Todd and Steph in a Bothy

Guide to Wool

From traditional knitwear to technical modern baselayers and fleece ideal for outdoor activity, wool has stood the test of time as one of nature’s most versatile and useful fibres. In this guide, we’ll talk through the amazing natural properties of wool, it’s inherent sustainability and how to care for your wool garments.

Our Wool

In 2022 wool made up made up 25% of our entire range, 3% of this which was recycled. As we build our 2024 collection, we’re exploring the use of more recycled wool from pre- and post-consumer waste.

Degradable CiCLO® Innovation

We’ve replaced polyester and nylon blends in our knitwear with recycled CiCLO® fibres, which break down safely at the same rate as wool in soil and sea.

An innovative solution, CiCLO® is a master batch additive which is added to polyester and nylon during melt extrusion. It is a non-toxic, safe, biophilic polymer formulation that becomes permanently and uniformly embedded in the matrix of the plastic to create countless biodegradable spots where microbes can build functional entities that biodegrade the material. Find out more here.

What are the benefits & natural properties of Wool?

Worn by the fishermen and miners who worked the Cornish coast before our arrival, wool has long been known for the range of applications and properties that make it a perfect material for clothing.

- Warm & naturally water-resistant wool knitwear was the smart choice for those early miners & fishermen, keeping them protected in wet and windy conditions.

- Wool has natural thermoregulating properties that keep you warm when it's cold and cool when it's warm – perfect for activewear such as our merino baselayers.

- Highly absorbent and breathable, Wool also quickly wicks moisture away from the body; keeping you comfortable in your baselayer as you push your limits.Wool has natural antibacterial and odour-resistant properties, meaning it stays feeling fresh for longer and needs washing less frequently, saving water.

- 100% natural, renewable and biodegradable, wool fibres are some of the lowest impact materials around – and well-kept flocks can actually help to regenerate the land they graze on.

Good with wool - designed by tradition
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Where does Wool come from?

Good wool is grown by happy sheep. We work with wool producers all over the world and pride ourselves on the traceability of the raw materials that go into our products. From our superfine merino growers in Australia, to working with British producers closer to home, the quality of the material and welfare of the animals that grow it are our top priority.

Is Wool sustainable?

Wool is one of the most sustainable natural fibres on the planet. Sheep grow a fresh fleece every year, making wool a completely renewable fibre for making textiles. It’s also one of the only textile fibres which is 100% biodegradable and has been proven to break down entirely in our waste systems, leaving no microfibres behind. Wool can be produced organically, and well-kept flocks can actually help to regenerate the land on which they graze. Wool is also recyclable, and can be spun into new products at the end of a garment’s useful life.

Good with wool - choosing our partners
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How do you wash Wool?

Thanks to its natural antibacterial properties, wool needs far less washing than you might think, and only really needs washing if it's stained or starting to smell. You should always check the washcare label as different wool garments will require different kinds of care. Some wool clothing may require hand washing, but generally speaking you can machine wash most wool garments at low temperatures.

To wash products such as our Merino Baselayers, knitwear or wool fleeces, wash at 30C and use a gentle wool cycle with no spin, and make sure not to tumble dry. Instead, dry flat and reshape whilst damp for the best results. You should never use bleach to clean wool, and only use a cool iron to finish.

Animal Welfare

We love wool. But we also love the sheep who make it. That’s why we’re so selective when choosing partners to work with in our supply chains.

As a B Corp certified business we have a legal and moral obligation to reach certain standards throughout our supply chain. This includes the sourcing of materials and we only deal with certified farms.