that of natural wool.
• Breathability: Low, especially if the proportion of synthetics is high.
• Softness: Imitation of wool, but less luxurious.

Benefits :

• Cheaper than natural fibers.
• Very durable and easy to maintain.

Disadvantages:

• Less breathable than natural wool.
• Faster pilling.

Fun Fact: While acrylic mimics the look of wool well, it often generates more static electricity, which can make clothes feel "sticky."

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do some wool sweaters itch?

Some sweaters itch because of the fineness of the fibers. The thicker they are, such as raw wool, the stiffer and more itchy they are. In contrast, fine fibers like merino or cashmere are much softer.

Fun Fact: Putting an itchy sweater in the freezer for a few hours can soften the fibers and reduce itching!

How to choose an ethical wool sweater?

For an ethical choice, choose materials like mulesing-free merino wool, like in the J.Lindeberg Adia Sweater , which ensures the sheep are not subjected to cruelty. Sustainably sourced cashmere is also a good option. The rarer and more luxurious the fibers, the higher the price, but this also ensures a higher-quality and more environmentally friendly product.

What are the signs of a poor quality wool sweater?

To avoid a poor quality sweater, here are some tips:

• Composition: Check the wool content. For example, a product like the Ermont Daily Sports Pullover (70% acrylic, 30% wool) may be less durable than a pure wool sweater.
• Pilling: If a sweater starts to pill quickly, it is a sign of poor quality.
• Elasticity: If the knit does not return to its shape after being stretched, this shows that the product is of lower quality.

What is the warmest wool sweater?

Cashmere, as in the Cashmere 3/15 RLX Sweater , is one of the warmest fibers, while remaining extremely lightweight. However, a 100% wool wool remains a safe bet for those who feel the cold. Our favorite for warmth and style is the Campus Jacket from Saint-James

My sweater is itchy, is it true that I can put it in the freezer to make it less itchy?

Yes, it's an old trick that works! Putting a wool sweater in the freezer for a few hours can soften the fibers and reduce itching. This process softens the wool fibers, making them less irritating to the skin.

Why do I stink when I wear a wool sweater?

Raw wool can absorb moisture, which can contribute to odors. However, fibers like merino wool, used in the Boston Daily Sports V-Neck Sweater , are naturally antimicrobial, meaning they resist odors better, even after extended use.

I shrunk my wool sweater, can I get it back?

If you've accidentally shrunk your sweater, you can try to save it. Soak it in warm water with a little conditioner, then gently stretch it while it dries flat. This doesn't guarantee it will shrink back to its original size, but it can help relax the fibers.

I'm always hot, which sweater is best for me?

If you tend to run hot, opt for a merino wool sweater, which

regulates body temperature. You can also opt for a blend with cotton, such as the Lima Daily Sports Pullover (95% cotton, 5% cashmere), are also good options, as they are lighter and less insulating than pure wool.

Why are synthetic fibers used in some wool sweaters?

Synthetic fibers, such as acrylic or polyester, are often blended with wool for several reasons. For example, in the Hudson Daily Sports Pullover (70% acrylic, 30% wool), acrylic makes the sweater more affordable, easier to care for, and more durable. However, these fibers are less breathable and less warm than natural wool.

In short, whether you're looking for a warm sweater for winter or a lightweight option for milder days, it's important to understand the differences between wool and synthetic fibers. Whether you choose cashmere, merino, or a blend, consider the fiber's origins and characteristics before making your choice. To discover our full collection of wools, visit our online store or in-store!