What is Felt and Why You Should Wear It

1. Introduction: A Textile Older Than History

Before weaving, before knitting, before looms — there was felt. Felt is one of the oldest textiles known to humanity, with a history that stretches back thousands of years. It has clothed nomadic tribes, insulated tents on the Mongolian steppes, and wrapped treasures along the Silk Road. In short, it has been trusted for centuries to keep people warm, protected, and comfortable.

And it’s not hard to see why. Felt is a non-woven textile made by matting, condensing, and pressing fibres together. There are no knitting needles, no weaving frames — just the magic of fibre, moisture, heat, and pressure.

When I work with felt at Bbohe, I’m tapping into this ancient tradition while giving it a modern, sustainable twist. The result is a material that’s not just beautiful and versatile, but also ethical, eco-friendly, and kind to your skin.

2. What Exactly Is Felt?

In its simplest form, felt is the result of wool (or alpaca) being agitated in hot, soapy water until the microscopic scales on the fibres hook together. This creates a dense, durable fabric that doesn’t fray, unravels minimally, and can be shaped into almost anything — from slippers to hats to handbags.

There are three main types of felt:

1. Wool Felt – Made from natural animal fibres like sheep’s wool, alpaca, or even camel hair.

2. Needle Felt – Created without water, using barbed needles to tangle the fibres mechanically.

3. Synthetic Felt – Made from polyester or acrylic fibres (which we avoid at Bbohe for environmental and quality reasons).

At Bbohe, we use 100% natural huacaya alpaca fibre — not only because it performs better, but because it supports a low-impact, plastic-free future.

3. The Science Behind Felt’s Magic

Wool is the perfect fibre for felting because of its microscopic scales. When exposed to heat, moisture, and agitation, these scales lift slightly and interlock with one another. Once cooled and dried, they remain locked in place, creating a solid, resilient fabric.

The beauty of felt is in its structure:

• No weave, no warp – It can be cut without fraying.

• Dense but breathable – Insulates without suffocating.

• Naturally elastic – Moulds to the body over time.

This unique structure is what makes felt so versatile — from a soft wrap to a sturdy slipper.

4. A Brief History of Felt

Legend has it that felt was “accidentally” discovered when travellers stuffed wool into their sandals to prevent blisters, only to find it had turned into a dense, protective fabric by the journey’s end.

Historically, felt has been used for:

• Nomadic yurts in Central Asia.

• Traditional hats in Europe and the Middle East.

• Protective armour padding in ancient battles.

Today, felt continues to be treasured not just for its practicality, but for its beauty and artisan quality.

5. Why Wool Felt is a Superior Choice

Wool felt isn’t just any fabric. It offers:

• Thermal Regulation – Keeps you warm in winter, cool in summer.

• Moisture Management – Absorbs sweat without feeling damp.

• Odour Resistance – Natural lanolin helps prevent bacteria growth.

• Fire Resistance – Wool is naturally flame-retardant.

• Biodegradability – Unlike synthetics, wool felt breaks down naturally.

These qualities make wool felt ideal for garments, accessories, and homewares — particularly those that need to last.

6. Felt in the Modern Slow Fashion World

In a world dominated by fast fashion and mass production, felt stands out as a slow textile. It takes time to make well, and that time shows in its quality. Every felt piece at Bbohe is:

• Made individually.

• Crafted from 100% natural alpaca wool.

• Often botanically dyed for unique, one-of-a-kind colourways.

Slow fashion isn’t just about buying less — it’s about choosing better. Felt perfectly embodies this philosophy.

7. The Bbohe Felt-Making Process

When I make felt for Bbohe products, I follow a process rooted in traditional techniques but adapted for modern design:

1. Selecting the Alpaca Wool–Only the best fleeces are used for feltmaking.

2. Layering the Fibres – Laid out in alternating directions for strength.

3. Applying Heat & Moisture – Using warm soapy water.

4. Agitating the Fibres – Rolling, pressing, or rubbing to help the scales lock.

5. Fulling – The final tightening of the felt for density and durability.

6. Shaping & Drying – Sculpting the fabric into its final form.

Each stage is hands-on, meaning no two pieces are ever identical — and that’s part of the magic.

8. Botanical Dyeing and Felt

One of my favourite things about felt is how beautifully it takes natural dyes. Botanical dyeing — using plants, flowers, and leaves to colour fabric — pairs perfectly with wool’s protein-based structure.

At Bbohe, I often use eco-printing on felt, laying eucalyptus leaves and other plant matter directly onto the fabric before steaming or boiling. The result is a permanent, nature-made print that’s unique to that piece.

This process is chemical-free, sustainable, and deeply connected to the land — especially meaningful since I’m surrounded by native eucalypts right here on the farm.

9. Why You Should Wear Alpaca Felt

Beyond its beauty and sustainability, felt is a dream to wear. Here’s why:

• Warmth Without Weight – Perfect for cold mornings without bulk.

• Breathability – Keeps you comfortable all day.

• Natural Stretch – Adapts to your body’s shape.

• Durability – With care, felt garments and accessories last for years.

• Low Maintenance – Resists stains and odours naturally.

From slippers and hats to jackets and scarves, felt offers both practicality and style.

10. Felt vs. Synthetics

Many people have only experienced synthetic felt (often sold in craft stores). The difference between that and natural wool felt is like the difference between instant coffee and a freshly brewed single-origin pour-over:

Natural Wool Felt	Synthetic Felt
Breathable & moisture-wicking	Traps heat & sweat
Biodegradable	Non-biodegradable
Fire-resistant	Melts when exposed to heat
Softens & adapts to wearer	Stays rigid or distorts
Durable & long-lasting	Pills, flattens, and wears quickly

If you’ve never worn high-quality wool felt, you’ve never truly experienced what felt can be.

11. How to Care for Wool Felt

Looking after felt is simple:

• Spot Clean – Use cool water and a gentle wool soap.

• Air Dry – Avoid heat sources to maintain shape.

• Brush Lightly – If fibres start to mat, a soft clothing brush can revive them.

With proper care, felt can last for decades — becoming softer and more comfortable over time.

12. Felt as a Sustainable Fashion Choice

Every time you choose felt over synthetic materials, you’re helping reduce microplastic pollution, supporting renewable farming, and keeping traditional skills alive.

Bbohe felt pieces are:

• 100% plastic-free.

• Made with minimal water and energy compared to woven textiles.

• Crafted to outlast fast fashion trends.

This is slow fashion at its best: natural, durable, and timeless.

13. The Emotional Side of Wearing Felt

There’s something grounding about wearing felt. It connects you to the earth, the sheep, the plants used in dyeing — and to the hands that made it.

In a world where clothing can feel disposable, felt reminds us that what we wear can have meaning.

14. The Bbohe Felt Collection

At Bbohe, you’ll find felt used in:

• Slippers – Warm, breathable, and custom-fitted over time.

• Eco-Printed Scarves – Each one a wearable artwork.

• Vests - An individual, custom fashion item that you will wear year after year.

15. Conclusion: Choose Better, Wear Felt

Felt is more than just a fabric. It’s a piece of history, a product of nature, and a statement of values. Wearing felt means choosing warmth, comfort, and sustainability — and connecting with a textile tradition as old as civilisation itself.

When you choose Bbohe felt, you’re not just buying something to wear — you’re stepping into a story of slow fashion, natural materials, and artisan craftsmanship.

Photo Credit Siberian Felt Slippers - University of Washington, Seattle, USA.