Hi, this is Justine from Ossian Knitwear. If there is one thing I would love to gently undo, it is the idea that wool is only for the depths of winter. It is one of the most common things people say to me at markets and fairs: “I love it, but I could never wear wool in summer.” The truth is rather the opposite. Wool from our British native sheep breeds is one of the most intelligent fibres you can wear in warm weather, and once you understand why, a whole year of natural knitwear opens up to you.
Is wool good for summer? Why it keeps you cool, not just warm
Wool is often described as “warm”, but a more accurate word is regulating. Each wool fibre is naturally crimped and breathable, trapping pockets of air that insulate you from heat as well as cold. It is the same reason a wool jumper feels cosy in January and a fine wool top feels fresh in July – the fibre is simply helping your body hold a steady temperature.
Wool is also remarkably good at managing moisture. It can absorb a significant amount of water vapour before it ever feels damp, drawing perspiration away from the skin and releasing it into the air. That is what keeps you feeling dry and comfortable on a warm day, and it is why wool naturally resists the stale, sweaty smell that synthetic fabrics hold on to.
The trouble with summer synthetics
Most “summer” clothing on the high street is made from polyester, nylon and acrylic – plastics, in other words. They trap heat against the skin, hold odour, and shed plastic microfibres into our waterways with every wash. At the end of their short lives, the vast majority end up in landfill. This is exactly the problem I set out to address when I founded Ossian Knitwear: clothing that works with nature rather than against it. You can read more about why I started the studio here.
Wool, by contrast, is 100% biodegradable, renewable and grown on the backs of sheep grazing British hillsides. Choosing a natural fibre for summer is one of the simplest sustainable swaps you can make.
How to style British wool in summer
Summer knitwear is all about weight and styling rather than avoiding wool altogether. Here is how I wear it through the warmer months:
- Reach for accessories. A fine wool scarf, a light beanie for cool coastal evenings, or a pair of breathable wool accessories add natural texture without overheating.
- Layer for the British summer. Our evenings rarely stay warm. A lightweight cardigan or jumper thrown over a linen dress is perfect for beer gardens and seaside walks once the sun dips.
- Embrace natural colours. The undyed creams, soft greys and natural browns of our British wool feel effortlessly summery and pair beautifully with linen and cotton.
- Don’t forget your feet. Wool socks are a summer secret – they wick moisture and keep walking boots and trainers fresh on long days out.
Looking after wool in warm weather
One of the joys of wool is how little washing it needs. Because the fibre is naturally odour-resistant and self-cleaning, airing a garment overnight is usually all it takes to refresh it – saving water, energy and wear. When a wash is genuinely needed, a gentle cool hand-wash and flat drying away from direct sun will keep your knitwear looking its best for years.
Every garment I make carries a lifetime guarantee of repair, because I want your wool to be with you for many summers to come, not just one. If you would like to feel the difference a breathable natural fibre makes, do browse the latest knitwear in the online shop – I think you will be surprised how wearable wool is, whatever the season.