What comes to mind when you think about wool? Hot, itchy knitted sweaters your mom made you wear to grandma's, maybe? Or do you think about the breathable, moisture-wicking, thermoregulating comfort you experience when wearing your compression socks? How can these two experiences both be true?  

Some love wool, others balk at the mention of it. But there's a reason we use wool in some of our compression socks and we're big advocates of this fiber. We love wool! Let's look at - and debunk - the five most common misconceptions about wool:

Myths About Wool

Myth 1: Wool is always itchy

If you've only had itchy, uncomfortable experiences with wool, we're sincerely sorry. High-quality wool products aren't itchy. Wool primarily comes from sheep, but not all sheep are the same. It can also come from other animals, like alpacas. Merino (from Merino sheep) and alpaca wools are not itchy due to the smoothness of the fiber. Merino and alpaca wools' fibers lay flat, resulting in a much softer texture. Other sheep wools (of which there are actually many) have qualities from very scaly to very smooth, too. Knowing the type of wool used in a garment gives you an indication of whether it will feel scratchy or not. 

Myth 2: Wool makes you hot and sweaty

Contrary to popular opinion, wool doesn't always make you hot. Wool is actually thermoregulating, meaning it can keep you warm in cool weather and cool in warm weather. 

Myth 3: Wool is a heavy product

Due to the air that wool fibers hold, wool is actually a very light product and is even resistant to wrinkles. The wool fibers, on a microscopic level, naturally rest in a coiled shape. After the coil is bent, due to wear, it springs back to its natural shape, thus making it averse to wrinkling. Wool products are also moisture wicking, meaning they will move moisture to the surface, which keeps your feet dry. Wool can actually absorb up to 30% of its weight in water before it even feels damp.

Myth 4: Wool is not sustainable

Wool is actually quite sustainable. Although some people argue that the emissions from sheep dock points from its sustainability score, it proves to be a better alternative than many synthetic products. Wool is an organic product, meaning it's derived completely from nature. It's biodegradable, so unlike its synthetic counterparts, it will return to the earth rather than sit in a landfill for decades. Furthermore, wool does not require the death of an animal to be made into a fabric. A sheep (or other wool-creating animal) can continue to provide wool for the duration of its life. It's best for the health of the sheep to be shorn regularly for wool. Although it's rare to find a product that is 100% sustainable, all things considered, wool is one of the most sustainable products available.

Myth 5: Wool is hard to wash and care for

Wool is anti-bacterial and repels dirt. For all intents and purposes, it's self-cleaning. Merino wool, in particular, only requires a light wash with cool water and an air dry. Sometimes it's a good idea to get a specialized wool shampoo (a pH-neutral formula) to take care of your wool socks. If you prefer, you can wash your wool compression socks by hand. Since wool is quick-drying, just hang them to dry. Or they can be tumble dried on the delicate cycle. When in doubt, check the product's label or packaging for the best instructions on washing.

If you're sold on the benefits of wool, try one of our premiere wool socks:

Motion Thermoregulating Wool

• These Merino wool compression socks are made of a blend of fine Merino wool, nylon, and spandex, giving you the benefits of all three products.
• Because of the natural properties of wool, these socks are odor-resistant, quick-drying, and easy to clean.
• Additionally, the double-covered inlay yarns provide comfort and allow the sock to glide on and off with ease.
• These full-calf socks come in both an olive and charcoal color- perfect for the fall and winter months.
• Like all Merino wool compression socks, these stockings are made from one of the softest varieties of wool.
• The Motion Thermoregulating Wool compression socks offer medical-grade compression levels at 20-30 mmHg.
• These wool stockings are ideal for managing symptoms related to Chronic Venous Disease (CVD) and improving blood circulation. They’re also a great fit for people who are on their feet all day, or have to wear work boots or occupational footwear.

All-Season Merino Wool

• These Merino wool compression socks are made of a blend of fine Merino wool, nylon, and spandex, giving you the benefits of all three products.
• Because of the natural properties of wool, these socks are odor-resistant, quick-drying, and easy to clean.
• Additionally, the double-covered inlay yarns provide comfort and allow the sock to glide on and off with ease.
• These full-calf socks come in Navy, Brown, and Black; perfect for business casual.
• Like all Merino wool compression socks, these stockings are made from one of the softest varieties of wool.
• The All-Season Merino Wool compression socks offer medical-grade compression levels at 15-20 mmHg.
• These wool stockings are ideal for managing symptoms such as tired, heavy, restless, or aching legs. Recommended for travelers, expecting mothers, physical occupations, and those with a family history of chronic venous disease.

All in all, wool is an excellent product for a variety of garments, but we definitely wanted to highlight its best features for the Motion Thermoregulating Wool and All-Season Merino Wool socks. We feel confident that if you give these socks a try, not only will they last you a long while and aid in your compression support, but you'll be just as much of a wool enthusiast as we are.

Not sure if wool is your thing? 

To see what type pf product best suits your compression needs.