A guide to wool clothing for men

Is there a better material in men’s clothing than wool? 

Say what you want about cotton, i.e, that it’s natural and sustainable and can be used in just about every piece of apparel imaginable. But all that is also true of wool. 

Wool has a few advantages of its own too. And those advantages become more apparent as the temperature drops. You could wear long cotton underwear when you’re skiing or hiking winter trails. Your grandfather probably did. But the warmest undergarments today are often made of 100% merino wool or a mix of merino wool and synthetic textiles (leading brands include SmartWool, Darn Tough, Icebreaker, etc.)

Similarly, you could wear a cotton-based jacket in the rain. But you’ll regret it. A wool coat, by contrast, may not be fully waterproof, but the lanolin in wool is water resistant. 

Sneakers made of cotton canvas are great. But the rise of AllBirds a few years ago taught us that wool-based sneakers were pretty great too.

Scott Shapiro, a stylist with Taelor, is a fan of wool’s adaptability.

“You can do a lot of different things with it. There's a lighter weight that you can use for suits and pants and things like that and there are heavier weights for coats,” Scott said. “Wool definitely provides a lot of options for different types of winter wear. But it doesn't have to be limited to just winter. There's a lot of versatility with wool.”

So there. It’s settled. Wool is the best material for men’s apparel. Don’t try to tell us otherwise.

So what woolen items should a man have in his closet?

First and most obviously, a guy needs some wool sweaters. They’re warm and comfy. And in 2024, the rise of the so-called Eclectic Grandpa aesthetic has made wool sweaters – particularly cardigans – fashionable and stylish.

Also in style this year are the fashions of WWII-era England. So you may want a Shetland sweater or a tweed jacket for cooler days.

A tweed jacket is particularly stylish this year – and flexible. “You can dress it up or dress it down,” says Joanna Medieros, a Taelor stylist. “You can wear it with tweed wool pants, or you can do a jean with it. For date night you could do a nicer T-shirt or you can do a button-up shirt without a tie.”

Athletic guys, particularly those who get their exercise outdoors, should have a few merino wool t-shirts in both long- and short-sleeved versions. 

And speaking of the outdoors, a wool hat, scarf and gloves are must-have items for winter.

A man should also own at least one woolen suit, ideally in a darker color. Nothing is more appropriate for a funeral or similarly formal event. Nor is there another piece of clothing that can make a guy look as successful and put-together. A wool-blend suit is generally affordable. But if you can handle the expense, a 100-percent wool suit is a better investment. 

A long wool overcoat has been a staple of menswear for decades. You really should own one. 

”I definitely suggest getting a long, wool coat,” Joanna says. “It's an investment. But it’s a staple piece and it’s not going to go out of style. You'll have to spend a little bit more money, but you're going to have it for several seasons, so pick out something that's a timeless classic.” 

If wool has a disadvantage, it’s that wool clothes require a bit more care. Stick to these simple rules, however, and your wool clothes will last for years and years.

Wash your wool by hand – avoid putting anything made of wool in a washer machine. Fill the sink with cold water and detergent and gently massage the wool.

Use detergent made especially for wool – Woolite is the best-known brand among wool detergents, but there are dozens of competing options too.

Dry flat, not on a hanger or in a dryer – a clothes-drying rack costs only a few bucks. Use one and your wool clothes will look great. Don’t use one and your woolens will lose their shape.

Brush your wool coat – A good clothes brush is one of those things you don’t know you need until after you try one. Choose one made especially for wool. Use it frequently. A brush will remove mud, dandruff, dirt and a variety of other nasty things with eases.

A long wool overcoat has been a staple of menswear for decades. You really should own one. 

”I definitely suggest getting a long, wool coat,” Joanna says. “It's an investment. But it’s a staple piece and it’s not going to go out of style. You'll have to spend a little bit more money, but you're going to have it for several seasons, so pick out something that's a timeless classic.”