FASHION /
NEWS
November 17, 2014
THE WOOLMARK COMPANY | Cool Wool: Not Hot, Even When It's Hot
THE WOOLMARK COMPANY
A Material Captivating Many Designers, Including Richard James
The Secret of "Cool Wool": Not Hot When It's Hot
Cool Wool (COOL WOOL) is a material that has seen renewed interest in recent years. The Woolmark Company, known for its "WOOLMARK" brand that promotes the appeal of wool worldwide, has revived its "Cool Wool" campaign after more than 20 years. We delve into the secrets of "Cool Wool," which has evolved significantly and remains comfortable even in hot weather.
Text by YANAKA Tomomi
Achieving Both Refreshing Comfort and Rich Drape
Cool Wool is a material with excellent moisture absorption and release properties, capable of naturally regulating the body's temperature for comfortable wear even in summer. This fabric, a major hit 30 years ago, has evolved and is showing signs of a revival.
Some may mistakenly believe that wool is unsuitable for summer, but this is a misconception. As a natural fiber that quickly absorbs and releases sweat and moisture, wool keeps you warm in winter and cool in summer, providing a refreshing feel year-round. Furthermore, its inherent elasticity and resilience make it resistant to wrinkles, and even if they do appear, they can be easily removed with steam, showcasing its durable nature.
The primary reason for the existence of Cool Wool lies in technological innovation. Through years of selective breeding by wool growers, individual wool fibers have become exceptionally fine. This fine wool, with its subtle luster and texture, is utilized directly, or twisted into highly twisted or crepe yarns to create fabrics with a dry touch and rich drape. This results in a lighter, more comfortable wearing experience.
Cool Wool has captivated designers from renowned brands such as Paul Smith, Richard Nicoll, Jonathan Saunders, Lou Dalton, Christopher Raeburn, and E. Tautz, leading to global collaborations. Notably, designer Richard James focused on Cool Wool for his Spring/Summer 2014 collection. He presented tailored lines using 100% Cool Wool, as well as casual lines using blends of wool with natural fibers like cotton, silk, and linen. His collection explored the material's expressive potential and natural comfort.
With the increasing demand for suits that balance elegant style with lightness, the need for lightweight Cool Wool is also growing for autumn and winter collections. Thus, Cool Wool is a material with immense potential, suitable not only for summer but for year-round wear.
The evolved Cool Wool, which creates elegant forms and a natural luster for women's wear as well as men's suits, promises to bring innovation to fashion. It is undoubtedly the material to watch in the coming seasons.
※The Woolmark symbol is a registered trademark of The Woolmark Company. In the UK, Eire, Hong Kong, and India, the Woolmark symbol is a certification mark.
※The Woolmark is a registered trademark of The Woolmark Company. In the UK, Ireland, Hong Kong, and India, the Woolmark is a certification mark.



