The advantages that wool has as a versatile textile fibre derive from its complex physical and chemical structure. Wool is composed of more than 20 amino acids which form long chains - or polymers - of protein. Two different types of cells, the paracortex and the ortho-cortex, develop into a three-dimensional corkscrew pattern, or helical crimp, of great elasticity. The coiled springs of wool's molecular chains contribute to the fibre's resilience. The outer cuticle and epicotyl layers of fibre give wool its ability to shed water yet readily admit water vapour. The fibre's structure is one of great flexibility and adaptability to different environments.

Due to wool's intricate structure, it has a major advantage over man-made fibres: It breaths and traps air, giving higher thermal and acoustic ratings over other insulators. Wool can act as a buffer or stabilizer to reduce peak humidity levels and condensation. This has been confirmed in research conducted by the International Wool Secretariat.

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