What is Superwash Wool and Why Isn't It as Natural as It Seems?

When it comes to wool yarns, there are as many options on the market as there are knitting projects. We often get asked: "Why don't you offer Superwash wool?" or "What’s the difference between natural wool and Superwash wool if both are 100% wool?" The answer lies in the processes that each type of wool undergoes and how they affect the fiber, the environment, and health.

What is Superwash Wool?

Superwash wool is chemically treated wool that can withstand machine washing. Without this treatment, wool can shrink and sometimes felt when washed in hot water or agitated too much. The Superwash process smooths out the natural scales of the wool fiber using chemicals such as chlorine or by coating the fibers with polymer resins. This allows the wool to retain its shape during washing without shrinking, which can be convenient for easy-care garments.

Is Superwash Wool Natural?

While Superwash wool still comes from animals, it cannot be considered completely natural or organic. Even though it originates from sheep, the chemical process significantly alters the fiber, causing the wool to lose some of its original properties, such as its ability to effectively regulate moisture or its complete biodegradability.

For those looking for truly natural materials, it’s important to remember that Superwash wool has undergone chemical treatment. If your goal is to avoid chemically treated products, Superwash wool is not the best option, even if it is labeled "100% wool."

What is the Difference Between Natural and Organic Wool?

Natural wool, which we offer at Villama, has not undergone strong chemical treatments. This means that our wool, such as llama, criolla sheep, and merino wool, retains all its original properties. They are soft, breathable, and ideal for those looking for hypoallergenic and environmentally friendly fibers. Additionally, natural wool is fully biodegradable, and its production puts less strain on the environment.

If you are looking for organic wool, it is essential that it is free from Superwash treatments. Organic wool is produced in well-managed conditions, avoiding the use of pesticides on grazing lands, treating sheep ethically, and minimizing chemical treatments in the final product.

Why Choose Natural Wool?

• No Chemicals: Natural wool has not been treated with strong chemicals, so it retains its original softness and benefits.
• Biodegradable: Unlike Superwash wool, which is coated with polymer or chemically treated, natural wool decomposes completely in nature.
• Better for Sensitive Skin: Natural wool is ideal for those with sensitive skin or allergies, as it contains no chemical residues.
• More Breathable: Without the Superwash treatment, the fiber better retains its ability to regulate temperature and moisture.

Summary: Superwash or Natural?

If ease of care is your top priority, Superwash wool may be a good option. However, if you want a truly natural, organic, and environmentally friendly product, untreated wool is the best choice. At Villama, we take pride in offering chemically untreated wool yarns that respect both the fiber and natural materials.

Choose wisely and create wonders from pure materials.