Wool can itch because stiffer fibres press against the skin at the surface. Finer types of wool and other soft fibres can feel more pleasant, but sensitivity differs from person to person. So always test for yourself how a knit feels on your skin.
Why does wool itch, actually?
A wool fibre is a hair, and hairs differ in thickness. Thick fibres are stiffer and stay upright when they stick out of the fabric. On your skin that feels like light pricks, especially at the neck, wrists and forearms. Finer fibres are generally more flexible and therefore often feel softer. That explains why two sweaters that are both made of wool can feel so different.
The way a yarn is spun and knitted also plays a role. A sturdy, chunky-knit sweater releases more fibre tips than a fine jersey knit. Dry skin can react more sensitively to friction.
Five things to look out for
- Fibre: choose merino or a blend with cashmere. Read more about merino wool and about cashmere.
- Knit stitch: a fine jersey knit feels softer than a coarse cable or rib stitch.
- Blend: cashmere, viscose and lyocell can change the hand feel of a knit.
- Place on the body: do you have a sensitive neck? Then choose an open polo or a V-neck instead of a roll neck.
- Layer underneath: a cotton T-shirt or a thin undershirt takes away almost all friction.
Merino, cashmere and lyocell side by side
| Fibre | Feel on the skin | Suits |
|---|---|---|
| Merino wool | Fine and springy, stays fresh for longer naturally | Polos and sweaters for the whole day |
| Wool with cashmere | Extra soft and smoother | Open polos and cardigans |
| Lyocell | Cool and smooth | Fine-knit polos and cardigans |
| Viscose and polyamide | Soft, with a supple drape | Knitted polos and tops |
Our favourites for sensitive skin
For men, Trenton is a logical choice: an open polo of 100% merino wool in black. The open collar without buttons lies flat and does not rub the neck. If you are looking for something lighter, you can choose Theodore, a fine-knit open polo of 100% lyocell in light blue.
For women, Augusta is an open-knit polo of 90.2% wool 9.8% cashmere, in cream. The combination of wool and cashmere feels softer to many people than coarser wool. If you are more sensitive, Josephine is a knitted polo with V-neck in cream, made of 79.9% viscose, 20.1% polyamide. To wear over a blouse or T-shirt, Maximilian fits, a wool cardigan with tailored cut for men in beige, of 100% wool.
The skin test in the shop or at home
Wearing a sweater for the first time? Then do the test before you remove the labels.
- Stroke the inside of your wrist or forearm over the fabric. The skin there is thinner than on the palm of your hand.
- Hold the sweater briefly against your neck or forearm and notice how your skin reacts.
- Try the sweater on a warm day, not in a cold shop. How sensitive wool feels can change with temperature and skin condition.
- Wear it at home for an hour over a thin shirt before you decide.
What does the label say about softness?
The label in a sweater tells you more than you think. If it says one hundred per cent wool without further indication, you do not know how fine the fibre is. Merino wool generally consists of finer fibres than many coarser types of wool. A fibre blend can change the feel of the fabric, but the final softness also depends on the yarn and knit structure. A blend is not by definition worse. It combines the warmth of wool with the softness of another fibre.
Also look at the knit structure. A dense, fine jersey knit lies like a second skin, while an open, coarse knit stitch has more air and more fibre tips. If you have sensitive skin, test the specific garment above all.
How to wear wool in layers
Autumn is the season of layers. Combine a fine-knit polo with a shirt underneath or a cardigan on top, and you always have a fabric between your skin and the wool. That gives warmth without friction. A wool cardigan you also wear open over a cotton shirt, so only the outside of the sleeve touches the wool and your wrists stay free.
How wool stays soft
Good care determines whether a sweater still feels just as soft after twenty washes. Wash wool knitwear only according to the care label and use a suitable wool detergent if that is advised. Do not hang it on a hanger, because the weight of the wet fabric pulls the shoulders out of shape. You can read more tips in our care instructions.
Use the dryer only if the care label allows it. It also helps to air the sweater after wearing. Wool naturally stays fresh for longer, so you do not need to wash it after every use. Combine this soft knitwear with trousers from our men's collection or knitwear for women.
When do you choose something else?
Sometimes wool still irritates despite all your efforts. That is fine. Then you choose a soft fibre such as lyocell, which feels smooth and cool. A fine-knit polo of lyocell gives the same polished look in autumn, without bothering you. Read more about lyocell and compare the materials on our pages.
Shop the look
Trenton: open merino wool polo, black
Theodore: open polo in lyocell, light blue
Augusta: open-knit polo in wool and cashmere, cream
Josephine: knitted polo with V-neck, cream
Maximilian: wool cardigan, beige
Frequently asked questions
Why does wool itch more at the beginning?
New knits still contain loose fibre tips. After the first wash and a few wears they become smoother.
Is merino wool always soft?
Merino wool has fine fibres and therefore feels softer than coarse wool, but it also depends on the yarn and the knit stitch.
Can I wear wool without a base layer?
That is possible with a soft blend or a fine jersey knit. If you have sensitive skin, wear a cotton T-shirt underneath.
What if a sweater does not suit me after all?
Before buying, check the current return conditions on the returns page.
