Wool - Frequently asked questions

• Sizes

  What are your sizes?

  Byhappyme's wool fabrics are true to size. Our best advice is to choose the size you normally wear when choosing other brands.

  You can use our size guide to your advantage. It will help you choose the correct size based on the data you enter.

• Benefits of merino wool

  Why should I choose merino wool clothing?

  Soft and comfortable to wear

  Choosing merino wool clothing can be an excellent decision for several reasons. Merino wool comes from the Merino sheep. This type of wool is known for its fine fibre structure, which makes it soft and comfortable to wear - even directly against the skin.

  Merino wool is much softer than traditional wool. The fine fibres make the clothes itch-free, making merino wool ideal for underwear, t-shirts and other clothes that are in direct contact with the skin.

   

  Wool is breathable and has excellent insulation properties

  Another prominent feature of merino wool is its natural ability to regulate body temperature. The material has excellent breathability and insulation properties, allowing it to wick moisture away from the body and keep you dry and warm when it's cold outside and cool when temperatures rise. This makes merino wool a perfect choice for both winter and summer clothing.

  A third reason to choose merino wool clothing is its moisture-wicking properties. Merino wool can absorb moisture up to 30% of its own weight without feeling damp, making it a great material for clothing. It helps you and your child stay dry and comfortable, even during physical activity.

   

  Wool regenerates itself and has antibacterial properties

  Merino wool is also naturally odour resistant. The antibacterial properties reduce the formation of odours, which means clothes can be worn for longer without having to be washed. This is practical and sustainable in a world where clothes are often washed a little too often frequently. Save on washing, hang the wool out to air overnight and it's ready to wear again. If the wool has stains, we always recommend using wool detergent to prolong the life of the wool. 

   

  Merino wool is a sustainable choice

  Merino wool is a sustainable choice. Merino sheep are sheared once a year and the wool is biodegradable, which means that when your clothes are finally worn out, they will not have a harmful effect on the environment.

   

• Washing instructions

  How do I wash wool products?

  The short version

  • Wash at 30 degrees on a wool programme
  • Use mild wool detergent
  • Tumble dry - Only applies to Byhappyme's own products
  • Always follow the washing instructions 

  Byhappyme recommends washing at 30 degrees and using mild wool detergent. 

  Our wool range is tumble dryer safe, but will stay best and look best if stretched when wet and left to dry. The choice is yours and both can be equally correct.

  Skip a wash if there are no stains on the garment. Wool regenerates itself and airing outdoors overnight can be a great option.

  The slightly longer explanation

  Merino wool is known for its softness and insulation properties, and a gentle treatment is a good idea to preserve its quality over time. When washing merino wool, it is first and foremost important to follow the washing instructions on the garment carefully, as these instructions are specifically designed to preserve the material's properties as much as possible.

   

  Merino wool should be washed at a low temperature, preferably around 30 degrees, to avoid shrinkage and damage to the fibres. It's important to use a mild wool detergent, as regular detergent can be too harsh and damage the wool's natural oils.

  You can be a little extra gentle on the wool by reducing the spin speed during washing. Byhappyme recommends 800 revolutions if you want to minimise unnecessary wear. By reducing the revolutions to 800, the fibres of the Merino wool will remain intact and the durability of the product will be extended.

   

  Byhappyme's wool quality can be tumble dried. However, this will expose the garment to extra wear and tear and thus shorten its lifespan slightly. It is therefore recommended to air dry the garment overnight as an alternative. This will also help maintain the shape and elasticity of the garment.

  Following these guidelines will ensure that your Merino wool garments remain soft, dimensionally stable and functional for a long time.

   

• Soaking

  Why does wool not tolerate soaking?

  Wool is a natural material with unique properties that make it particularly sensitive to soaking. Wool fibres are covered in scale-like layers that can open and close depending on humidity and temperature. When wool is soaked, the fibres become soaked, making them particularly vulnerable. This can lead to felting, where the fibres shrink and stick together, making the material hard and unrecognisable.

   

  Soaking can also mean that the wool's natural protective lanolin layer is washed out. Lanolin is a naturally occurring fat in wool that gives it its softness, lustre and resistance to dirt and liquids. When the lanolin is removed, the wool fibres become more fragile and prone to losing their shape.

   

  To maintain the quality and durability of the wool, it should be washed gently with mild wool detergent and at low temperatures. With proper care, merino wool can retain its unique properties and stay looking good for a very long time.

   

• Washing

  Should wool products be washed before use?

  Yes, it's a good idea.  Byhappyme always recommends that you wash our wool products before using them. We do not use any harmful chemicals in our production, but there may be a small risk that the product contains a small amount of residual colour.

