Wearing Yak Wool All Seasons

Why wool is the one fabric that truly does it all, no matter your climate.

Putting An Oliver Charles Sweater To The Test On A Sustainable Wyoming Homestead

Introducing the 3rd blog in my 3-part blog series detailing my first-hand experience as a homesteader and sustainability professional in an Oliver Charles All-Season Marled Crew.

This blog examines how yak wool is one of the most versatile fabrics for a variety of weather conditions, especially in harsh and unpredictable climates like the high-altitude, mountainous regions of Wyoming where I put mine to the test.

• 7 Day Sweater Challenge
• Composting Wool
• Wool For All Seasons

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Imagine a fabric that keeps you warm when it's cold, cool when it's hot, and even insulates when it's wet. That's the sheer magic of wool.

As an avid outdoors enthusiast and a professional in sustainable textiles, I've spent years exploring the multifaceted benefits of various natural and sustainable fabrics.

Wool, in particular, has proven to be a standout material due to its unique properties that make it suitable for all kinds of weather.

Over the past week, I've put an Oliver Charles Marled Crew Sweater—made of luxuriously cozy and durable yak wool—to the test in a range of conditions here on my tiny Wyoming homestead, and the results were nothing short of impressive.

Let’s dive into why wool is such an amazing material to add to any capsule wardrobe, weather, or way of life.

Yak Wool Is Temperature Regulating: It Can Handle All Weather

Wool's ability to regulate temperature is perhaps one of its most remarkable traits. The fibers of wool have a crimped structure that traps air, providing both insulation and breathability. This unique structure allows wool garments to maintain a stable body temperature in fluctuating weather conditions.

Wool can comfortably handle mild temperature variations throughout the day, even up to the 80s on hot days. This is something I especially appreciate about the fabric since I live in Wyoming where springs are a particularly volatile time of the year and it can go from 70 degrees to snowing overnight!

During my 7 Day Challenge, I wore my Oliver Charles All-Season Marled Crew sweater in environments ranging from cool, frosty mornings where I could see my breath as I went out to do morning chores in the quail coop, to hot, sunny midday conditions trying to keep the fragile seedlings in my garden watered—often in the same day!

And I found that I rarely needed to deal with the hassle of adding and shedding layers. The wool adapted seamlessly to the changing conditions, its breathability ensuring I stayed warm without overheating or sweating too much.

Yak Wool Is Insulating (Even When Wet!)

One of the standout features of yak wool is its ability to insulate even when wet. This characteristic is invaluable, especially for those who spend a lot of time outdoors.

Unlike cotton, which becomes heavy and loses its insulating properties when wet (instead having the opposite effect by actually pulling away body heat), wool can absorb up to 30% of its weight in moisture without feeling damp and maintains its insulative properties. This means you can stay warm even if you get caught in an unexpected light shower.

This is why extreme outdoor enthusiasts, who live by the motto “cotton kills” have no fear of choosing wool layers for everything from skiing and winter mountaineering to summer backpacking adventures.

During my testing period, I deliberately wore the sweater in light rain and found that it continued to provide warmth without the clammy sensation typically associated with wet clothing.

This insulative ability when wet makes wool an ideal fabric for outdoor activities where weather conditions can be unpredictable.

Yak Wool Manages Moisture Better Than Any Fabric

Yak wool is also highly effective at managing moisture, naturally wicking it away from the body.

While plastic-based fabrics like polyester are often chosen for activewear due to their moisture-wicking properties, wool offers a more eco-friendly alternative with a compostable end-of-life and no microplastics shed along the way. Also, between you and me, polyester performs poorly in terms of warmth and odor resistance.

Throughout my week-long test, I noticed that the wool sweater effectively managed perspiration during physical activity—even arduous work like digging holes through rocky soil to plant trees—keeping me dry and comfortable.

This moisture-wicking ability is another reason why wool is a preferred choice for outdoor enthusiasts and athletes like myself.

In addition to handling moisture from the inside, wool can tackle it from the outside too and absorb humidity from the environment, which makes it particularly suitable for humid climates.

Wool Prevents Bad Bacteria Growth And Body Odor

Don’t fret about the sweat—either from a sticky, damp feel or the unpleasant odor that often accompanies it.

Another wonderf-wool advantage of wool is its natural antimicrobial properties. So even if you get a little toasty in your wool wear, its natural antimicrobial properties prevent the growth of bad, odor-causing bacteria.

Best yet, it means you don’t need to wash your wool garments nearly as often as you might think, which is a win both for the longevity of the fibers and those of us who simply dread laundry day.

Think of your Oliver Charles wool sweater as your favorite pair of jeans. How often do you go without washing those?

During my testing period, I wore the wool sweater for almost a week straight without washing it, and was I not boarding an airplane on the seventh day of my challenge, I probably could have kept going for at least a few more days as it was still pretty much odor-free even by that sixth day.

My Final Verdict

In summary, yak wool is a remarkably versatile fabric that excels in various weather conditions.

Its natural properties, including temperature regulation, insulation (even when wet), moisture-wicking, and antimicrobial capabilities, make it an ideal choice for any wardrobe.

Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast or simply looking for a reliable fabric for everyday wear, yak wool offers unparalleled benefits.

Yak wool's biodegradability also adds to its appeal as a sustainable fabric.

Unlike synthetic materials that contribute to environmental pollution, wool decomposes naturally, making it an environmentally friendly choice.

For those interested in building a minimalist wardrobe that doesn't compromise on performance or sustainability, yak wool is undoubtedly the fabric of choice.

By incorporating yak wool into your capsule wardrobe, you not only benefit from its versatile properties but also contribute to a more sustainable and eco-friendly fashion industry.

Whether you're braving the elements or enjoying a mild day, yak wool is the ultimate fabric to keep you comfortable and stylish.

If you believe that every good wardrobe starts with owning less and owning better, consider buying yourself an OLIVER CHARLES sweater.