What Exactly is Wool?

Wool is that soft, fluffy material that comes from animals like sheep, goats, and even alpacas. It’s been used for centuries, and for good reason! Wool is a natural, renewable fiber that grows back every year, making it a more sustainable choice than many other materials. When it's time to shear the wool, the animals are left unharmed, and the fleece is cleaned, spun, and turned into fabric.

Why Merino Wool is Perfect for Kids

Now, why is merino wool so amazing for children’s clothing? There are some features of merino wool that really make it ideal for kids’ base layers.

• Temperature Control: Merino wool acts like nature’s thermostat! It keeps kids warm when it’s chilly and cool when it’s hot—making it ideal for all seasons.
• Moisture-Wicking: Merino wool absorbs moisture (like sweat or rain) up to 30% of its own weight, without feeling wet. So, whether your little one is running around at the park or playing in the rain, they’ll stay dry and comfortable.
• Soft and Gentle: Unlike traditional wool, which can sometimes feel scratchy, merino wool is super fine and soft. It’s gentle on sensitive skin—no more itchy sweaters!
• Durability: Wool fibers are incredibly strong. Did you know wool fibers can bend back on themselves 20,000 times without breaking? That means fewer tears, rips, or worn-out knees on those play clothes.

Choosing Ethical Wool: ZQ Wool and RWS

As parents, we care not only about what’s on our kids’ skin but also how it was made. That’s why choosing ethically sourced wool is so important. At Wildhaven, we only use premium merino wool from companies with ZQ Wool and the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS). ZQ and RWS are leading initiatives that ensure wool comes from farms prioritizing animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and social responsibility.

Why ZQ Wool and RWS Matter:

1. Animal Welfare: Both ZQ-certified farms and RWS-certified farms adhere to the highest standards of animal care. They prohibit harmful practices like mulesing and ensure that sheep are treated humanely throughout their lives, from handling to shearing.
2. Environmental Care: ZQ farms focus on sustainable land management, protecting the environment while producing high-quality wool. Similarly, RWS emphasizes responsible land management and sustainable grazing practices, ensuring that farming benefits both animals and the ecosystem.
3. Transparency: With ZQ Wool, you can trace your wool back to its source, ensuring its ethical origins. RWS also tracks wool through the entire supply chain, preventing any mix-up with non-certified products.

By choosing clothing made with ZQ-certified merino wool or RWS-certified wool, you're making a responsible choice for your family and the planet. You're supporting farmers who care about their sheep, their land, and the future. Together, these certifications empower families to make ethical and sustainable choices without sacrificing quality or comfort.

Environmental Benefits of Wool

Wool isn’t just comfy; it’s eco-friendly, too! Since it's a natural fiber, wool is biodegradable—meaning it breaks down without leaving harmful microplastics in the environment. And wool garments can be composted, which means they can quickly go back to earth and be turned to soil for growing plants. Wool can also be easily recycled, which cuts down on waste.

Wool does have some environmental impact because of sheep's methane emissions and the large areas needed for grazing. However, wool still has a lower carbon footprint compared to synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon. Plus, it’s a much better alternative to fast-fashion fabrics that clog up landfills with polyester and plastics that take centuries to degrade.

The Not-So-Great Side of Wool: What to Watch For

Now, let’s be real. Not all wool is created equal. There are concerns over how sheep are treated, especially with practices like mulesing (removing folds of skin to prevent flystrike). Thankfully, there are organizations helping regulate the wool industry and ensure humane and environmentally sound practices. RWS and ZQ-certified wool guarantees humane treatment of sheep, so that’s something to look out for when shopping.

And, while wool itself is eco-friendly, some wool products use harmful dyes and finishes. This is why we use merino wool dyed with eco-friendly dyes and processed for washability using a closed loop system.

How to Choose the Best Merino Wool for Kids

When you’re on the lookout for merino wool for your kids, remember these tips:

• 100% Merino Wool vs Merino Wool Blends: 100% merino wool is biodegradable, compostable and easily recycled. When merino wool is mixed with nylon or other plastics, this is no longer the case. For the best quality, function and sustainability, choose 100% wool or wool blended with natural fibers such as Tencel.
• GSM: This stands for "grams per square meter" and tells you the weight of the fabric. A higher GSM means thicker, warmer fabric (great for winter), while a lower GSM means lightweight and breathable (perfect for summer).
• RWS and ZQ Certification: Look for the ZQ and/or Responsible Wool Standard label to ensure the wool comes from farms that treat animals and land with care.

Final Thoughts: Why Wool is Worth It

If you’re looking for kids clothing, especially base layers, that are super functional, durable, comfy, and sustainable, merino wool should be your go-to, it’s ours and that’s why we use it. 

Let’s make smarter, cozier choices for our kiddos—and the world they’re growing up in. 🌎💚

Feel free to share your favorite wool finds, and let’s keep this conversation going!