Cotton and wool are two of the most popular natural fibers in the textile world and have both been in existence for thousands of years. Cotton is a natural fiber coming from the seedpod of the cotton plant. Wool is a natural fiber that primarily comes from sheep. This article looks at both in-depth detailing what they have in common and what distinguishes them apart. Introduction to Cotton and Wool Harvested from plants grown annually, cotton fibers are composed of pure cellulose. Cotton is known for its comfort and breathability. More recently, cotton grown without the use of pesticides has become more popular in the fashion industry. Wool is made up of the protein keratin - the same protein found in human hair. Apart from sheep, wool also comes from goats, bison, and rabbits. The amazing properties of wool have been known for millennia - its amazing insulation and warmth, its breathability, and its biodegradability. Similarities Between Cotton and Wool
Cotton and wool are both natural fibers that are biodegradable.
Both have a huge range of applications from apparel to homewares.
Whilst both absorb moisture, wool keeps the wearer dry for much longer than cotton.
Both are incredibly breathable fibers and for this reason, are very suitable for undergarments and close to skin inner layers.
They can be blended easily with other fibers to add other beneficial properties to the fabric.
Differences Between Cotton and Wool
Both are natural but cotton is plant-based, so does not require the tending of animals.
Wool is an amazing insulator, compared to cotton, however, cotton can be woven into very thick material improving its insulative properties.
Wool does not lose its insulating power when wet. You still stay warmer wearing wool than you would with cotton. This difference is primarily due to the lanolin wax present in wool fibers, which helps them repel water rather than hold on to it. Cotton gains strength when wet but strength doesn't really contribute to warmth.
Wool has an incredible ability to wick moisture away and leave the inside of the garment dry, which is why several high-end sports and outdoor clothing companies use wool clothing for performance wear. Cotton does wick moisture away but it is not as good as wool.
Cotton dries quicker than wool, which has one of the longest drying times of any fiber.
Cotton works for every skin type whereas some people find wool itchy next to the skin.
Wool is much heavier and stronger than cotton.
Wool is more odor-resistant than cotton, which needs more regular washing to stay fresh.
Wool has flame-resistant or retardant properties making it better at handling fires than cotton.
Cotton is generally cheaper than wool, however, some types of cotton such as organic or Egyptian cotton may be as expensive as sheep wool.
Cotton is more versatile than wool and can create a wide variety of fabrics such as velvet, chambray, corduroy, flannel, poplin, chenille, gingham, cotton fleece, denim, and so on.
Both of these materials are easy to care for, but wool requires a more gentle approach, whereas cotton can be washed at high water temperatures. Cotton garments are also more durable to harsher detergents than wool ones, which are best cleaned infrequently and with a gentle detergent, preferably by hand.
Cotton Vs Wool: Environmental Impact
Both fabrics are from natural sources. This means that there is little need for chemicals in the processing of the fibers.
Both are biodegradable, even conventionally grown cotton, whereas synthetic fibers take hundreds of years to degrade.
However, conventional cotton farming uses the most pesticides of any crop in the world. Every time it rains or the plant decomposes, chemicals leak into the groundwater and surrounding waterways. Cotton takes a lot of land and water to grow and needs to be harvested using motorized farming equipment. So all-in-all cotton demands significant land, water, and energy resources.
Sustainably grown cotton is a better option for those following a vegan lifestyle or worried about animal welfare.
Cotton Vs Wool: Applications Cotton fabric is one of the most widely used fabrics in the world. It is used in everything from bedding to socks to coffee filters. Also, cotton fibers can be woven together to create completely new fabrics such as all those mentioned above. Cotton however does not work as well in outdoor gear due to its high absorbency and lack of water resistance. For this reason, wool trumps cotton for outdoor clothing and gear. Wool also has a wide variety of applications - from jackets to blankets to diapers. It is a great outdoor fabric - wool jackets, hoodies, and lined sleeping bags keep you warm on a cold hike. And its water-resistance will keep you dry. It performs very well in different weather conditions and is long-lasting and durable. It doesn’t require excessive washing as it doesn’t retain odors as most other fabrics do. Cotton vs Wool: Conclusion We have compared the similarities and differences between these two fibers. Both fibers are incredibly versatile with diversified applications. If you want a comfortable breathable t-shirt or crisp fresh bed sheets, then 100% cotton would be the go-to. If you want temperature regulating stay dry layers for an active life, then wool is the right fabric for you. Wool/cotton blends harmonize well together and can even improve each other: A wool/cotton blend fabric is warmer, more resilient, and more durable than cotton alone. Therefore a cotton-wool garment resists wrinkles better than 100% cotton, and it keeps a neater appearance after repeated washings and wearings.