Differences between boiled wool and wool felt: complete guide

How many times have you confused boiled wool and wool felt? Although both are derived from wool, they are different fabrics with specific characteristics and uses. Understanding these differences is crucial to choosing the right material for clothing, footwear and home products.

Boiled wool and wool felt: what they have in common

Let's start with the characteristics common to both so that we can better understand the differences between the two fabrics and choose the one best suited to your needs.

Both boiled wool and wool felt provide excellent thermal insulation, protecting against the cold without weighing down.
Both have the ability to absorb moisture without feeling wet, ensuring comfort and breathability. In addition, they are distinguished by their compact yet soft texture, which is pleasant to the touch and comfortable to wear.
Finally, thanks to the structure of their fibres, they are resistant and long-lasting fabrics that maintain their shape and quality over time.

Differences between boiled wool and wool felt

Boiled wool is made from a pre-knitted fabric. Through a felting process (heat, moisture and movement), the knitted fibres bond together to form a compact and structured surface. This fabric is perfect for outerwear, jackets and coats, thanks to its strength and consistent texture.
Boiled wool is therefore suitable for creating a durable and structured fabric for outdoor garments.

Felt, meanwhile, is a non-woven fabric, created directly from wool yarn. It is one of the oldest methods of processing wool.

So, how is it processed?

First, the raw wool is cleaned and carded. Then, thanks to a mechanical process of pressing and rubbing combined with hot water, the wool fibres bond together, creating a consistent material that has many interesting properties.

Here are some of the advantages of wool felt:

• It’s water-repellent: thanks to lanolin, a waxy substance produced by the sebaceous glands of sheep, water droplets tend to remain on the surface before being absorbed. 
• It doesn’t stain easily: the lanolin content repels dirt and reduces the absorption of dust or light marks.
• It's a good thermal insulator: the wool fibres “trap” the air, preventing heat from being easily dispersed.
• It regulates humidity: the felt is permeable to water vapour and can absorb up to 50% of its weight in moisture, storing it and releasing it gradually without losing its insulating properties. 

Wool felt is therefore suitable for those who want a natural, warm, soft and versatile material for accessories or footwear.

It is precisely because of these characteristics that we at Löwenweiss have chosen felt for our slippers, to naturally ensure maximum comfort and well-being for the feet of those who choose us!

Choose your wool felt slippers.