Wool or acrylic: which fiber to prefer?
Wool and acrylic are two textile fibers widely used in the production of knitwear garments, but they have very different characteristics.
Wool is a natural fiber of animal origin, obtained from shearing sheep. Acrylic is a synthetic fiber of petroleum origin, obtained from the polymerization of acrylonitrile.
But what are the advantages and disadvantages of these two fibers and which one is better to choose based on quality, comfort, and environmental impact?
Fiber quality
The quality of a fiber depends on its resistance, softness, and brightness.
Wool is a resistant fiber that does not deform or felt easily. Wool is also a soft fiber that gives a sensation of warmth and coziness to the body. Wool has a natural brightness that can vary depending on the color and type of wool.
An acrylic fiber is less resistant than wool and tends to deteriorate and lose shape with use and washing. Acrylic is a soft fiber that imitates wool for its fluidity and lightness. Acrylic has an artificial brightness that depends on the chemical treatment it undergoes, as described in the article on laposima.blogspot.com.
COMFORT
The comfort of a fiber depends on its breathability, thermoregulation, and hygroscopicity.
Wool is a breathable fiber that allows the body to breathe and maintain a constant temperature. Wool is a thermoregulating fiber that insulates the body from cold and heat, depending on the seasons. Wool is a natural hygroscopic fiber that absorbs moisture and releases it slowly, preventing the formation of bad odors.
An acrylic fiber is less breathable than wool, which can create a feeling of stuffiness and stickiness on the skin. Acrylic is a less thermoregulating fiber than wool, which does not adequately protect the body from temperature variations. Acrylic is a less hygroscopic fiber, retains moisture, and promotes the proliferation of bacteria and fungi and therefore bad odors.
Environmental impact
The environmental impact of a fiber depends on its origin, production, and biodegradability.
Wool is a natural fiber, easily renewable because it grows naturally on the bodies of sheep. Wool requires little water and energy for its production and does not produce toxic or polluting waste. Wool is a biodegradable natural fiber that decomposes easily and leaves no traces in the ecosystem.
Acrylic is a synthetic fiber derived from petroleum raw materials, which have a high environmental impact. Acrylic requires a lot of water and energy for its production and produces chemical waste and greenhouse gases. Acrylic degrades over very long periods compared to wool and releases microplastics into the environment.
Better wool or acrylic?
Wool offers several advantages over acrylic. It is more resistant, breathable, thermoregulating, hygroscopic, and has a more positive environmental impact. Acrylic is less resistant, breathable, and less sustainable.
For those seeking quality, comfort, and an eco-sustainable approach, wool emerges as the ideal choice. Opting for a wool sweater or accessory is a decidedly more advantageous alternative compared to acrylic.
