Bio Boiled Wool
Full-wool garments for babies: jumpsuits and jackets made from organic merino wool
Boiled wool is created when merino wool is compressed and felted through the combined action of heat, moisture and mechanical movement. The result is a material that generally retains its shape and, thanks to the natural fibre of wool, is breathable. Depending on how it is made, it can be used to create a warm jumpsuit or a jacket for babies.
At hessnatur, you’ll find cosy boiled wool made from organic merino wool in various styles for different seasons and everyday situations. Discover the designs and find out what properties boiled wool offers for each specific use.
Social and environmental standards are a key part of our collaboration with our partner businesses. Our GOTS-certified products are subject to defined environmental, human rights and social criteria. You can identify which items are certified to the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) by the seal on the product page. As a member of the Fair Wear Foundation, we work through training programmes and regular audits to identify risks at an early stage and drive improvements forward together.
What makes boiled wool such a special fabric
Fulling is a traditional craft process used to finish natural woollen knits. The application of controlled mechanical and thermal forces produces a dense, firm fabric. Its structure differs significantly from that of a loosely knitted woollen textile.
- The fulling process: During fulling, the woollen knit is repeatedly pressed, compressed and kneaded. This mechanical treatment causes the woollen fibres to interlock and bond with one another. As a result, the material becomes denser and the surface becomes matted.
- Properties: The dense structure of boiled wool allows it to retain heat within the fabric. The natural properties of virgin wool further enhance the fabric’s breathability. Boiled wool is also highly resistant to abrasion and mechanical stress, and generally retains its shape well.
- From raw material to garment: our starting point is merino wool from certified organic livestock farming, which is first processed into a woollen fabric. This particularly fine type of virgin wool is used for baby clothing, amongst other things, because of its soft properties and its ability to regulate temperature fluctuations. The fabric is then fulled using moisture, heat and mechanical agitation. This causes the fibres to compact and bond together. The finished fulled fabric is used to make garments such as baby rompers and jackets.
Jumpsuit or jacket: an overview of our boiled wool range
Whether you’re heading out and about, going for a walk in the pram or looking for an extra layer of warmth: hessnatur offers a range of cosy boiled wool items for children in various styles. The range includes boiled wool jumpsuits, boiled wool jackets and a boiled wool sleeping bag. This means you can choose the right item depending on your child’s age, the weather and what you’ll be using it for.
- Wool jumpsuit: The classic wool jumpsuit is made from organic merino wool and is designed as a practical one-piece outfit for babies. A hood keeps the head warm, whilst bone buttons fasten the jumpsuit. Up to size 74/80, this style features fold-over cuffs that can be pulled over the hands and feet.
- Wool-blended jumpsuit with softshell: Designed for particularly active explorers, this jumpsuit combines natural merino wool fabric with water-repellent softshell patches made from organic cotton around the knees and bum. A full-length zip with a chin guard makes it easy to put on and take off. Adjustable cuffs at the arms and legs ensure that the jumpsuit can be adapted to the child’s height.
- Walk jacket: The Walk jacket is available as a hooded jacket in a comfortable regular fit. On cooler days, for example, a woollen fleece top can be worn underneath as an extra, warm layer. The range includes classic styles made from merino wool as well as versions with functional softshell reinforcements in the shoulder and hood areas. This makes the jacket suitable for a variety of needs.
- Walksack: The Walksack, made from organic merino wool, is a cosy option for both at home and on the go. It’s ideal, for example, as an extra layer in a pushchair and can be easily incorporated into your daily routine.
