WOOL GUIDE BIG BILL
General Wool Information
Natural UV Protection
Wool clothing stands out as a superior choice for sun protection when compared to other fibers. By wearing wool, you not only enjoy comfort but also benefit from its inherent ability to intercept UV rays before they reach your skin, effectively safeguarding you from potential sun damage. Studies indicate that wool outperforms synthetics and cotton, boasting a natural UPF of 30+ in over 70% of cases. When evaluated in terms of Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF), woolen garments consistently score significantly higher than cotton counterparts, with UPF ratings typically ranging between 20 and 50, depending on fabric density and treatment.
Natural Durability
Wool items last because wool fibers can bend up to 20,000 times before breaking. This durability far surpasses other fibers, making wool tough to tear and resistant to abrasion.
Temperature Regulation
Wool's remarkable properties extend beyond its ability to regulate temperature, as it also excels in moisture management. Thanks to its hygroscopic nature, wool effortlessly absorbs moisture vapor, utilizing tiny pores to transport it deep into the fiber where it evaporates into the air. This unique feature allows wool to maintain a comfortable feel, capable of absorbing up to 30% of its weight in moisture without feeling damp. Furthermore, wool acts as a natural "temperature regulator," adapting to both cold and warm conditions by adjusting its moisture absorption accordingly. This innate capacity not only ensures comfort but also makes wool a versatile choice for all seasons, as it continually balances moisture levels to create an optimal environment.
Care Instructions
Dry Cleaning only
BIG BILL Wool Blends
Wool Blend
65% recycled wool, 35% polyester
Properties
Insulation: The wool component provides excellent insulation, keeping you warm in cooler temperatures. The polyester blend helps to enhance the fabric's insulating properties while maintaining a lightweight feel.
Sustainability: The inclusion of recycled wool makes this blend environmentally friendly, as it reduces waste by repurposing existing materials. This blend showcases a commitment to sustainability while still offering the benefits of wool.
Strength and Durability: Polyester is a synthetic fiber known for its strength and durability. When blended with wool, it adds resilience to the fabric, making it more resistant to stretching, shrinking, and abrasion.
17 oz wool blend
Temperature Range
Cool to Mild Weather: This blend is suitable for cool to mild weather conditions, providing warmth without feeling overly heavy. It can be worn comfortably in temperatures ranging from around 40°F (4°C) to 65°F (18°C).
Styles Made with This Wool
462
472
BIG BILL Wool Blends
Wool Blend
80% Wool / 20% Polyamide
Properties
Enhanced Durability: The addition of polyamide (also known as nylon) to the blend increases the fabric's durability and resilience. Polyamide fibers are known for their strength and abrasion resistance, making the fabric more resistant to wear and tear.
Improved Shape Retention: Polyamide fibers contribute to the fabric's ability to retain its shape over time, reducing stretching and distortion, particularly in heavier weights like 24oz.
Insulation: The wool component of the blend provides excellent insulation, trapping heat to keep you warm in cold weather. The polyamide adds strength and structure to the fabric, enhancing its insulating properties.
Temperature Range
Cool to Mild Weather: This blend is suitable for cool to mild weather conditions, providing warmth without feeling overly heavy. It can be worn comfortably in temperatures ranging from around 40°F (4°C) to 65°F (18°C).
Moderate Cold: In moderately cold conditions, ranging from around 30°F (-1°C) to 50°F (10°C), the wool blend continues to provide insulation while also offering breathability. It helps regulate body temperature, keeping you warm without overheating.
24 oz wool blend
Layering: In colder temperatures below 30°F (-1°C), this wool blend can still be effective as a base or mid-layer under additional insulation or outerwear. Its moisture-wicking properties help keep you dry and comfortable even when layered.
Styles Made With this Wool
BIG BILL Wool Blends
100% Wool
Properties
Insulation: 100% wool provides excellent insulation, keeping you warm in cold weather by trapping heat close to the body.
Breathability: Wool is naturally breathable, allowing air to circulate and preventing overheating.
Flame Retardant: Wool naturally has flame-retardant properties, meaning it is less likely to ignite compared to synthetic fibers. It also tends to self-extinguish if it does catch fire, making it a safer choice in certain environments. Please be aware that while wool is fire retardant, it is not flame resistant; therefore, we do not recommend its use in occupations that require flame-resistant garments.
Sustainability: Wool is a renewable and biodegradable material, making it an ecofriendly choice. It comes from sheep, which can be shorn annually without harm to the animal, and the fiber naturally decomposes at the end of its life cycle.
28 oz 100% wool
Temperature Range
Cold Weather: 100% wool with a weight of 28 ounces per yard is best suited for cold weather conditions, ranging from freezing temperatures down to around 20°F (-7°C) or lower.
Styles Made with This Wool
BIG BILL Wool Blends
Merino Wool Blend
80% Merino wool / 20% Nylon
Properties
Softness and Comfort: Merino wool is renowned for its softness and luxurious feel against the skin. The fine fibers of merino wool make it comfortable to wear for extended periods without causing irritation or itchiness.
Moisture Management: Merino wool has excellent moisture-wicking properties, meaning it can absorb moisture away from the skin and release it into the air, keeping you dry and comfortable even during intense physical activities.
Odor Resistance: Unlike synthetic materials, Merino wool can absorb moisture vapor, reducing the amount of sweat on your body. Additionally, it captures odor molecules from sweat, only releasing them when washed. Merino wool's natural antibacterial properties further prevent the growth of odor-causing bacteria, ensuring the fabric remains fresh and odor-free even with prolonged wear.
Stain resistant: Merino wool fibres have a natural protective outer layer that helps prevent stains from being absorbed. And because Merino wool tends not to generate static, it attracts less dust and lint.
18 oz merino wool blend
Temperature Range
Cool Weather: In cool weather, ranging from around 50°F (10°C) to 65°F (18°C), the blend's moisture-wicking properties help regulate body temperature, keeping you comfortable by wicking away sweat and moisture from the skin while providing a light layer of insulation.
Moderate Cold: As temperatures drop further, between 30°F (-1°C) to 50°F (10°C), the insulating properties of the merino wool blend become more apparent, providing warmth while still allowing moisture to escape, preventing overheating during activities.
Layering: In colder conditions below 30°F (-1°C), this blend can still be effective as a base or mid-layer under additional insulation or outerwear. Its moisture-wicking and temperature-regulating properties make it a versatile option for layering in various weather conditions.
Styles Made With this Wool
Note: The higher the percentage of blend, the softer and lighter the resulting product becomes.