All certified organic wool comes from sheep which have been farmed organically and with high animal welfare standards. At Cambridge Baby we always make sure that no wool comes from farms which practise mulesing.
Wool has many benefits:
In this way, wool is a wonderful temperature-regulator, slowing down the effects of changes of temperature and helping prevent sweatiness by absorbing moisture and releasing it in response to the environment. This makes it a wonderful fabric for socks and tights for the whole family, as well as for athletes, cyclists, skiers and mountain-climbers. It's naturally high-tec and can't be beaten by synthetics!
Find out more about the properties of wool in our blog.
Dilute your wool detergent in cool water (max 30oc which will feel luke-warm) in a bowl. For heavily-soiled areas, use a little gall soap on your woollens first, testing on an inconspicuous area first.
Add your woollens to the bowl, gently stirring and squeezing the detergent through. Rinse using water at the same temperature, otherwise your wool will be subjected to "shock" and might felt up.
To dry, gently squeeze water out and wrap your wool clothes in a towel to remove the excess water.
Air-dry naturally avoiding direct heat. So, hanging on a drying rack over the bath is good, or on a clothes horse, or flat on a dry terry towel.
Re-shape while damp.
Hirsch Natur is a family business which was established in 1928 by Franz Kloppenborg, a restaurant owner who diversified into making work socks. The first machine were set up in the restaurant’s ballroom! The company is currently run by his great-grandson Matthias.While they made sturdy working socks at first, Hirsch Natur were pioneers of organic textiles. Their factory is certified to Global Organic Textile Standards (GOTS) and has received the “IVN-Best” certification. They produce 50% of their own energy sustainably through solar panels too. Enjoy the great design, natural fabrics and comfortable, healthy feel of socks and tights developed with care and expertise over generations.
"Lovely quality and colour. As these were sadly much too large for me my husband will receive them at Christmas!"
This was washed... not needed washing yet
This was worn by... Not worn yet but feels good to touch
Sizing: Too big
I'd recommend this to a friend.
"I have poor circulation so my feet are always like blocks of ice. These socks kept them toasty, snug and comfortable! Nice and thick but fit well under winter boots. Careful with washing them - they did shrink and stiffen on a 30 degree cycle, but with a bit of stretching they went back to normal. I'll be using the designated wool wash in future! In summary, amazing socks and I'll be buying more in other colours!"
This was washed... my partner shrunk it
This was worn by... Me and my husband.
Sizing: Feels true to size
"Lovely warm hiking socks"
This was washed... had to be careful
"We as a family have been wearing these socks (some also bought in other places) on top of 100% organic cotton socks while going out for walks here around the Cotswold and in the Dolomite. They help protect our feet from getting sore and they never smell bad."
This was washed... always wash them by hand with soapnuts or natural shampoo
This was worn by... our family of four including two big teens
"The wool is very soft and comfortable. The sizing, colour and design is great. However, be gentle with them as they do wear out quite quickly."
This was washed... They wore out before they needed washing
This was worn by... Old farmer Giles (me)
"Hi there, Paul. Many thanks for your feedback. You're spot on, wool socks, especially the thinner knit can be less hard-wearing than cotton - hard heels or stiff leather boots can wear then out more quickly than they do cotton socks. It's a trade-off between the durability of cotton, and wool's breathability and extra comfort - both indoors and out. Plus, wool socks hardly ever need washing which is both more practical, cheaper and more environmentally friendly. (Yes, I love wool socks!) Best wishes, Agnès Cambridge Baby Team"
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