Which wool doesn't itch?
Wool is considered a natural, renewable raw material with excellent properties: it regulates temperature, is breathable, and regulates moisture. However, many people have concerns when it comes to how it feels on the skin. Customers often ask us: Which wool doesn't itch?
We explain which factors determine the softness of wool, which types of wool are particularly skin-friendly, and what you should look out for if you have sensitive skin.
Which wool is very soft and doesn't itch?
Whether wool is soft or scratchy depends primarily on the thickness of the individual wool fibres—measured in microns (μm). The finer the fibre, the smoother it feels on the skin. From a fibre thickness of around 25 microns and above, wool can feel scratchy to many people, as the thicker fibres no longer lie elastically against the skin, but rest on top of it and stand upright.
The following types of wool are considered particularly soft:
- Virgin wool: It has a fibre thickness of about 16 to 21 microns, making it one of the finest wool types. Clothing made of virgin wool does not usually scratch and can therefore be worn directly on the skin.
- Wool/Silk-blends: This combination combines the temperature-regulating effect of wool with the smooth, cooling structure of silk – ideal for underwear, baby bodysuits, or sensitive skin. The silk makes the fabric even smoother and more supple.
- Cashmere: This precious wool comes from the cashmere goat and is particularly fine (approx. 15–19 microns). It is soft, but also requires significantly more care and is more expensive.
There are also differences in quality when it comes to virgin wool. Particularly high-quality organic virgin wool comes from certified organic agriculture and is not chemically treated – as is the case with ENGEL.
Why does wool feel itchy to the skin?
There are several reasons why wool may feel scratchy or itchy:
- Fibre thickness: Thick fibres measuring more than 25 microns irritate the skin mechanically.
- Processing: Rough or poorly processed wool may contain bristles that stick up uncomfortably.
- Chemical finishing: Conventionally treated wool (e.g., with superwash or chlorine treatment) may contain residues that cause skin irritation.
- Dry skin: Especially in winter, sensitive skin can be irritated by friction on wool, even if the fibre is fine. However, there are also people whose skin is so sensitive that even the finest wool feels scratchy.
So it is not the wool itself that causes itching—its quality, origin, and processing determine how it feels on the skin.
Is wool good for baby skin?
The answer is yes, but only the right kind of wool. Babies have particularly sensitive and permeable skin that cannot cope well with excessive friction or temperature differences. This is where organic virgin wool from certified organic agriculture comes in – it is not only soft, but also regulates temperature and moisture without irritating the skin. Some babies have such sensitive skin or skin conditions that even the finest wool can cause irritation.
Another advantage: wool can absorb up to 30 percent of its own weight in moisture without feeling wet. This protects baby's skin from cooling down after sweating – without the use of synthetic fibres. All these properties make wool so special – that's why we at ENGEL say: "High-tech by nature.".
Wool/silk products are particularly suitable for newborns because they are gentle on the skin, adapt elastically, and feel comfortable in both warm and cold temperatures.
Which wool for sensitive skin?
For sensitive skin, we particularly recommend:
- Fine organic virgin wool from certified organic agriculture – natural, without chemical finishes
- Wool/silk blends - particularly supple and moisture-regulating
- GOTS- or IVN certified wool – guaranteed to be produced in an environmentally friendly and skin-friendly manner
Even people with allergies report that they tolerate untreated, high-quality natural wool much better than synthetic fabrics or conventionally treated fibres.
How to keep organic virgin wool soft for a long time – care tips
To ensure that virgin wool clothing stays soft and does not become matted or scratchy, you should take care to wash it correctly:
- Only wash the clothing when necessary – ideally on a wool cycle at a maximum of 30°C and 400 rpm or by hand. When washing by hand, it is essential to avoid temperature shocks (e.g., do not wash with 30°C warm water and rinse with cold water).
- Use a wool detergent
- Do not use fabric softener – it destroys the natural protective layer of the wool fibre.
- After washing, gently squeeze out excess water, pull into shape, and dry flat – never wring or spin dry.
- Air and/or brush instead of washing: in many cases, wool cleans itself in the air.
This allows the wool to retain its natural softness and be particularly durable, which is a great advantage, especially for baby and children's clothing.
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