If you looked at a wool fiber under the microscope, you might be reminded of a pine cone. The outer surface of each fiber is covered in scales that overlap from the base to the tip, a pattern that literally forces dirt and moisture away from the animal's skin. The structure of these scales is further aided by the oil that the animal secretes, which is also channeled towards the tips of the wool - pulling any dirt and debris with it. For the sheep in the field, with his fleece in the grease (as they say), these secretions also help keep him dry. By the time the sheepskin or yarn has made its way to our wardrobes, the oils have been removed and it is the very structure of the wool fibers - these overlapping scales - that accomplish this feat.
All wool fibers have a crimp or wave to them and the crimpier, the better! Crimp provides cushioning between the fibers and prevents the animal's fleece from becoming matted, whether he is wearing it or you are. More importantly, crimp creates air spaces throughout the fleece that regulate the animal's body temperature, enabling it to withstand extreme climates. Wool fibers are porous to begin with and crimpy fibers create even more air pockets, providing better thermo-regulation for the sheep - and the wearer of wool garments. Air trapped in these pockets does not conduct heat - it traps it against the skin and prevents the body's heat from escaping. In cold weather, these pockets allow warm air to remain close to the skin, thus retaining the body's own temperature. In hot weather the air pockets act as an insulating layer and prevent the body from over heating.
Wool can absorb as much as 30 - 50% of its own weight in moisture before it starts to feel wet. Its "pine cone" water repellency and molecular structure account for very slow absorption; slow enough that most moisture evaporates without the wearer ever feeling chilled.
In Australia many of the Merinos are raised strictly for the wool industry. Just as many more are bred for lamb for the food industry. A natural byproduct of both of these industries is sheepskin.
Long before man figured out how to shear sheep and spin their wool into yarn and weave it into cloth, he wore sheepskin garments to protect him from the elements. Primitive people were smart enough to take their clues from the animals that lived in the open and battled the elements year round! Admittedly, those early garments did not stand the test of time, but sheepskin slippers and gloves promised snuggly warmth to the masses and became winter staples. Sheepskin has also long been the choice for bedridden patients to lie upon. It provides a comfortable cushion of air that regulates body temperature, aids circulation and helps to prevent bed sores.
With all those sheep, producing millions of skins, the Australians have always sported sheepskin jackets, gloves and footwear. Back in the 1970's sheepskin footwear was the rage with Australian surfers who discovered the warmth, comfort and hip styling of these garments for beachwear. Sounds crazy, doesn't it! But its true - surfers found that sheepskin cushioned their step out of the water, repelled the sand and kept their feet snug and dry. Armed with two dozen pairs of boots, the founder of Ugg Footwear came to the US and started supplying California surfers too.
Word spread until Uggs were everywhere there were people who wanted comfortable, fashionable, all weather footwear. Best worn without socks, the wool fleece helps to wick moisture away from the skin and encourages good air circulation. In summer your feet stay cool and dry and in the winter they'll be toasty warm right down to -30°F! Uggs mold to your feet for a custom fit, but best of all, Uggs can be hand washed in cold water! Stuff each boot with paper towels (to maintain shape) and let them air dry. Makes sense - have you ever seen a sheep that needed to be dry-cleaned or shrank from exposure to wet, rainy weather!
The sheep just enjoyed it, the caveman figured it out and the surfers brought it to our attention: wool truly is a miracle fiber!
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