Pumpkin & Ivy: A Wool Love Story

These particular shorts became a favourite at first sight, however it wasn't until I actually tried them on that I fell in love with them. This was associated with my mega haul of secondhand and vintage, yet when I acquired these bold shorts the climate everywhere was still quite warm.

The not-so-funny thing about wool and I is that our love affair ends rapidly if it's not blended. Yes, if there's an item that's 100% wool I either need to do two things: don't wear it, or have a layering of fabric that will prohibit my body from reacting to the lanolin (wool wax), insecticides: chlorine, dioxins (chemicals used in treating conventional wool), or even harsh chemicals that a factory may have used to remove the lanolin.

People who think they are genuinely allergic to wool may be, however a skin test should be done to be certain. A full-on highly allergic reaction to all wool in a severe case goes further than your clothing. Think about the mattress on your bed, batting used in home items, or even when you're touching products at department stores... is there any aggravation?

There are many factors to take in consideration if you believe that you are allergic to the wonderful world of wool you might be simply allergic to a certain type of wool, (as some have courser fibres than others) or with the aforementioned chemicals related with wool, etc.

I have found that finer breeds of wool, such as Cormo or Merino doesn't bother me as much, yet there still can be irritation in others. If you love (working with) wool, have any allergies, and are surrounded by an amassment of textiles like I am my suggestion to you would be to test and research. I'd also recommend using unprocessed wool, or organic wool yarns.

I used to be completely allergic to wool. Fortunately my allergy has immensely improved than earlier years; though that can be attributed to that fact that I've learned to stay away from certain breeds of wool. But, in the end it's worth taking care of your skin and allergenic concerns.

But, hey! Enough of the wool-101 class! Here's my celebration of wearing wool from head-to-toe, and it not bothering me at all. Aside from wearing a wool-repelling shield underneath the jumper, all is very well.

The goods: Boots-Banana Republic, Jumper/sweater-Club Monaco, Tartan shorts-charity shop, Hat-made from wool/cashmere sweater-Ladyofashion, Belt-DIY, Tights-Anthropologie.

*Further reading on wool here & environmental text here.