WOOL

Wool, who doesn't wear it during the cold winter months? What a wonderful, natural yarn.
Some reasons to love wool as much as we do:

it does not wrinkle

it breaths and is naturally odour-resistant

it is repairable

it needs less washing 

it is easily and often recycled 

it is durable and stays longer in your wardrobe 

When talking about wool, we mostly mean the wool that comes from sheep. There are several other kinds of wool, like merino, lambswool, alpaca, cashmere, and mohair. First of all, let us explain the difference. 

Lambswool is the wool you get after shaving the sheep for the first time. A soft wool sort we have strengthened with polyamide to ensure every knit retains its shape. Lambswool items keep you lovely and warm in winter and will last you a lifetime! But of course, only if you look after your investment.  

Merino wool comes from the Merino sheep, which are wool sheep breeds. 

Thanks to the many folds of the skin, Merino sheep produce an average of 11.3 kg of wool a sheep on an annual basis. The wool excels not only in quantity but also in the special quality of that wool. Merino sheep grow 10 times more hairs per square centimeter as an average other sheep. Merino sheep need to be shorn at least once a year because their wool does not stop growing.

The wool has an ultrafine structure and is therefore very suitable for many applications. But especially for clothing, because the fabric is so soft and does not itch. The finer the merino wool is, the softer it is. And more expensive too.

At ZENGGI we love alpaca wool because it's one of the most exceptional natural fibers. Alpaca is lightweight and very airy, just like our soft alpaca knit. The fabric is much softer than sheep's wool. 
With proper care, the wool maintains its original quality and softness for many years to come. 

We recommend hand-washing because alpaca needs the gentlest method for cleaning. Hand-washing will add years to the life of your alpaca clothing.

Our recycled cashmere is made of 97% cashmere and 3% wool. So soft and comfortable that you can hardly believe that this natural fiber comes from a goat. Obviously not just any goat, it is from the cashmere goat from the Himalayas.

Mohair is also made from the hair of a goat, just like cashmere, and is known for its strength and texture which ranges depending on the age of the goat. Mohair is incredibly resilient even for how lightweight it feels. 

Mohair also comes from a goat, as cashmere does. But not from the same kind of goat. Mohair comes from the Angora goat. Now, don't get confused with Angora wool which comes from rabbits. Despite the similar name, these are two completely different fibers and besides, Angora wool is often frowned upon and mostly not cruelty-free. Goats are mostly shorn for the benefit of the goat whose coat mustn’t grow too long as it can affect its’ mobility and health. So, stick to mohair. 

Mohair is shorn twice a year from the Angora goat. The process if creating the finished yarn is lengthly and simular to most sheep wool processing.

In the ZENGGI collections, we offer a lot of different wool garments. Always read our label for specific care instructions, as they may vary. A few simple measures will ensure your wool garments remain in great condition so you can enjoy them for a long long time. The softer the wool, the more sensitive it is to shrinking and pilling. 

Wool is often mixed with other types of yarn to utilize the best qualities of each type. For example, the coarser types of yarn have the advantage that they are stronger and more durable, whereas the finer yarn fibers make for a soft and comfortable yarn. At ZENGGI we always aim to develop the most ideal blends of yarns and fabrics for a specific garment or style. 

At ZENGGI we love flannel; it is in it for the long run. The mix of stretchy fabrics and wool makes our flannel a lightweight fabric that is also lovely and warm. Flannel is great for many items, from a dress to pants or a skirt. For our flannel garments we mixed our high-quality wool (32%) with Polyester (34%) and viscose (33%). And that 1% elastane does indeed make a difference. 

Wool doesn’t need to be washed as often as other fibers, as it’s naturally odour-resistant, stain-resistant and bounces back to its original shape. So after wearing, let your wool have some down-time before taking it out for a spin. 

When washing, using a wool wash is essential as normal washing detergents contain enzymes that can act to break down the same proteins wool is made of. And that’s not what you want. 

Wash your woolen items on wool or wool mark approved setting on your washing machine. Is this setting not available on your washing machine? Use a maximum of 40°C gentle setting. Before washing, turn the item inside out. Don't mix different colors together, especially not with woolen items, colors may run. Do not wring or stretch the garment.

Woolen items with a dry-clean-only instruction on the label should be taken to a professional dry cleaner. If not, tumble dry your wool garment on a low temperature or delicate cycle.

Lay the garment flat on a clean dry towel and smooth it into its shape. Button up cardigans and ensure that the sleeves of the item are smoothed flat. Let it air dry flat.

Hang your woolen items in a steamy bathroom. Moisture from the steam will remove any wrinkles. Lighter wool fabrics will take a little longer to lose their creases. If you want to use the ironer, you have to use a damp cloth or steam iron on a wool setting. Avoid ironing your wool items when they are totally dry. 

Pilling can make woolen items look worn before their time. Pilling occurs in all fibers and is caused by abrasion on the fabric surface. Try to avoid it in the first place by using a fabric conditioner. And please watch out with rough surfaces, like wood or details on your handbag.

If it is already too late, washing and ironing will help them back into place. If necessary, you can use a special comb to remove remaining pills or take a clean and sharp razor and gently brush it over your woolen items.

Would you rather leave it to a professional? You can also bring your garment to the dry cleaner. They will remove the pills.

Wool is incredibly durable, though sometimes needs small touch-ups to look it’s best. Repairing wool clothing is rarely an impossibility. So, enjoy your woolen items even longer. 

We recommend that knits are stored folded.