Why does wearing wool make me itch?

Dear Itchy Wool, 

It seems like you have an itch for finding relief! Wool can certainly cause discomfort, primarily because of the makeup of the fibers in the wool. But some wool is made from finer fibers and is therefore less itch-inducing. Refining your search for specific types of wool and treating your itchy skin can hopefully keep you warm in the winter and let you ditch the itch. Rather than merely scratching the surface, feel free to read on for more information about wool. 

What makes wool itchy?  

Wool clothes are often itchy because of the qualities of the fibers that make up the wool. Length and thickness are what’s responsible for causing skin discomfort. Shorter fibers accentuate the perception of prickle, as there are more fiber ends to be felt in any given surface area of fabric. Similarly, coarser fibers are more likely to intensify the prickling sensation than their finer counterparts. 

Prickly and itchy feelings from contact with natural and synthetic fibers can vary for everyone. The sensation can also depend on other factors specific to the person wearing the wool, like the strength of your skin’s barrier. 

Are all types of wool the same?  

Just because some wool upsets your skin doesn’t mean all types will. You might consider seeking out clothing made from Merino wool, cashmere, or alpaca wool. When it comes to wool blends, consider looking for “superfine” and “ultrafine” blends—these are much less irritating to the skin because of the finer wool fibers.  

You might find that switching to these types of wools not only reduces the chances of itchiness but also alleviates skin-related issues. Research has shown, for example, that symptoms of conditions like eczema improve after wearing merino wools. 

Could you be allergic to wool? 

While wool making you itchy is likely annoying, it’s probably not a sign of anything to worry about. Though itching can often be a sign of allergy, much research has been done on the topic of wool allergies. The verdict is that people are rarely allergic to wool or its dyes or treatments.  

How can you treat the itch?  

Because wool allergies are so rare, finding relief may not involve any medical tests or treatments. If you’re not ready to take off your woolen items or you can’t quite justify the price tag that comes with choosing wool with finer fibers, there are options for some relief! You might consider lining your wool clothes with other things, such as thin knit silk or cotton undergarments. You might also find relief from the itchiness by using ice packs on itchy patches, taking an oatmeal bath, moisturizing your skin, and applying topical anti-itch lotions. 

While your wool pants and sweaters have a history of making you itch, your future is bright with the possibility of wearing wool well.  

Hope these suggestions sufficiently scratch your itch,