  Byhappyme recommends a wool programme at 30 degrees, 800 revolutions and mild wool detergent.

   

• Antibacterial merino wool

  Does wool become clean and bacteria-free at 30 degrees?

  Surfactants and phosphonates in detergent help break down bacteria and therefore wool detergent can help remove the vast majority of bacteria. However, Byhappyme cannot guarantee that all bacteria are completely removed during washing. 

  This should not be a cause for undue concern, as we humans can tolerate the vast majority of bacteria in our everyday lives without any problems. Merino wool is also inherently antibacterial.

   

• Wool detergent

  Should there be lanolin in my wool detergent?

  Detergent with lanolin should not be used for washing Merino wool, as Merino wool already has enough natural oils and softness. Lanolin-containing detergents are designed to add extra grease, which can lead to excessive softening and potentially make Merino wool too slippery or sticky. This can reduce the material's ability to regulate temperature and moisture effectively, which are some of the key properties of merino wool.

    
  For this reason, Byhappyme discourages the use of lanolin for washing our wool products, as it can inhibit the amazing properties of the wool.
   

  It is therefore best to use a mild lanolin-free wool detergent that preserves the natural properties of merino wool. This ensures that the garment remains soft, breathable and retains its shape and durability over time. 

   

• Stain removal

  How do I remove stains on wool products?

  Experience shows us that you can apply wool detergent directly to the stains, let it sit and place the garment in a tightly sealed bag for 1-2 hours before washing. Wash the garment normally on a wool programme and with a mild wool detergent.

  If the stains are particularly stubborn, you may want to add a little extra wool detergent when washing the garment in the washing machine.

  If the stains contain colour, they can be particularly stubborn to get out, especially when it comes to light colours, and sometimes you have to give up. 

  Please note that Merino wool should not be soaked - neither short nor long term. The fibres of the wool will be damaged and tenderise quite quickly, rendering it unusable. It is much better to follow the instructions above.

   

• Merino wool qualities

  Are there differences in merino wool qualities?

  Yes, there is definitely a difference and it doesn't does matter which type of merino wool you choose for textiles.

  Byhappyme uses some of the best quality merino wool for our wool products.

  When talking about wool and quality, the "fineness" of the wool quickly becomes an issue. The unit of measurement used for wool is called MY.

  MY is an abbreviation for Micron, which is a unit of measurement used to describe the diameter of wool fibres. A micron is one thousandth of a millimetre (0.001 mm). When talking about wool, the micron measurement is used to assess the fineness of the fibres. For Merino wool, a lower micron measurement is an indicator of a finer and softer quality.

  Regular Merino wool is typically 20-23 microns, but fine Merino wool is between 18-20 microns. Byhappyme uses wool with an MY of 19, so definitely at the top end of the quality scale.

   

• Avoid itchy wool

  Why does some wool itch while others don't?

  The finer the wool, the fewer cilia it has and therefore the less likely it is to itch. Most wool on the market today is finished, so it's a myth that wool itches. However, there can be differences in how sensitive you are. 

  Do you find that wool itches? Then we recommend that you wear the item for 10-15 minutes until it reaches body temperature. When the wool has warmed up to body temperature, many people find that the itchy feeling disappears. Fortunately, we get a lot of good and positive feedback on our own Byhappyme quality from our customers. Many even say that the quality is surprisingly soft and comfortable to wear.

   

• Certifications

  Is your merino wool certified?

  At Byhappyme, we are proud to offer merino wool with 3 internationally recognised certifications. That in itself is quite unique. 

  At the same time, it means a lot to us to show responsibility towards our customers and their well-being. Naturally, environmental considerations also play a role, and with these certifications we can demonstrate a genuine interest in protecting the environment as much as possible.

   

  All Byhappyme's products in the wool range are covered by these 3 certifications:

  OEKO-TEX®

  GOTS

  Woolmark

   

  OEKO-TEX® certification ensures that textile products are free from harmful substances and tested for harmful chemicals.

  GOTS, Global Organic Textile Standard, guarantees ecological status and socially responsible production from raw materials to end product. 

  The Woolmark certificate indicates the authenticity and quality of wool products that meet the standards of pure new wool and guarantees fibre content, durability and comfort. 

  Our certifications are carefully selected and cover several different criteria. If you want to know more, you can click through to read more about each certification. Read more here.

   

• Inner and outer layers

  What is the difference between an inner and outer layer?

  Wool is a material with amazing properties that make it suitable for both inner and outer layers. Wool inner layers, such as underwear, are often made from the finest wool fibres, ensuring a soft and comfortable feel against the skin. 

   

  Inner layers

  Merino wool is a popular type of wool for inner layers due to its exceptional softness and comfort. 

