Wool vs Synthetic fabrics for exercise gear - YouLookFab Forum

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Wool vs Synthetic fabrics for exercise gear

Helen11

Veteran

I had always found wool scratchy and uncomfortable, but two items have me reconsidering. I received a very fine woven wool scarf from my YLF secret Santa, and it's beautiful to wear; and I bought a Metalicus top, which again feels lovely to wear, and I didn't realise it was a wool blend until checking washing instructions.
Now I'm thinking a light merino zip up jacket might be a good addition to my gear capsule. Is it worth the price? There's this one, at a low price point, but the colour was really wrong for me.
I will only use it for a few months in the year, as we have very mild tropical winters.
Could you share what works for you?
ETA any brands you recommend?

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21 replies

Latest reply was from Helen11

SandyG

Veteran

Helen, I have pretty sensitive skin and in California I get 10 months of wear out of my lightweight and medium weight 'gear' merino wool hoodies. They roll into a ball and travel well, tie around my waist when I take them off, and perform beautifully as casual stylish workhorses. Mine are 4 and 5 years old and look brand-new, so I can assure you that quality merino is warm, cozy and durable.

Helen11

Veteran

Thanks, SandyG. That's good to know yours have lasted so well. Most brands I've looked at (online) say they're machine washable. Do you wash in the machine or by hand?

Astrid

Veteran

I wash all my wool items in the washing machine, on wool cycle with the appropriate detergent. Then airdry them flat (no hanging!), with some gentle shaping if necessary. Didn't have problems yet.

Helen11

Veteran

Astrid, thanks for those tips. I have washed my hand knits by hand in the past . Good to know the machine works well too.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

My climate is cold so wool tends to be used as a "base layer" for outdoor activities in winter. I do put it in the washer. Socks actually go in the dryer, too. But the other stuff I lay flat to dry. I did have a set that got mangled and developed holes with this route. Whether they had got into the wrong cycle in the wash, I don't know, but in future I might use a mesh bag.

I love to wear merino wool as regular wear, but again, I live in a cold climate. I think the sensation of scratchiness is partly a matter of skin sensitivity and partly a function of temperature. In colder temps or lower humidity, wool and cashmere feel far more comfortable. I loathe trying on my sweaters in the summer! And I typically layer my winter pullovers over a cami or tank or a long-sleeve thin cotton tee.

JAileen

Veteran

Wool varies tremendously. They make rugs out of very coarse wool, and used to make baby garments out of the finest wool. I have some wool scarves that are not the least bit scratchy. It depends on the diameter of the individual fiber. The thinner it is, the softer. Thinner also means less strength though too.

When I look at wool, be it yarn or a finished piece, I put it against my neck. That's a tender area and it if feels good there, then I'm good to go.

I would follow care instructions. Some wool is machine washable but some is not. I washed a light weight boiled 100 percent wool jacket and it was never the same afterwards. That was kind of stupid of me, actually. Often if the wool is blended with nylon that helps with washability.

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

Ok, a quickie from the non wool person: I am not allergic to wool (some people are; I think it's a lanolin sensitivity to be specific) but I always found it itchy, and these days I avoid it in anything except outerwear. There are a lot of synthetic gear options out there that you can choose if wool doesn't work for you.

SandyG

Veteran

Helen, I either hand wash or machine wash in a mesh bag, depending on what else needs laundering My top favorite brand is I O Bio, with Ibex next. Merino gear colors don't have a wide range so you have to hunt! I have 2 black and 1 rose zip jackets and would love more in blue and purple.

Anonymous

Agreeing that some of the products produced by some of the companies are better suited to sensitive skin than others. I'm also recommending Ibex although I'm curious now that SandyG, who is familiar with both brands, has said she prefers I O Bio.
I have a casual lifestyle that includes a lot of dog walking and I wear a long sleeved Ibex undershirt under a heavier wool sweater from November until April with no significant irritation to my sensitive skin.
We go out wether it's raining or not, and an outer layer of synthetic fleece dries faster than wool but I hate to admit it as wool is so much nicer!

Helen11

Veteran

Laura, it's good to hear from a non-wool person. The kind of jacket I have in mind is all I need for outerwear in winter, so I will wear a shirt under, but there could be scratchiness on my arms or neck to watch out for.
And Isabel, thanks for the reality check that synthetic can dry faster. I'll check out Ibex and IoBio thanks to you and SandyG. Sandy since I don't want black, i might be looking hard.
JAileen I will remember to check on my neck for itching. I won't find many wool options in stores here, so it might mean online orders and returns.
Suz, you're right about the greater comfort in lower temps and humidity. It's always relatively warm and humid here, and I guess that's why wool has often been uncomfortable for me.
Now I'm starting to wonder if the expensive merino I like the look of might be over - engineered for my requirements! More to ponder.

karen13

Veteran

I wear a lot of merino wool next to skin layers and have somewhat sensitive skin. I love the stuff! Wool is warm when it is cool, and cool when it is warm. Excellent SPF, even in thin fabric. Natural odor resistance. I use it for cross country skiing, gym, and travel.

Not all merino wool is created equal, as several have noted. The brands that specialize in non-itchiness use a particularly fine grade of wool from certain sheep breeds, and they process and spin a way to reduce the natural "barbs" in wool fibers. Brands like Icebreaker, Smart Wool, Ibex, Patagonia and SuperNatural all make washable, non-itchy products. My comfort level varies, even within the same brand/style. When I get a slightly scratchier shirt, I just call it "bad sheep" and take it back. You really have to be able to try it on, and return it if it isn't OK.

