Irish Wool
Irish Wool
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US $5.50
An Overview of Sheepskin and Sheepskin Boots
UGG boots are made of the finest natural sheepskin, but what exactly does that mean, and how does it benefit the wearer? Why is sheepskin such a perfect material for footwear? Sheepskin is exactly what it sounds like – the tanned hide of a sheep, with wool on one side and skin on the other. In New Zealand and Australia sheepskin has been the material of choice for outerwear, seat coves, baby sleeping pads and footwear for generations. Here are some of the reasons that sheepskin and sheepskin boots are so popular around the world:
-Sheepskin is a Natural Product
Unlike synthetic materials used in many other boots, sheepskin is 100% natural. Because it is not manufactured, every sheepskin has its on unique markings that make every pair of UGG sheepskin boots one of a kind. These small imperfections in the skin are your assurance that the material you are wearing is real sheepskin and not some attempt to manufacture the same comfort and beauty.
-Sheepskin is Water Resistant
Sheepskin keeps a sheep dry, and it can do the same for you. Suede sheepskin, the most commonly used kind for boots, is naturally water-resistant. The skin and the lanolin in the wool is another natural water resistor. Sheepskin boots are ideal for keeping your feet dry, even in the damp cold of winter. You can add even more protection with a coat of a good waterproofing spray and stain resistor.
-Sheepskin Keeps Moisture Away From Your Body
Irish fisherman sweaters are made of 100% natural wool for a good reason. Sheep's wool can hold up to 30% of its weight in moisture before it even starts feeling wet. Wool fibers are hollow, allowing wool to literally draw moisture away from the body. That keeps your feet warmer in winter and reduces sweating and heat in the summer. Sheepskin boots, slippers and casual shoes by UGG keep your feet warm, comfortable and dry in a way that synthetic materials just can't.
-Sheepskin is Warm and Breathable.
In addition to the moisture wicking properties of wool, the hollow structure of wool fibers also makes wool a great natural insulator. Sheepskin keeps heat in and cold out to keep your feet toasty warm. In a surprising natural twist, the same thing that keeps your feet warm, also keeps them dry, which means more comfortable, cooler feet in the summer.
-Sheepskin is Resilient and Durable
Sheepskin wool wears like iron, but feels like fleece. In durability tests, sheepskin wool can be bent 20,000 times without breaking the fibers, giving you an incredibly long lasting material for shoes. By contrast, a manmade fiber like rayon breaks after as few as 75 bends.
-Sheepskin is Biodegradable.
The environment is a serious concern for many people. Shoes and boots made with synthetic materials will be with us all for a long, long time. Plastics and chemical materials do not degrade naturally. These materials will stay in landfills for centuries. Sheepskin is 100% all natural, and like many things which are natural, the material will decompose back into soil.
-Sheepskin Is a Sustainable Byproduct
Unlike most furs and skins, sheepskin is a byproduct of the food industry. Tanning the sheepskin and using it for clothing makes environmental sense and avoids wasting a valuable natural resource. Wearing sheepskin does not threaten any endangered species.
Sheepskin boots have been made and worn in Australia and New Zealand for decades. The tanned hides are turned skin side out to take advantage of the natural waterproofing and put the snuggly warmth of natural wool next to your feet. It is the perfect material for winter boots, keeping your feet warm and dry in the nastiest weather.
Natural sheepskin is also ideal for children's and baby shoes. Baby booties made of natural sheepskin keep baby's feet warm and dry without constricting them. When your little one starts to walk, the natural suppleness of the skin makes it easy for little toes to grip and flex the way they need to in order to balance during those precarious early months.
These days, UGG Australia has turned UGG boots of natural sheepskin into a high fashion statement. UGG Australia boots, slippers and casual shoes are featured in the pages of the world's biggest fashion magazines and touted everywhere as the ultimate in luxurious comfort.
