Most sheep and/or wool folks have heard the statistic that wool can absorb 30% of it's weight in water and still feel warm, but if you are like me, you might not fully understand what that actually means. I accidentally conducted a very scientific study last weekend.
We'd gone to eat dinner at our local Mexican restaurant. Without opening a can of worms, there are still places in Kentucky (historically a tobacco raising state) where people can still smoke indoors. Yes, I hate it. Some nights are worse than others. This was a bad night.
When we got home, I took my shirt and sweater and hung them over the porch swing to air out over night. The next morning I picked up the sweater and noticed it felt a little damp from the night air, but I would have still felt comfortable putting it on.
When I reached for the cotton turtleneck, I quickly pulled my hand away. It was sopping wet and COLD. Amazingly cold. Cold and wet enough that I no longer have any confusion about which fiber could put you in the ground and which could save your life.
One other note - the wool sweater aired out completely with no residual smoke smell. The cotton turtleneck headed for the washer. Don't get me wrong. I love my cotton turtlenecks. I'm just going to continue to pair them up with a wool sweater :-).
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