Properties of wool

Wool's scaling and crimp make it easier to spin the fleece. They help the individual fibers attach to each other so that they stay together. Because of the crimp, wool fabrics have a greater bulk than other textiles and retain air, which causes the product to retain heat. Insulation also works both ways; bedouins and tuaregs use wool clothes to keep the heat out.

The amount of crimp corresponds to the thickness of the wool fibers. A fine wool like merino may have up to a hundred crimps per inch, while the coarser wools like karakul may have as few as one to two crimps per inch.

Hair, by contrast, has little if any scale and no crimp and little ability to bind into yarn.

• Elasticity - Wool possesses much greater ability to return to its natural length after being stretched than any artificial fibre. In water or steam, wool can stretch to about twice its length without breaking. Because of elasticity woollen garments may be stretched or crushed without losing their shape.
• Felting - Wool is the only textile fiber that will felt readily. This is brought about by the use of heat, moisture and pressure being applied during the manufacturing processes. Products range from soft flannels (underwear), past medium felts (hats) to hard felts, floor coverings, etc.
• Hygroscopic Nature - By this is meant wool has the power to readily absorb and give off moisture. It can for instance, absorb moisture up to one-third of its own weight. It is unique amongst fibers in being able to absorb moisture. Synthetic fibers can only absorb 2-3 per cent of moisture before they begin to feel wet.
• Static resistant - the retention of moisture within the fabric prevents a build-up of static electricity.
• Tensile Strength - The tensile strength of wool gives it a very high resistance to flexing stresses. This feature enables wool to pass through severe processing without undue waste, and allows the manufacture of a durable fabric.

Wool does not conduct heat, but acts as insulator to keep the body at an even temperature.

Wool is generally a creamy white color, although some breeds of sheep produce natural colors such as black, brown, silver and random mixes.