About the Author
Stephanie Larkin is a freelance writer who writes about fashion topics including UGG Australia
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Cashmere Blend Classic Irish Cape - Green $299.99 Wrap yourself in cozy warmth. Designed by Jimmy Hourihan, a leading Irish designer. Wool/cashmere blend, fashioned with a one-button neck closure and a convertible scarf/hood. One size; 40 long. |
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Cashmere-Blend Classic Irish Cape - Black $299.99 Wrap youself in cozy warmth. By Jimmy Hourihan, a leading Irish designer. Wool / cashmere blend, fashioned with a one-button neck closure and a convertible scarf / hood. One size; 40 long. |
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Black Wool Cap $49.99 Black Wool Cap |
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Black Plaid Wool Cap $49.99 Black Plaid Wool Cap |
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* Pure Wool Sweater Caspian $84.99 * Pure Wool Sweater Caspian |
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Mucros Wool Cape $139.99 Sweep through the seasons in soft, stylish fashion. This easy fitting cape flows flatteringly and is a graceful alternative to a jacket. Lovely Irish coloring in charcoal and purple with a green border. 78% wool 22%poly. One size fits most. Ireland. |
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Merino Wool V-Neck Vest $89.99 An Irish favorite that will never go out of style. So comfortable and easy to wear. Ireland. Sizes S, M, L, XL, 2XL |
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Mucros Wool Scarf - 60 X 9 $56.99 Mucros Wool Scarf - 60 X 9 |
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Aran Wool Throw $124.99 Knit in a stunning array of traditional Aran stitches and accented with tiny flecks of color, this sumptuous throw is made of soft, 100% worsted wool. From Ireland. 51 x 65 1/2. |
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Women's Lambskin And Wool Slippers $47.99 The ultimate in warmth and comfort! Lambskin suede slippers and lined with soft, plush wool. From Carraig Donn of Ireland. Available in sizes Small (Women's 4-6 or Children's 3-4) or Medium (Women's 7-8). Web Exclusive! |
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Merino Wool Shoulder Wrap $99.99 Nothing matches the comfort and warmth of merino wool. This soft wrap offers a fresh interpretation of the Aran sweater, rich in intricate stitchwork, and has two front pockets. From Carraig Donn of Ireland. One size. |
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Wool Caps from Ireland $49.99 A new designed cap with a smoother, more sleek shape in two very popular colors?solid black and a muted black check. 100% wool. Ireland. Sizes S (7), M (7 1/8), L (7 3/8), XL (7 5/8). |
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Grey Merino Wool Zip Sweater $139.99 This Sweater is knitted from durable 100% Shetland wool. It offers an additional layer of insulation with a 100% cotton lining. Enjoy the soft fleece collar, generous pockets and side draw strings. Ireland. |
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Merino Wool Keyhole Aran Sweater $79.99 Knit with a feminine style this sweater will become one of your favorites. Made in Ireland of extra soft merino wool and in a color that will go with everything. Sizes S, M, L, XL. |
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Handknit Merino Wool Crewneck Sweater $179.99 Merino wool is highly prized for its supple and gentle hand. Hand knit in classic Aran stitches and luxuriously soft for men and women. Ireland. Sizes S, M, L, XL, 2XL. |
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Merino Wool Aran Sweater - Ba?n?n $99.99 Knit of luxuriously soft merino in classic Aran stitches, this traditional Irish sweater is one you'll treasure for years. Ideal for men and women. From Carraig Donn of Ireland. Sizes S (36), M (38), L (40), XL (42), 2XL (44). Ba?n?n. |
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Fogarty Of Dublin Wool Tweed Skirt $159.99 Ireland, so well known for its wool tweeds and this salt and pepper tweed skirt is a perfect example that will match effortlessly with any color top. The elegant silhouette flares slightly giving a feminine swing when walking. For ease of fit it has built in side elastic and is 31 long. Ireland. Sizes S (6-8), M (10-12), L (14-16), XL (18-20) 2XL (22-24) |
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Merino Wool Sweater $109.99 Knit of luxuriously soft merino in classic Aran stitches. Ideal for men or women. From Ireland. |
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Merino Wool Fashion Cardigan $124.99 A distinctively feminine silhouette, this A-line cardigan rises to any occasion. The updated styling is knit in an array of traditional Aran stitches with a three button closure. Ireland. Sizes S, M, L, XL |
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Women's Lined Wool Zip Cardigan Jacket $79.99 This soft, mid-weight jacket is made with comfort and warmth in mind. 100% pure new wool outer in a sweater-style knit, cotton lining, and polyester fleece collar, all in a beautifully coordinating wheat shade. Cuffs and collar knit with Aran design. Pull-cords at the bottom to keep in warmth. From Carraig Donn of Ireland. Available in Small (41), Medium (43), Large (45), or XL (47). From Ireland. Web Exclusive! |
