The Case for Wool
If you are new to Waldorf schools, you might be wondering what all of the push for woolens is about. We encourage families to layer and protect the warmth of their children to strengthen their life forces and promote growth. And you might be doing a great job of providing those layers, yet you’re still unsure that the price tag of wool base layers is really worth it. What’s so great about wool??
Well, scientifically speaking, wool is the warmest fabric. Furthermore, it wicks moisture away from the skin and still insulates while holding up to thirty percent of its own weight in moisture. Which means, a child who has wet wool socks won't suffer from the cold.
One might find caring for wool fabrics intimidating because they can’t go through just any wash cycle or the dryer; but that’s simply not the case. Since wool keeps a body comfortably warm and dry, sweat production decreases, which means you can wear it for a greater number of days before having to wash it. And if your washer has a wool setting or cold delicate setting, it can indeed go into the machine. It’s also very simple to wash by hand – a gentle agitation in mildly warm water with a neutral soap and a 10 minute soak, then a rinse with lukewarm and then with cold water before gently wringing out will do. Either way, it lays flat to dry; usually just overnight if the space is warm.
This leads to an interesting side note about wool and other natural fabrics, such as cotton. It is a belief in Waldorf schools, and one that Rudolf Steiner spoke of, that natural fibers are better for the sensorial experience and soul-spirit nourishment of young children. This might seem a little wacky to some, but hear me out. Consider the subtle but crucial differences between stepping into a room filled with Glade plug-ins and plastic plants versus, stepping into a room with a lit candle gently scented with essential oils and real plants. Both could be nice, but the former feels artificial and sterile, while the latter is welcoming, even soothing. Now consider being warmly enveloped in that welcoming mood – that’s the difference between wearing woolens (and other natural fibers) versus wearing sterile synthetics.
Wool may not also seem an easy option for everyone’s budget, but with good care a singular base layer and a couple pairs of socks can be all one needs to manage the winter. Compare the cost of purchasing multiple polyester base layers and many pairs of socks plus the cost of washing those synthetics more often to the minimal amount of woolens you need. The cost is at least comparable, and when shopping smart (like using the annual discounts the COFS community receives), the wool is easily less costly in the long run.
Lastly, a word about cotton, which is a tempting choice of natural fiber. Cotton is one of the warmest fibers, even more so than polyester. The trouble with cotton is that it does not wick away moisture, which means that sweaty layers end up working against children running around at recess. If you really like to get into the science of things, this Cold Weather Clothing Guide is excellent for fabric choices including a breakdown on articles of clothing.
City of Fountains is lucky to be provided with discounts from a couple different wool clothing shops, helping these costly fabrics to be a more affordable investment. These layers can also be worn several times before washing, and can be hand washed and hung to dry overnight making them easily available for the next day.
Shop with the code CITYFOUNTS23 for a 30% discount off full-priced items. (This offer excludes Factory Outlet, Sales items and the ManyMonths product line).
Shop with the code COFS15 for a 15% discount off all products.
