News — wool
What Is Merino Wool and Why Is It Great for Sweaters?
Merino wool is one of the best fibres for everyday knitwear. Here's what makes it special.
Exceptionally fine and soft
Merino fibres are far finer than regular wool, so they feel soft rather than scratchy against the skin.
Temperature regulating
Merino breathes and wicks moisture, keeping you warm in the cold and comfortable indoors — ideal for layering.
Naturally low-odour
The fibre resists odour, so merino knits stay fresh longer between washes.
Easy to live with
It drapes well, resists wrinkles and holds its shape with simple care.
Explore our wool knitwear across men and women.
Can You Machine Wash Wool Sweaters?
Sometimes — but only carefully. The wrong wash can shrink or felt wool permanently.
Check the label first
Look for a "machine wash wool" or "superwash" note. If it says hand wash or dry clean only, follow it.
If machine washing is allowed
Use the wool/delicate cycle, cold water, a wool-safe detergent and a mesh bag. Skip the spin or keep it very low.
Why heat is the enemy
Heat and agitation make wool scales lock together (felting), which shrinks the knit and can't be reversed.
The safest route
When in doubt, hand wash cool and dry flat. It takes minutes and protects the...
Best Non-Itchy Sweaters for Sensitive Skin
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...
Merino Wool vs Lambswool: What's the Difference?
Merino and lambswool are both prized for soft, warm knitwear — but they aren't the same. Here's how to tell them apart and pick the right one.
What is merino wool?
Merino comes from Merino sheep, known for unusually fine fibres (often 17–24 microns). Finer fibres mean a softer feel against the skin, good breathability and natural temperature regulation — warm in winter, comfortable indoors.
What is lambswool?
Lambswool is the very first shearing of a young lamb, usually before seven months old. That first clip is exceptionally soft and elastic, with a slightly fuller, more matte hand-feel than merino.
How to...
Are Wool Sweaters Itchy? How to Find Soft, Comfortable Knits
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...
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