Giving merino a whirl

Aziraphale

I don't know if this is the case in other cities, but the J. Crew in mine is having a crazy sale at the moment, and I got a $100 merino wool Tippi sweater for $35. I've never given merino a try because I'm sensitive to most wool, but I've been borrowing my husband's nice merino wool cardigan for the past few weeks, wearing it with only a tank underneath, and so far, no itchy rash. Still didn't want to spend a lot on a sweater, so this one on sale seemed like a good way to try it out for real. I've been wearing it since I got home, and it's lovely and soft.

Just thought I'd pass it on, in case there's anyone like me, who loves the look of wool, but generally not the feel.

13 years ago

Shopping

6 replies

Latest reply was from Mia

Thistle

Veteran

Thanks for the heads up! I just recently finally found a cashmere sweater that didn't itch after looking and looking. There is hope! I really ope the merino works out. Keep us posted.

13 years ago

Mia

Veteran

I have this challenge and have found J. Crew merino to be one of the best. Cashmere, even at high price points often makes me very uncomfortable but I have noticed that the older the sweater the less the problem. I wonder if the wool supply and or processing used these days is different.

Hope it works out for you and think you are smart to try a lower priced item to experiment.

Any other tips to reduce the itch other than finding a brand that seems to work or trying on multitudes of sweaters?

13 years ago

ManidipaM

Veteran

Merino or lambswool generally is softer than the other kinds, which helps on sensitive skins.

Mia, if you're just looking to rescue some garments you already have: For some of us, lanolinizing the sweater can help with the itch, I've found. This works, though, only if it is the fibres themselves that are irritating you (some people are allergic to trace lanolin in the wool itself, so make sure that's not your irritant first or you'll worsen matters dramatically!)

This process basically involves getting a dab of lanolin (often sold as a cream or ointment, for breastfeeding moms for instance) dissolved in about a cup or so of sudsy solution made with tepid water and whatever wool-friendly detergent you use, then washing the garment in it.

Obviously, do not do this to a 'dry clean only' garment! Ones with very fine knit or detailing might also end up looking flattened or felted. So it's best to try with flat knits with a little heft and with felted garments.

13 years ago

Kirti

(website)

Veteran

Thanks! I am one of those who usually cannot tolerate even a small percentage of wool, so merino will hopefully work for me

13 years ago

Aziraphale

Veteran

Kirti -- I'm usually sensitive to even 10% wool, or even rough acrylics. It's limiting.

Manidipa -- thanks for the lanolin tip! I don't think I'm allergic to lanolin, as I'm sure it's an ingredient in body creams I use. I won't be washing my new merino sweater, as it's dry clean only, but I'll keep that tip in mind.

Mia -- the only other tip I can think of -- I wear wool on my lower half a lot. Wool skirts with tights, or lined wool pants, allow me to have the look of wool without the feel of it against my skin!

Thistle -- I will!

13 years ago

Mia

Veteran

Thanks for the tips. Worth a try!

13 years ago

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