An increasing number of brands continue to remove traditional fur from their collections. Faux fur made from Merino wool presents a natural, biodegradable and renewable alternative to animal hide and synthetics.
Biodegradable
When a wool fibre is disposed of, it will naturally decompose in soil in a matter of years. 100% wool fabrics are biodegradable by up to 95% in just 15 weeks.
Odour resistant
In contrast to synthetics, wool fabrics are naturally odour resistant.
Machine washable
Wool faux fur is easy to care for and machine washable.
Breathability
Wool absorbs and desorbs water, buffering changes in the humidity of the wearer’s skin and facilitating the removal of excess moisture
Thermoregulating
Wool fibres trap air, a result of their high levels of crimp. The entrapped air provides thermal resistance that inhibits the loss of heat.
Soft on skin
The Merino wool fibre’s natural structure and fineness ensures superior comfort and softness on skin.
How it works
Wool Faux Fur
Innovatively knitted from Merino wool yarn, wool faux fur fabrics are cropped and brushed to replicate a traditional fur or shearling look and feel. Jersey knitting is used to create a loop structure on one side of the fabric, which is then cut to result in a yarn that is raised and brushed to open up the yarn and create the faux-fur effect. Wool fibre, being similar to real fur fibres, is an ideal substitute and an extra degree of luxury can be introduced by using mercerised Merino wool yarns.
Using Merino wool as faux fur maximises the fibre’s natural benefits. Garments created with wool faux fur have the added natural benefits of thermoregulation, breathability, odour resistance and the peace of mind that the fabric comes with a less impactful environmental solution than synthetic faux fur or real fur.
A number of methods can be used to create wool pile fabrics, for example weft knitting, warp knitting, weaving and tufting. Weft knitting techniques that incorporate the pile using inlay knitting, terry/plush knitting or sliver-knitting are the most common methods used to create pile fabrics. Some examples of wool faux fur fabrics include:
WOOL FAUX FUR FABRICS
Fleece fabric
A generally light-weight fabric characterised by a relatively short pile that is normally produced by including a yarn in the inlay or terry/plush structure which is later raised to form the pile. The term ‘polar fleece’ is often used.
Sherpa fabric
Similar to a fleece fabric but is generally heavier and the pile is restricted to one side of the fabric. Sherpa fabrics are made from terry or plush structures but can also be made using sliver-knit technology.
Shearling
A garment made from the pelt of a shearling sheep or a lamb who was not shorn; the skin is tanned with the wool still on it. A wool ‘shearling fleece’ is a (usually) knitted product with a pile height designed to look like genuine shearling.
Product Applications
Wool Faux fur and its variants can be engineered for a wide range of applications from apparel to
footwear and accessories and interiors including bedding, furniture and soft furnishings.
Apparel Applications
As an increasing number of brands adopt more sustainable design as well as eliminating real fur from their ranges, wool faux fur has become a solution to innovate with natural fibres and natural fur alternatives. Wool faux fur is suitable for a diverse array of applications in apparel from mid-layers to outerwear, linings and embellishments.
Accessories Applications
With emerging innovative technologies for wool pile fabric knitting, dyeing and finishing, wool faux fur fabrics are widely used in making a variety of accessories such as caps, hats, mittens, personal wraps, bags and more, for warmth, comfort and fashion.
Footwear Applications
Sliver-knit pile fabrics with similar constructions to wool faux fur (albeit normally with shorter pile) are also used in footwear for indoor, such as slippers, and outdoor footwear.
Interiors Applications
Beyond rugs and upholstery, wool plays an increasingly large role in the home. From pillows to blankets, patterned rugs and more, wool faux fur fabrics can achieve luxurious softness and cosy ambience. Research, manufacturing developments and design
innovation has led to wool faux fur use in products as far ranging as bedding, artworks and decorative objects. With its luxurious finish and inherent natural benefits, wool is the natural choice for any interior.
Contact the Woolmark Technical Team for more information.
