Wool has been a part of life for centuries, and not tough to guess why. Wool is one of those natural fibers that keeps you warm, cozy, stylish, and is highly versatile. There are many wool products available. But it is important to understand that no two kinds of wool are exactly the same. Different varieties of wool are used to create different types of wool fabrics. Knowing these differences, helps choose the right wool that suits your requirements. Variation in types is due to the different breed of sheep and other animals they are obtained from. Let’s understand the most common types of wool and see how each one is different.
Merino Wool: The Soft All-Rounder
If you’ve ever used a sweater that feels almost weightless yet keeps you perfectly warm without a single itch, you’ve probably encountered merino wool. It is obtained from Merino sheep, mostly found in Australia and New Zealand, and it’s loved throughout the world. The fiber itself is much finer than ordinary wool, giving merino that smooth, gentle feel against your skin. It is water resistant.
Best For: Daily wear sweaters, activewear, base layers.
Why is it preferred: Breathable, naturally odor-resistant, and good at temperature regulation.
Cashmere: The Luxury Choice
Cashmere wool is not sheep wool. It is obtained from goats, specifically, from the soft undercoat of goats. Cashmere goats are raised in places like Mongolia, Nepal, and Kashmir. That’s what gives it its unique feel. It is lighter, softer, and far more luxurious than ordinary wool. It’s also why cashmere wool tends to be expensive. Every cashmere piece feels special.
Best for: High-end scarves, shawls, cardigans, and coats.
Why is it preferred: Very soft and warm without feeling bulky.
Alpaca Wool: Silky and Strong
Alpaca wool comes from alpacas that live high in the mountains of South America. It has a silky and smooth texture. It’s wonderfully warm, yet soft and gentle when it touches your skin. Unlike sheep’s wool, it doesn’t contain lanolin, the natural oil that can sometimes cause irritation, so alpaca is naturally hypoallergenic. That makes it a great if you want something cozy without the itch.
Best for: Coats, blankets, and knitwear that needs to last.
Why is it preferred: Soft, durable, and slightly glossy in appearance.
Mohair: The Glossy One
Mohair is made from the Angora goat (not to be confused with Angora rabbits, more on them in a minute). It has a natural shine. Mohair is often mixed with other fibers to increase its strength and shine.
Best for: Suits, scarves, luxury coats.
Why is it preferred: Shiny, smooth, and naturally insulating without being too bulky.
Angora Wool: Feather-Light Softness
This comes from Angora rabbits. It is one of the softest wool fibers you’ll ever come across. Angora wool is extremely light and fluffy, but it can also be fragile, hence is usually merged with other sturdier fibers.
Best for: Soft accessories like hats and scarves.
Why is it preferred: Exceptionally soft and gives a beautiful fuzzy halo effect to garments.
Shetland Wool: The Rugged Classic
Shetland wool comes from Shetland sheep. These are raised in Scotland’s Shetland Islands. It’s much coarser and more robust than merino or cashmere, but that toughness is exactly what makes it special.
Best for: Regular sweaters, tweed jackets, and outdoor clothing.
Why is it preferred: It’s durable, cozy, and built to handle cold, windy weather.
Lambswool: The Gentle Beginner
Lambswool is obtained from a sheep’s very first shearing. Hence, the fibers are especially soft and fine. It is softer than Shetland wool, but not as delicate as cashmere.
Best for: Sweaters, blankets, baby clothes.
Why is it preferred: Soft, warm, and less itchy than regular wool.
Camel Hair: The Underrated Gem
Yes, wool can come from camels as well. It is mostly obtained from the soft undercoat of Bactrian camels. It’s warm, insulating, and naturally golden-brown in color.
Best for: Coats and outerwear.
Why is it preferred: It is naturally warm and mixed with other wools to create soft, expensive fabrics.
Specialty Types of Wool
Here are some uncommon types of wool:
- Boiled Wool: Boiled wool is made by boiling knitted wool so the fibers tighten. This gives a warm, dense, and wind-resistant fabric ideal for jackets and coats.
- Worsted Wool: Worsted wool is spun from long fibers that are carefully combed straight, giving it a smooth, polished look. It is best for suits and formal wear.
- Felted Wool: Fibers are pressed and matted together, rather than spinning. Felted wool is sturdy and doesn’t fray, hence is ideal for hats, slippers, and crafts.
- Virgin Wool: Wool taken from a sheep’s very first shearing (similar to lambswool but more broadly used). It’s soft, fresh, and free of any recycled fibers.
Conclusion
There is no way to produce wool. It is one of the natural fibres, and is a gift of nature. Wool fibres are strong and resilient; they can last for years with proper care. Wool isn’t standard. Merino is comfortable while cashmere is luxurious, each type has its own strengths. If you want incredible softness and elegance, cashmere or alpaca might work. If durability matters more, Shetland or lambswool is best. And if you’re after something in between, merino is a good choice.
Wool is available in many varieties and that’s what makes it beautiful. There’s a type of wool to keep you warm, comfortable, and stylish for every climate and as per your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which type of wool is the softest?
Cashmere wool and Angora wool are often considered softest kinds of wool. Merino wool comes close too, with its fine, smooth fibers that feel comfortable right against the skin without causing any itchiness.
2. What type of wool is best for winter coats?
Alpaca, camel hair, and Shetland wool are great for winter coats. They are warm and durable. Cashmere blends are also used for luxury coats owing to their softness and insulation.
3. Does wool make you itch?
All wool is not itchy. Shetland or traditional lambswool, can sometimes feel a bit scratchy. Finer wools such as merino, cashmere, and alpaca are soft and gentle.
4. Which wool lasts the longest?
Stronger wools like Shetland and mohair last long, especially with good care.
5. Can I wear wool in warmer weather?
Yes. Merino wool is especially breathable and great at wicking away moisture, which makes it a good choice not just for cooler weather but also for spring, summer, and even activewear in the heat.
6. What is lambswool used for?
Lambswool is wonderfully soft and warm, without the itch you sometimes get from other wools. Hence it is used for sweaters, baby clothes, and snuggly blankets.