  Wool underwear has excellent temperature regulating properties as it can keep the body warm in cold environments and cool in warmer conditions. It also has the ability to absorb moisture without feeling wet, which helps keep the body dry during physical activity. In addition, wool has natural antimicrobial properties that fight bad odours, even after repeated use. These qualities make wool underwear ideal for everyday use, sports and travelling where comfort and hygiene are essential.

   

  Outer layer

  On the outside, wool is used for jackets, coveralls, sweaters and more, utilising the coarse and thicker fibres of the material to create robust and insulating clothing. Wool's natural insulating properties make it perfect for keeping warm in cold climates. Although wool is not completely waterproof, it does repel water to some extent and retains heat even when wet. Wool is also known for its durability, which means that wool garments can last for many years if well cared for. 

   

  Overall, wool is a versatile material that provides excellent temperature regulation, moisture transport and odour resistance, making it a premium choice for both inner and outer layers. Whether for everyday use, sports activities or outdoor adventures, wool offers reliable performance and comfort.

   

• Mulesing free

  Are your wool products mulesing free?

  Yes, all Byhappyme's wool products in the range are mulesing free. For Byhappyme, prioritising animal welfare is a matter of course.

   

  But what exactly is mulesing?

  When a wool product is mulesing free, it refers to a method in sheep farming, especially in the production of merino wool, where sheep are not subjected to the mulesing procedure. Mulesing is a surgical procedure where skin around the sheep's tail is removed to prevent fly larvae infestation. While it can prevent serious infections, it is also painful for the animals.

  Choosing mulesing-free wool means prioritising animal welfare in a way that avoids this painful procedure. Instead, alternative, animal-friendly methods are used to protect the sheep from infection. 

  When you buy mulesing-free merino wool, you're supporting breeders who take pride in caring for their animals. Products made from mulesing-free merino wool are not only ethical, but they can also give you, the consumer, a sense of satisfaction and pride in contributing to a more sustainable and responsible production of natural materials.

   

• Shrinkage

  Do your merino wool products shrink?

  The vast majority of natural materials shrink in the wash. Merino wool is no exception. To be on the safe side, we write a maximum of 8% shrinkage in our washing instructions, but the reality in our tests shows 2-3% shrinkage when treated correctly according to the recommendations. That's on the low side and we're naturally proud of that.

• Exfoliation

  Will merino wool products from lint/pilling?

  Yes, products made from Merino wool can form lint or pilling, but this is often less likely compared to other types of wool. 

  However, lint or pilling, as some also call it, has no impact on the functionality of the product and is often easily removed with your hands or a small specialised comb for this purpose.

  Lint occurs when short fibres detach from the surface of the fabric and form small lumps. However, Merino wool has some natural properties that reduce the risk of linting. For example, merino wool has very fine and long fibres, which makes it softer and less prone to loose fibres. In addition, merino wool is naturally elastic, which means the fabric can stretch and return to its original shape, reducing wear and helping to prevent linting. 

  Modern treatment processes like superwash treatment also make the fibres smoother and less likely to tangle and form lint. Although Merino wool is generally less prone to linting, it can still happen with frequent use and washing. To minimise the risk of lint, it's a good idea to follow the washing instructions carefully and use mild wool detergent. 

• Tamping

  Why does wool become ragged after washing?

  When wool is washed in a washing machine, it can sometimes result in matting, also known as felting. This happens due to the combination of heat, movement and moisture that the machine exposes the wool fibres to during washing. When these factors are present, the wool fibres begin to shrink and stick together, creating a more compact and dense material.

   

  To avoid accidental felting, it is important to follow the washing instructions carefully. Always use a low temperature and gentle wash to keep the wool fibres intact. With proper care, you can avoid unwanted matting and maintain the softness and shape of the garment.

   

• Press buttons

  How do I look after the snaps in my clothes?

  Snaps are a practical and frequently used fastening mechanism in baby and children's clothing, especially bodystockings, because they are easy to open and close. To ensure that snaps remain functional and don't fall off and damage the fabric, it's important to take certain precautions.

   

  First and foremost, press studs should never be opened with force. Do not jerk, pull or tear the fabric when opening the buttons. Instead, gently get a good grip on both sides of the button and press them apart evenly to avoid tearing the fabric. You can also place a fingernail in the centre of the buttons and gently open them.

   

  When washing, always turn the garment inside out to minimise wear on the snaps. Using a laundry bag can further protect both buttons and fabric. Avoid high temperatures and heavy spinning, as this can cause unnecessary strain on the buttons.

  Following these guidelines can ensure that the buttons last longer and the fabric remains intact, extending the life and functionality of the garment.