News — comfort

Scratchy knits put a lot of people off wool — but the right fibres feel soft all day. Here's what to look for.

Choose fine fibres

Itch comes from coarse, thick fibre ends. Fine fibres like cashmere and merino wool bend against the skin instead of prickling.

Mind the gauge and finish

Smooth, tightly knitted fabrics feel gentler than loose, hairy ones. A clean finish reduces surface fuzz.

Layer when needed

A thin cotton or silk base layer under any knit removes contact itch entirely.

Wash softly

A wool-safe conditioner keeps fibres supple and soft over time.

Try our softest cashmere and merino...

Wool's reputation for itchiness puts some people off — but the right wool knit can feel soft and comfortable all day. Here's why itch happens and how to avoid it.

Why some wool itches

Itch usually comes down to fibre thickness. Coarser, thicker fibres have stiffer ends that prickle the skin. Finer wool fibres bend instead of poking, so they feel soft. The knit and finishing matter too.

How to choose soft wool

• Feel before you commit — a quality fine-gauge wool should feel smooth, not scratchy
• Look for soft-handle finishing and a clean surface
• Cashmere blends add...