The other day, my boss (at my other job) looked at me in my wool cardigan and asked the age-old question:
“How are you wearing a jumper in this heat?”
There is a common misconception that wool is only for winter, for icy walks through the glittering, frosty countryside before being snuggled beside a roaring fire. But the truth is, wool, and especially British wool, is an incredibly versatile fibre all year round. Yes, even during unseasonably warm spring days. And yes, even in summer.
And even yes, when visiting the in-laws in Australia in 40°C heat (ask me how I know).
Wool’s Secret Superpowers
Wool is clever. It’s thermoregulatory, which means it can keep you warm when it’s cold and cool when it’s hot. It wicks moisture away from your skin, breathes beautifully and doesn’t trap odours the way synthetic fibres do. It’s also UV-resistant, biodegradable and renewable. Not bad for a natural fibre, hey?
While some fibres feel heavy and sticky in warm weather, wool stays fresh. There is a good reason why it has remained such a popular fibre throughout much of history and why I reach for it year-round.
My Favourite Summer Wool Knits
Let’s talk about what wool looks like when it’s 20°C, and the sun’s out. Here are a few pieces I reach for most when the sun shines.
- The Perfectionist Trap is an unexpected winner for me. Knit using test skeins from my Birds of Britain collection last year, it’s become one of my most-worn pieces. It’s perfect for summer evenings, shady café verandas or when the weather just can’t decide. Find the pattern on Ravelry here.
- My Juniper Vest in Shamrock Soda might be the ultimate all-season example. Perfect over a turtleneck in the depths of winter, it is excellent on its own on a summer day or layered over a linen shirt. I’ve worn it across multiple cities on a hot day and actually finished it on a scorcher of a summer day down under. It is light, breathable and always makes me feel put together. Find the pattern on Ravelry here.
- Jessie Maed Designs’ vest tops are another go-to. I find them ideal for layering under dungarees or with loose linen in the warmer months. They’re also the perfect stash-buster or way to showcase a treasured skein or two. Visit their website here.
I wish I could say that I wore wool head-to-toe every day, but I cannot (yet?). However, I can say that when I do wear wool, the temperature outside rarely dictates that choice.
Why British Wool Makes a Difference
There is wool, and then there is British wool. Nothing else is quite so well suited to the British weather!
Different breeds have different properties. Some are soft and silky, while others are bouncier and more rustic. What they share is heritage and resilience. British wool is never just about softness. Instead, it’s about story, structure and sustainability.
When we choose to work with local wool, in summer or winter, we’re choosing to support local farms, historic breeds and slower ways of making.
Smart Fibre for Slow-Making
Wool doesn’t need a season. It just needs a little more understanding.
The more I knit and crochet with it, the more I love what wool does. It works with your body, not against it. It lasts, and it evolves. With a little care, it becomes part of your life in a way that fast fashion simply can’t. And, after a long life, 100% wool will naturally decompose back into the earth.
So, I think I’ll keep wearing wool in spring, summer, autumn, and winter, too.
And the next time someone asks how I’m not overheating in my knits, I’ll smile and say:
“It’s wool. Of course, I’m comfortable.”