Is Lambswool Itchy? (And What To Do About It!)

If there is one fabric is wrapped in a cloak of misinformation, it is wool. And more specifically, lambswool.

I remember when I first got to know about the concept of lambswool, I was confused, amused and bemused at the same time (I really should become a poet).

I don’t want you guys to go through the same experience. Therefore, I decided to create *the best* resource for virgin wool on the entire internet. Lambswool is also called virgin wool, and I will be using both terms in this article.

So, here are all your lambswool questions answered.

Is Lambswool Itchy?

lambswool

Lambswool, if treated properly, is not itchy for most people.

Wool as fabric, in general, tends to be itchier than most others. But this is not always the case – merino wool is not itchy at all.

In my personal experience, lambswool sweaters tend to be less itchy than traditional wool, but itchier than merino wool sweaters. But if you are wearing a shirt underneath, there is practically no difference.

Also, some people might be more sensitive to the itchiness of wool than others due to their skin sensitivity, so if you’re not sure if you’re one of those people, try on a piece of clothing made from lambswool before making a purchase to see if it feels comfortable to you.

Many manufacturers also treat their lambswool with different chemicals to reduce itching, also, layering the lambswool with a soft t-shirt or undershirt can also help reduce itching.

In summary, lambswool can be itchy for some people but it varies from person to person, and from quality to quality. It’s always best to try it on or test a small piece before making a purchase to see if it feels comfortable to you.

Lambswool sweater from Brooks Brothers
Lambswool sweater from Brooks Brothers

How To Make Lambswool Itch-Free?

To make lambswool itch-free, you need to take proper care of it.

Lambswool should be hand-washed in cold water, but try to keep the washing to a minimum. Much like denim, wool does not need to be washed after every wear. Twice a season is enough.

Lambswool can also be machine washed. However, this method is not preferable because shrinkage of fabric can happen. To avoid it, don’t put wool clothing in the dryer.

Do not dry clean your lambswool. Dry cleaning involves harsh chemicals which can make your sweater lose its shape.

lambswool sweater
A sweater which is not from Brooks Brothers this time.

Is Lambswool soft?

Lambswool is much softer than normal wool.

Remember, lambswool is the softest wool that a sheep would ever produce. When passing it through the touch test, I felt virgin wool to be much closer to merino wool in terms of feel, rather than regular wool.

Another sweater by Brooks Brothers
Another sweater by Brooks Brothers… I swear this is not sponsored.

Is Lambswool warm?

Lambswool has a lot of insulating properties. It is very warm, but not as warm as traditional wool.

Lambswool is considered to be a warm material because it is made from the soft, fine wool of a lamb, which is known for its insulating properties.

The fibers in lambswool are naturally crimped, which creates pockets of air that trap heat and help to keep the wearer warm. Additionally, lambswool is naturally moisture-wicking, which means it can help to keep the wearer dry and comfortable by drawing sweat away from the skin.

It’s also worth noting that the thickness of the fabric will also play a role in how warm it is. A thicker lambswool sweater will provide more insulation than a thinner one.

Overall, lambswool is a great choice for cold weather clothing, and it can be used to make a wide variety of garments, including sweaters, scarves, hats, and gloves.

However, depending on the weather conditions, you may still need to layer up. If you’re looking to use lambswool in very cold conditions, you may want to pair it with a thicker insulated layer or with a waterproof layer to keep out wind and snow.

Is Lambswool expensive?

Lambswool tends to be more expensive than regular, traditional wool.

Because the supply of virgin wool is very less (virgin wool can be obtained only once from a sheep), and the demand for it is in huge numbers, the price has steadily been rising upwards.

Lambswool is generally considered a premium fabric, and as such it can be more expensive than some other types of wool. The price of lambswool products can vary depending on a number of factors, including the quality of the wool, the craftsmanship of the item, and the brand or designer.

Here’s a general price range for lambswool items, which you can use as a rough reference:

  • Lambswool scarfs : $20 to $80
  • Lambswool sweaters : $60 to $300
  • Lambswool blankets : $100 to $300
  • Lambswool Socks : $10 to $30

It’s worth noting that lambswool products that are handcrafted, made from high-quality wool, or come from luxury brands will likely be on the higher end of the price range.

It’s always good idea to do your own research and look for offers, discounts or sales that may change the pricing and compare prices from different retailers as well.

Can you dye Virgin Wool?

Yes, you can dye virgin wool. But the process is not so simple. Virgin wool cannot be dyed the way cotton or silk can. There’s a special procedure to do this dyeing process.

If you are interested, we recently covered this topic in a separate article. You can check out the complete procedure here.

Does Lambswool pill?

No, lambswool does not pill.

It is the finest wool that can come from a sheep. It has soft fibers. In general, coarse fibers tend to attract more dust material (this is what the process pilling is).

Due to soft fibers, virgin wool attracts little to no pilling.