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Fields of Ireland Mohair Scarf $59.99 The colors in this scarf are inspired by the many shades of green in the Irish countryside, along with the fields of heather. Luxurious mohair and wool scarf. Ireland. 8 x 68. |
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Ireland Caps - Brown Herringbone $25.99 These stylish Irish caps are enduring classics. Wool/polyester blend, with adjustable backstrap so one size fits most. From Ireland. |
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Ireland Caps - Patch Cap $25.99 These stylish Irish caps are enduring classics. Wool/polyester blend, with adjustable backstrap so one size fits most. From Ireland. |
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Ireland Caps - Green Cap $25.99 These stylish Irish caps are enduring classics. Wool/polyester blend, with adjustable backstrap so one size fits most. From Ireland. |
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Ireland Caps Blue $25.99 These stylish Irish caps are enduring classics. Wool/polyester blend, with adjustable backstrap so one size fits most. From ireland. |
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Black Merino Wool Shoulder Wrap $99.99 This soft wrap offers a fresh interpretation of the Aran Sweater, rich in intricate stitch-work, and has two front pockets. From Ireland. One Size. |
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Women's Merino Wool Irish Cardigan $139 Merino wool in a sampler of Irish Aran stitch patterns. |
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Connemara Walking Socks Men's Or Women's $14.99 For all walks of life! Expertly knit in Connemara, reflecting the colors of the Irish countryside, these wool socks offer superior comfort, breathability and warmth. Ireland. Available in men's or women's |
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Tweed And Patch Walking Hat $69.99 Handmade of traditional Donegal tweed with its signature flecks and blends of colors, this hat is a symbol of classic Irish style. Made of 100% pure new wool and finished with a handsome feather trim. Ireland |
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Cashmere Blend Cape-Tan $264.99 Wrap yourself in cozy warmth, By Himmy Hourihan, a leading Irish designer. Wool/cashmere blend, fashioned with a one-button neck closure and a convertible scarf/hood. Onesize; 40 long. |
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Women's Patch Purses From Ireland - Small $26.99 Covered in a stylish patchwork of Irish tweeds and tartans, these zippered shoulder bags are embroidered with a gold shamrock. Large purse is 10 x 14; small is 8 x 11. Patch colors may vary. Wool and polyester. |
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Connemara Walking Socks Women's Or Men's $14.99 For all walks of life! Expertly knit in Connemara, reflecting the colors of the Irish countryside, these wool socks offer superior comfort, breathability and warmth. Ireland. Available in women's or men's |
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Merino Wool Aran Jacket Cardigan - Charcoal $129.99 Cozy, warm and versatile, this cardigan is sure to become your cool-weather favorite. Full zip. Choose from two popular colors: Charcoal and Beige Fleck. Sizes M, L, XL, 2XL. |
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Merino Wool Aran Jacket Cardigan - Beige Fleck $129.99 Cozy, warm and versatile, this cardigan is sure to become your cool-weather favorite. Full zip. Choose from two popular colors: Charcoal and Beige Fleck. Sizes M, L, XL, 2XL. |
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Cashmere Blend Belted Cape $215 Designed by Jimmy Hourihan, a leading Irish designer, this deep green, button-front cape is a luxurious cold-weather wrap. Exquisitely tailored and belted for a flattering fit, it's woven in a soft blend of 65% wool, 20% nylon, and 15% cashmere. One size fits most. |
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Men's Donegal Tweed Caps $69.99 With the timeless appeal and distinctive style of pure Irish tweed, these caps express the traditional spirit of Ireland. Handcrafted of 100% wool by Hanna Hats of Ireland. Sizes S (6 7/8-7), M (7 1/8-7 1/4), L (7 3/8-7 1/2), XL (7 5/8-7 3/4), 2XL (7 7/8-8). |
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Children's Aran Sweaters From Ireland - Cardigan $64.99 Crafted of extra-soft 100% merino wool, these child-size versions of the Irish classic are cozy and warm. Knit in traditional Aran stitches. From Carraig Donn of Ireland. Sizes S (18-24 mos), M (2-3 yrs), L (4-5 yrs), XL (7-8 yrs), 2XL (10-11 yrs). |
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Children's Aran Sweaters From Ireland - Crew $62.99 Crafted of extra-soft 100% merino wool, these child-size versions of the Irish classic are cozy and warm. Knit in traditional Aran stitches. From Carraig Donn of Ireland. Sizes S (18-24 mos), M (2-3 yrs), L (4-5 yrs), XL (7-8 yrs), 2XL (10-11 yrs). |
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Hand Knit Merino Wool Zip Front Aran Cardigan $179.99 Authentic and unique Aran stitches in this luxruiously soft sweater. Aran sweaters are renowned for their longevity and this one is ideal for men and women. Ireland. |
This entry was posted on Friday, August 8th, 2008 at 8:20 am and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.