Caring for Wool

A comprehensive guide to caring for your woolen cycling garments.

04 November 2021

A guide to caring for your Rapha wool garments

Why We Use Merino Wool

Merino wool is a key fibre for Rapha. It creates a versatile, high performance material with many benefits. Wool has natural thermoregulation properties (for both cold and warm weather) and can keep you warm even when wet. It has excellent wicking and moisture management as well as good UV protection; wool is lightweight, naturally anti-bacterial and keeps its shape. In addition to this, merino wool has a very soft hand feel when compared to synthetic fibres such as polyester. Wool is recyclable, biodegradable, renewable and completely natural as well as being durable and long lasting. All these qualities combine to make merino wool the perfect choice in many of our best-loved products from base layers to socks.

How Wool Degrades

As well as being very durable and hard-wearing, merino wool has natural antibacterial properties, meaning it doesn’t need to be washed quite so often as synthetic fibres. Washing does help to prevent the build-up of fibres that can lead to pilling but, in short, merino is one of nature’s little miracles.

Caring for Wool Garments

Merino wool will age over time if not properly cared for during laundering and storage. Rather than washing your kit after every use, hang woolen garments to let them air out. To get rid of stains, use a cloth soaked in a diluted solution of wool detergent to dab around the edge, then blot gently with an absorbent cloth or towel.

When laundering your wool garments, always check the label before washing and separate them from any clothing that has velcro or other abrasive trims that could snag during the cycle. Use a wool detergent, avoid strong detergents or bleach, and wash according to the care label instructions. Avoid tumble drying. Instead lay garments flat and allow to dry naturally.

Correct storage is also important when it comes to maximising the longevity of your woollen garments. Storing them in garment bags away from direct sunlight prevents discolouration and protects them from insects and moths. Use a cedar block as a natural alternative to mothballs.

Repairing Wool Garments

Wool is a tough, natural fibre but pilling on wool clothing does occur but this can be removed quickly and easily using a simple removal tool. For more serious issues, many of our wool garments are suitable for repair through our free repairs service. If you do not feel confident attempting to repair your woollen garment, click below to find out more about the service.

Repairs Service