I have several Icebreaker and Smartwool zip hoodies. I love them. I have short and long sleeve shirts in all different weights ranging from 140 gsm (grams/square meter) to 320. Some brands add nylon to improved durability and wind resistance. I have lots of merino wool undies - I like the Siren Hipkini from Icebreaker for travel.

140-150 gsm is thin - light colors can be sheer. 200 is my go to to for a light weight base layer, and is usually substantial enough wear alone. 260 is like a light sweater, 320 is heavy sweater. My hoodies are around 260 gsm.

I machine wash delicate cold and hang dry. The Smart Wool labels often say you can dry them, but I usually don't.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Gosh. I am still stuck on the thought that a very lightweight sweater is all you need for outerwear in winter.

For me this is the underwear layer, lol!!

And I wear merino wool and cashmere sweaters all. the. time from October until early May.

Brooklyn

Veteran

Helen, I got this jacket earlier in the year from Witchery. I would not recommend it as actual running/gym gear (I don't think it would stand up to everyday washing) but fine for warming up in, wearing to and from the gym or MTOG type activities. I recommended it to Sally (Kiwigal) and she also got it! I am not sure if they still have the grey version (it was on sale then) but they do have a black version now. It is smarter than it looks in the pic (it zips up to a funnel neck). It is fitted, and I can wear it under a coat or jacket if necessary. It is a viscose blend. I think the wool one you posted would also be a good option. I am sensitive to wool against my skin, so I am a bit careful about it. But wool is a great fibre for warmth and durability.

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

I am not a fan of wool against skin, either for exercise or regular wear. I do find that wearing a good amount of body lotion reduces itchiness.

anne

Veteran

When I saw your thread title I wondered if you (like me) had just received an Ezibuy catalouge!

No wisdom from me personally - I have never bought a wool exercise item. But someone I know who travels a lot thinks they are great. (apparently they don't get smelly!)

Sal

Veteran

I have worn merino both as an underlayer and an overlayer. It is great for not getting smelly I have had a merino tee, layering tanks, and thicker jumpers.

Like with anything there are grades - some I find a wee bit scratchy, others are very soft and comfy.

i wear the jacket Brooklyn linked to for working at home, walking, laying under a puffer. It is a lovely casual top - mine is much more fitted than shown on the model. It is super comfy and smart, my only slight complaint is that I would like it an inch longer. This is my sway back - tops ride up at the back.

Helen11

Veteran

I knew I'd get good information here : )
Karen13, your info about the weight of wool fabric is very helpful. I will only need something light. It's the breathability of wool which interests me. I can't really believe it will keep me cool here, but I'd like better wicking than the (cheap!) synthetic tops I have.
Suz, it's mid-winter here and the temp today was 21 C. I had my fleece-lined tights on. Seriously! I didn't really need them. Kids wore shorts and tshirts to school. I can't get my head around the idea of woolen underwear, though.
Brooklyn, I love that coat. It looks great on you and Sally, both. This time I'm looking for something to wear for exercise. You know, on the theory that having the right outfit will suddenly motivate me to exercise every day!

UmmLila, my sister can't wear wool at all either. I wonder how much is our skin sensitivity, and how much is the warm climate. I might need to try a blend of wool/ nylon and see if that give some advantages of each.

Anne, those Ezibuy catalogues just keep on coming....I ordered the jacket pictured, but the colour wasn't right for me. There was a bright purple at one stage in the past, and I was hoping that the colours hadn't translated well on the screen.
I like the idea of not-smelly, so thanks, Sally, for confirming that. I found my wool top could be worn a couple of times. I hoped the NZ ladies would have some tips for me : ) I wouldn't have a problem with the length of the jacket you and Brooklyn have, I'm much shorter than you are!
I will have a look at the end-of-season sales, and make sure that I can return things easily if they're scratchy.
Thank you all for all your thoughts.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Ha, your mid-winter temps are like my mid-summer temps!! But not completely. I was having this conversation with some of the other Oz/Kiwi contingent and it seems that 21C can feel completely different depending on the wind, humidity, etc.

Today is 30C but feels like 32; some days -- I kid you not -- 21 can feel like 32. What it never feels like is fleece tights weather! I don't don those until it is about 0C or lower.

Anonymous

You need a merino sweater, Helen.
I'm a HUGE fan of merino, even for the summer.
It's so durable. It doesn't seem to pill like other wool.
So merino is all I wear now, for wool.

I'm with *sally* in that merino is also great for not getting smelly (whereas typically gear worn next to skin ends up with a really bad stink that doesn't even come out in the wash! This might be due to my water though).

Freckles

Veteran

Wool is the only thing that keeps me warm. Even with super sensitive skin I wore it in multiple layers for most of the year. To my dismay a few years go I had to stop wearing it but I still wear my wool winter coats and two heavy cardigans. Yes wool takes longer to dry so for travel good that it doesn't smell but if you have to wash it not ideal. I live in a cold climate so have more than one wool coat so no worries there.
Interestingly though the winter coat I bought in Ireland doesn't get and stay wet and it isn't boiled wool.

Helen11

Veteran

Suz, I'm always fascinated by the climatic conditions around the YLF world.

ETA Sorry, posted before I had time to reply properly.

I can't tell the difference between 30 and 32, that's just nice warm weather. But a rainy windy 21 (like we've had lately) is the only chance for me to wear really wintery clothes. I am a bit envious of those in 4-season climates. So much more outfit variety is possible.

Smittie, thanks for the enabling : )

Freckles, thanks for sharing what works for you. I imagine Irish coats are absolutely made for wet weather!