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“Wool is a natural, renewable and, if the final yarn is not chemically bleached or dyed, also a fully biodegradable material, which – when used ethically and production wise – can contribute to the sustainable development of our planet,”.
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Clothing is one of the biggest polluters of the environment. It was published by the European Environment Agency in February this year message, according to which about seventy million tons of synthetic fibers are produced globally every year in Europe, more than three-quarters of them come from. Up to four percent of them end up directly in soil and water every year. “Plastic waste released into the environment ends up in rivers, waterways and coastal waters, contributing to the growing amount of waste that pollutes oceans and beaches around the world,” the authors of the study say.
In addition, waste is not only created when a piece of clothing is finally thrown into the trash. “We consider the washing of textiles to be the main way to release microbeads. But it is clear that microfibers are released throughout their life cycle, from production to use to waste treatment,” the study adds.
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However, giving preference to natural material pays off mainly from a practical point of view. “Clothes made of synthetic, i.e. man-made fibers actually hardly warm at all,” confirms Havrlíková.
On the market we can also meet sweaters made of mixed material, most often a mix of wool and polyester. The production of such clothing is easier and the final product is also cheaper, but in terms of thermal comfort it does not come out as a winner. “Mixed material reduces warmth and cannot even be recycled,” notes Havrlíková. In terms of warmth, natural materials of plant origin, such as cotton or linen, are not suitable either.
Warms, but bites
One of the possible disadvantages of the natural material is its “bitingness”, when the fibers irritate the skin and the body has the urge to scratch. According to Linda Havrlíková, this is a solvable problem that can be eliminated already at the time of purchase, it does not bite clothes made of, for example, combed wool. But with other pieces, the bite is not forever, it disappears with wear. “However, biting can be good for your health – skin stimulation promotes blood circulation,” laughs the designer.
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But most people don’t wear sweaters on the naked body, there are also models with lining. Natural materials tend to be breathable and have antibacterial effects. One does not sweat in them, unlike synthetics, in which one sweats even in winter, during active movement.
While you can buy a sweater made of artificial fibers in ready-made clothing for a few hundred kroner, in the case of the mentioned cashmere it will be several thousand, and you will not get under a four-digit number even when buying merino.
However, Linda Havrlíková advises not to skimp on sweaters, just like other pieces of clothing. “You pay for quality. However, the investment will return over time because the product will last. Lifetime clothing service is also common for more expensive pieces, which extends its lifespan to the maximum,” adds Havrlíková.