Wool is naturally flame-resistant due to its chemical structure, and has a high nitrogen and moisture content, and more

Sponsored by Armadillo Woolery
By Bryan Goodman, Co-Founder, Armadillo Woolery
Wool, in general, has a somewhat complicated history in the fire service. All of which is undeserving. Many of our seasoned firefighters around the country have stories of wool being used in the ’70s and ’80s. Magically, sometime in the ’80s, wool disappeared. Its replacement, we all know, was the famed and toxic fabric known as Nomex. Believe it or not, wool was approved until the NFPA created a test they knew the fabric couldn’t pass, the thermal shrinkage test. The thermal shrinkage test, by all accounts, is obsolete.
The NFPA 1975 standard specifically addresses wool. At the time (NFPA 1999 ed.), garments had to be 100% wool, and we all know what happens when we put wool in the dryer and set it on high; you get baby clothes. So, while wool doesn’t appear to have been completely removed, it seems obsolete. Today, that isn’t the case. Wool, specifically Merino wool, performs better or equal to Nomex in all areas of thermo-resistance and performance.
Merino blows all known fabric out of the water with its ability to assist the wearer in thermo-regulation. Those who enjoy hiking and outdoor sports can attest to Merino’s superior properties. My wife and I recently completed the Virginia Triple Crown right in the middle of a hot Virginia summer. The hike was more than 35 miles, and we gained almost 9,000 feet of elevation. It was brutal but breathtaking. We wore Merino throughout, experiencing unparalleled comfort even in extreme conditions.
How Wool Benefits Firefighters
In firefighting applications, wool’s intrinsic qualities are natural, superior, and don’t require chemicals. Wool is naturally flame-resistant due to its chemical structure. Wool has a high nitrogen content and high moisture content. This means the fiber only ignites at temperatures between 570C-600C (1,058F – 1,112F), and wool doesn’t melt even then.
Wool has a low heat release rate, self-extinguishes, and produces less toxic smoke and gasses during combustion. If you are still unconvinced, Merino has a higher UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) than all known synthetics across the UV light spectrum.
Merino has natural wicking properties. The hydrophobic exterior and hydrophilic interior absorb moisture from the body while releasing a small amount of heat that prevents chilling of the skin. Lastly, it is sustainable, non-toxic, natural, and biodegradable, making it an eco-friendly choice for firefighting gear.
Merino Wool Maintenance
Contrary to popular belief, Merino wool is not a hassle to care for and maintain. The fabric is environmentally conscious, biodegradable, sustainable, and doesn’t need chemicals. It can be washed using cold water, which reduces energy usage. Drying Merino can occur by setting the dryer to tumble on low or hanging drying outside, further reducing energy costs. And here’s a bonus: You can dry Merino outside instead of Nomex, as Merino is not affected by the sun. With a price point comparable to Nomex station wear, it’s a wonder why we’ve moved on from wool. Merino performs better or equal in every category used by the NFPA 1975 performance test.
So, what happened? The story would have been different if sheep could vote on the NFPA board for 1975. Instead, we have been left with corporate reps that comprise 1/3 of all NFPA boards, including NFPA 1971 and 1975. Essentially, they have positioned themselves to create the rules their companies must follow, which is a conflict of interest at a minimum. Furthermore, to say this diminishes the NFPA’s credibility is an understatement.
Meet Armadillo Woolery
Due to the toxic nature of Nomex and the lack of safe alternatives for firefighter station wear on the market, we created Armadillo Woolery. We take pride in designing the world’s most advanced next-to-skin PFAS-free Merino wool clothing and station wear for professionals in high-risk environments and everyday adventurers. Made from 100% Merino wool and now made in the U.S.A. with your health in mind. Protection at its finest, so you can focus on what matters most.
We will start 2025 with a wear trial consisting of five departments across the U.S. These departments have had direct input on the product they will receive and have been included in the design process. This includes everything from pockets to stitching.
Attention to Detail
At Armadillo Woolery, we do things differently and are proud of it. Our product design process takes about a year to nail down. This includes setting up a robust supply chain to ensure smooth and efficient delivery of materials and goods. Once the supply chain is set up and product development is underway, the focus shifts to getting prototypes out to the field. Here’s where we stand out: we put our prototypes in the hands of firefighters.
We’re a transparent and engaged company, and we’re committed to putting our best out every time. We value criticism and feedback, and we want our products to go through the rigorous tests of firefighting. This feedback has allowed us to perfect the station wear’s design, performance, and fit. And this process will never stop as we’re constantly looking to improve. With this type of engagement from departments, our wear trials are only for a couple of months.
We don’t need an extended wear trial because our station wear was designed and perfected by firefighters in the fire service. Our only goal is to provide a product that will keep firefighters safe.
We thank San Diego Fire-Rescue, specifically Captain Chris Stanley, Huntington Beach’s Chief McCoy, and Captain Teasdale, for believing in us and engaging in our process.