Wool is a beautiful, natural material that brings warmth, comfort, and exceptional quality. But let’s be honest—who among us hasn’t shrunk a wool sweater in the wash? :) At Palmar, we want your wool hats, headbands, and soon, clothing, to last as long as possible. That’s why we’ve created this guide to help you take care of your merino products, avoid common mistakes, and fix any small “disasters” that might happen.
1. Why wool? A few benefits you’ll love
Wool is a natural, functional fabric with incredible qualities:
- Temperature regulation – It keeps you warm in winter, but it won’t make you overheat in warmer weather, making it perfect for any season.
- Moisture-wicking – Wool naturally absorbs moisture, keeping your skin dry, which is ideal for both intense activity and variable weather.
- Odor resistance – Unlike polyester-based technical wear, wool has antibacterial properties that prevent it from absorbing odors, even after prolonged use. This means your wool clothing stays fresher for longer, and wearing it close to the skin (first layer) is especially beneficial as it allows your skin to breathe—perfect for active lifestyles.
- Durability – Well-cared-for wool can retain its shape and quality for years.
2. Wool care step-by-step
Washing – Avoiding the “sweater for dolls” effect
- Avoid machine washing – If possible, hand wash in lukewarm water. Hats and headbands benefit from a few minutes of soaking with a gentle wool detergent, then gentle squeezing (no wringing).
- Use gentle detergents – Wool-specific shampoos or detergents work best. Avoid regular detergents, which can damage and weaken the fibers.
- Flat drying – Lay your item on a towel, gently shaping it, and let it dry flat to avoid stretching.
Avoid moisture and temperature changes
Wool, especially merino, is very sensitive to moisture and sudden temperature changes, which can cause fibers to shrink or stretch. So if your hat gets wet, leave it to dry flat and away from heat sources like radiators.
3. What to do if wool stretches or shrinks?
- Stretching – If a hat or headband has lost its shape, try soaking it in lukewarm water with a small amount of mild detergent. After gently pressing out the water, lay it flat and shape it back to its original form.
- Shrinking – Although more challenging to fix, you can attempt to rescue shrunken wool by soaking it in lukewarm water with a gentle detergent to soften the fibers, then gently stretching it flat while it’s still damp to restore its original shape.
4. Wool shaving – why it’s worth it
Natural wool fibers can sometimes pill (form small fuzz balls). This is entirely normal and doesn’t affect the quality of the product. Regular shaving with a fabric shaver helps restore your item’s smooth texture and polished appearance.
5. Storage – the key to longevity
To keep wool products looking new for longer:
- Store flat – Avoid hanging wool clothing, as it can lead to stretching.
- Avoid humid areas – A well-ventilated closet will help keep wool fresh.
And if a little mishap happens and you’re unsure how to handle it—don’t worry! At Palmar, we offer a free service to restore the original shape of your hat or headband. All we ask is that you cover the shipping costs. Just reach out to us, and we’ll be happy to help!
Take good care of your wool products, and they’ll reward you with lasting quality and exceptional performance—because wool isn’t just about style, it’s about functionality that lasts.
