laine

Laine is the French word for wool, the natural fiber obtained from the fleece of sheep and other animals. The term derives from Latin lana and is cognate with related words in several Romance languages. In some contexts, Laine appears as a surname; separately, in Finnish and Estonian, laine means "wave," a distinct sense from textile usage.

Wool fibers are protein fibers composed mainly of keratin. They vary in diameter from fine varieties such as merino to coarser types, typically measured in microns. Wool is valued for warmth, softness, elasticity, and moisture management. It can absorb moisture without feeling wet, insulate when damp, and exhibits natural flame resistance and resilience, recovering shape after bending.

From raw fleece to fabric, wool undergoes several processing steps. Sheep are shorn, the fleece is scoured to remove dirt and grease, then carded and sometimes combed. Wool can be spun into yarn for knitting or weaving into fabrics, with woolen and worsted production representing different fiber alignments. Finishing may include dyeing, fulling, or other treatments, and some wool is used for felting.

Uses and production vary globally. Wool is employed in clothing, outerwear, blankets, upholstery, and carpets, as well as specialized industrial textiles. Major wool producers include Australia and China, with New Zealand, the United States, and the United Kingdom also playing significant roles. Market dynamics are influenced by fiber quality, micron count, and demand for sustainable materials.

Sustainability and ethics considerations include animal welfare and grazing impacts. Certification schemes such as the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) and organic wool programs address welfare and environmental criteria, while producers pursue traceability and improved practices across the supply chain.