Wool, fleece or cotton: a comparison of the materials
Both boiled wool and wool fleece, as well as cotton, offer specific properties. They differ in terms of structure, material properties and care requirements. Choosing the right fabric depends on its intended use. The key factor is which properties you need in everyday life. The table below gives you a quick overview of the main differences. It will help you to compare the materials.
| Material | Structure | Goes well with | Care |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wool walk | tightly packed | Temperatures ranging from -5 to 15°C | Air and brush out; hand wash in cold water according to the care label |
| Wool fleece | softly brushed | Temperatures ranging from -10 to 10°C | Air and brush out; hand wash in cold water according to the care label |
| Cotton fleece | brushed on both sides, lightweight | Temperatures ranging from 10 to 25°C | According to the care label, it is washable at up to 40°C |
The right size and fit for little explorers
A good fit allows for freedom of movement and makes it easier to put clothes on and take them off in everyday life. This is why, particularly with baby clothes made from boiled wool, it’s worth paying attention to the size, cut and practical details.
- Choosing the right size: To find the right size, it’s best to refer to our size guide. For rompers, a good rule of thumb is to leave about a hand’s width of space between the nappy and the crotch of the romper. This usually ensures your baby has enough room to move without the romper feeling too tight.
- Regular Fit: Our boiled wool collection is cut to a regular fit. The relaxed cut follows the shape of the body whilst offering extra freedom of movement. This leaves plenty of room for kicking, crawling and playing. Depending on the temperature, a woollen fleece garment can also be worn underneath.
- Grows with your child: On many models, practical features adapt flexibly as your child grows. Fold-over cuffs on the sleeves and legs can be folded down, depending on the model, and unfolded again when needed. Cuffs that grow with your child adapt to your baby’s size.
- Ease of dressing: Well-designed cuts and fastening systems make getting dressed and undressed every day easier. A hood can be easily pulled over the head and complements the overall or outdoor jacket. Long zips make it easier to get dressed, and a chin guard at the end of the zip sits between the fastening and the skin. On models with buttons, the fit can be easily adjusted or the garment fastened.
Day-to-day care: airing, brushing out, washing
Due to the natural wool grease in the fibres, boiled wool is considered relatively easy to care for. Like other garments made from virgin wool, boiled wool does not need to be washed frequently. In everyday use, gentle cleaning is therefore usually sufficient.
- For mild odours or stains, it is usually sufficient to air the garment thoroughly in the fresh air. Small, dry stains can be gently brushed off with a soft brush.
- It’s best to let heavier soiling dry out completely first. You can then carefully brush off any residue or gently shake out the garment.
- Wool-walked garments rarely need washing. If washing is necessary, always follow the specific care instructions on the care label of the garment in question. These may vary depending on the style.
- Always store woollen garments that have been fulled out of season in a clean and completely dry place. Keep the garments in a dry, well-protected place and avoid unnecessary damp during long-term storage.
Unanswered questions about boiled wool in a baby’s daily life
At what temperatures is boiled wool suitable for babies?
Fulled wool is ideal for the transition season and winter. As merino wool can regulate temperature fluctuations, the fabric is also suitable for changing outdoor conditions. Depending on the style, the level of warmth can be flexibly adjusted by the layers of clothing worn underneath. However, the key factors are always your baby’s individual sensitivity to temperature, the prevailing weather conditions and the clothing worn underneath.
Can my baby wear the Walkoverall in the car seat?
When fastening your child into the car seat, make sure the harness fits as snugly as possible against your child’s body. Very bulky or thick layers of clothing can interfere with the correct positioning of the harness and reduce its protective effect. You should therefore follow the child car seat manufacturer’s instructions and, if necessary, dress your baby in a lighter layer of clothing whilst in the car seat.
What should you do if boiled wool gets wet in continuous rain?
If your jumpsuit or jacket gets wet in prolonged rain, let it air-dry completely afterwards. Avoid exposing it to direct, intense heat, such as from a radiator.
Can a boiled-wool jumpsuit be passed on or bought second-hand?
Yes, well-preserved boiled-wool clothing can usually be passed on to siblings or other family members. Buying second-hand boiled-wool overalls can also be a way of keeping an item of clothing in circulation for longer. Before passing something on or buying it, it’s worth checking its condition, seams, fastenings and how well it has been looked after.