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Children play outdoors in all kinds of weather at preschool—and there’s no reason for them to be cold. With the right material closest to the skin, kids can play longer, stay dry, and feel comfortable all day. Here’s why wool works just as well at preschool as it does on a mountain hike.
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Good clothing is one of the foundations
Emma Wiking has worked as an educator for nearly 25 years and is a trained outdoor teacher. Today, she works within Friluftsfrämjandet’s I Ur och Skur program, where children spend a large part of their day outdoors—year-round.
When we speak with her, it quickly becomes clear just how crucial clothing is in everyday life.
— “I would say that good clothing is one of the foundations of our work. You can tell immediately when children aren’t dressed properly. Whether you’re a child or an adult, you need clothes that keep you warm and dry—otherwise being outdoors just isn’t enjoyable.”
When children don’t have to worry about being cold, they can focus on what really matters: playing, exploring, and learning.
There’s no need to be cold
At preschool, the pace constantly shifts. One moment the children are running around and getting warm, the next they’re sitting still, watching ants, snowflakes, or something they’ve just discovered.
That variation places high demands on their clothing. It needs to perform both during activity and at rest—and this is where wool makes a difference.
Unlike cotton, which absorbs moisture and quickly becomes cold, wool helps the body maintain an even temperature. This means the child doesn’t get chilled when activity levels drop.
Why wool works in everyday preschool life
Wool has several properties that make it especially suitable for children who spend a lot of time outdoors.
The fibers and structure of wool trap air close to the body. This creates an insulating effect where the body’s natural heat is retained instead of escaping into the surroundings. In materials like Ullfrotté Original, this effect is enhanced by the looped terry construction, which creates even more insulating air pockets.
At the same time, wool wicks moisture away from the body. When a child gets sweaty, the moisture is transported away, helping the garment feel drier and warmer—even during active play. This is one of the reasons wool works just as well in cold conditions as on milder days.
Another practical advantage in everyday life is that wool doesn’t need to be washed as often. The material is naturally odor-resistant, and airing the garments is often enough. This saves both time and wear on the clothing.
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Layering is key to staying warm
Dressing children properly is rarely about a single garment—it’s about how multiple layers work together.
Closest to the body, a wool base layer does most of the work. It keeps the child dry and helps regulate body temperature. On top of that, a mid layer can provide extra warmth—ideally with a zipper so the child can easily adjust when they get too warm.
The outer layer protects against wind and moisture. Here, freedom of movement is more important than thickness. Children who can move freely stay warm longer than those restricted by stiff or overly bulky clothing.
For some children, wool can feel unfamiliar directly against the skin. In those cases, a thin T-shirt underneath can work as a compromise, even if it’s not optimal from a warmth perspective.
Small details that make a big difference
When children get cold, it’s often their hands and feet that are affected first. That’s why making the right choices here really matters.
A pair of boots with room for both wool insoles and thicker socks makes them usable across multiple seasons. During colder periods, the insoles and socks provide insulation, and when it gets warmer, you can easily adapt by removing them.
For hands, a combination of thin wool gloves and a protective outer layer—such as waterproof mittens—works well. The key is that the gloves don’t restrict movement; otherwise, they’ll quickly come off.
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