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Family business since 1930
Made in Germany
Organic merino wool from Patagonia
IVN BEST & GOTS certified

Boiled wool or wool fleece for babies – which is better?


If you are expecting a baby in autumn or winter, you may be asking yourself this very question: what is the best clothing for cool days – boiled wool or wool fleece?

Both are natural materials that provide warmth, are breathable and offer your baby freedom of movement. However, the decision is not easy, especially when it comes to overalls – because the fabric must not only be warm, but also temperature-regulating, skin-friendly and easy to care for.

At ENGEL, we explain what you need to know to make the right decision for your baby.

What temperatures are suitable for a wool fleece overall and a boiled wool overall for babies?

Wool fleece is particularly suitable for the transitional period, i.e. early autumn to late autumn and spring. From around 10°C to 18°C, it keeps your baby comfortably warm – without overheating. Its fluffy surface contains many small air pockets that store body heat while allowing excess heat to escape. Ideal for babies lying in their pram or starting to crawl. In our experience, wool fleece can also be worn at 5°C if you wear woollen clothing underneath, as this allows the layers of wool to work together optimally. Our wool fleece items for babies are available from size 50/56 upwards.

Boiled wool is denser and more insulating thanks to the fulling process. The felted wool fibres form a firm structure with small air pockets, which means that boiled wool fabric provides reliable protection against the cold and wind, even at sub-zero temperatures.

A boiled wool jumpsuit is therefore definitely warm enough for winter, as long as your baby is also dressed in layers underneath. Boiled wool is the first choice, especially for walks, when carrying your baby in a wrap or playing outdoors. Our boiled wool jumpsuits for babies are available from size 74/80.
Kids dressed in wool fleece and wool walk from Engel are digging around in nature, searching for little treasures on the ground.

What should you look for in a boiled wool jumpsuit and a wool fleece jumpsuit?

Regardless of the material, fit, workmanship and features are crucial:

  • Hood:Should cover the ears well, but not be too tight.
  • Cuffs & foot cuffs:Practical, as they grow with the child and provide extra warmth.
  • Zip with chin guard:Prevents friction on the neck.

At ENGEL, we pay attention to snug fits, pollutant-free workmanship and untreated natural fibres from controlled organic agriculture – for uncompromising quality.

What should you put on your baby under a wool fleece jumpsuit?

We hear this question very often – and rightly so. Because the layered look is particularly important when it comes to natural fibres.

Underneath a wool fleece jumpsuit, we recommend:
  • A long-sleeved bodysuit (preferably made of wool/silk)
  • Leggings or tights
  • In cooler temperatures: a long-sleeved top over the top

The advantage of wool is that it keeps you warm even when damp and does not have to be skin-tight to be effective. Wool/silk is particularly suitable as it regulates temperature, is breathable and gentle on the skin – ideal as a first layer of clothing for newborns.

How do ENGEL boiled wool and wool fleece products fit?

Our boiled wool jumpsuits generally fit larger.

The same applies to fleece: it is better to be a little too loose than too tight – this ensures optimal air circulation and heat regulation.

Our size charts and measuring instructions for each item will help you find the right size for your baby.

Your next step – find the right overall for your baby:

Here you will find our boiled wool overalls for babies.
And here you can find our wool fleece overalls for babies.