Merino Wool vs Wool: What’s the Difference? (2024)

FAQs

Merino Wool vs Wool: What’s the Difference? ›

Superior Performance. In addition to the superior texture and softness of merino vs wool from other breeds, there are a lot of performance benefits to this material. The merino wool fiber is known for its odor-resistant qualities, strength, and durability.

Merino Wool Is…

Softer — Merino wool is considered one of the softest kinds of wools. That's because each fiber has a slimmer diameter (measured in microns) and is shorter than other kinds of wool. Together, these properties make merino soft and gentle to the touch so it won't irritate your skin.

One of the biggest disadvantages is that it is more expensive than synthetic materials. Merino wool is also more difficult to care for as it is more sensitive to heat, moisture and friction. The extraction of the material is also a constant focus of attention.

Cashmere is warmer and softer than merino, but less durable, making cashmere the preferred textile for casual wear, while merino is the preferred wool for activewear. Warmer: Cashmere can be seven to eight times warmer than merino wool. Softer: Cashmere has a higher loft, which makes it softer.

Merino wool is known for its natural temperature-regulating properties, making it suitable for all seasons. It provides warmth in cold weather while remaining breathable and moisture-wicking in warmer temperatures, making it versatile for various climates.

Cashmere is the warmest of both types of wool. It can be seven to eight times warmer than merino wool. However, don't let this put you off merino wool if you spend a lot of time in the outdoors. They will both keep you warm during extreme conditions if worn correctly.

Merino wool: natural performance

From nature comes the world's most technically advanced and original performance fibre. No other fibre can match all of Merino wool's benefits: breathable, moisture wicking and odour resistant.

Assuming the wool was grown and processed carefully, then yes, 100% Merino Wool yarns are excellent quality. These yarns harness all the amazing benefits of Merino Wool, from regulating temperature to wicking moisture.

While Merino wool comes from sheep bred specifically for shearing, you can only get pure lambswool from the first shearing of other types of sheep (ideally, at 7 months after the onset of their first coat). So, the traditional wool production is more restricted and therefore can lead to higher costs.

Can Merino wool go in the dryer? Technically, yes. But you'll want to always air-dry your Merino wool socks and apparel to keep your gear in good shape. The dryer could damage the natural performance fibers of Merino wool, or shrink your clothing and socks.

Which country has the best merino wool? ›

The world's best Merino wool comes from Australia, which provides 81% of the world's superfine wool, from woolgrowers who employ sustainable farming practices.

Both are much, much softer than normal sheep's wool. Cashmere is incredibly warm and provides excellent insulation. It is ideal for cold weather and is often used in sweaters and winter accessories. Merino wool offers good warmth but doesn't insulate as well as cashmere.

Alpaca offers the same great characteristics as merino wool, but it has a better performance with warmth and odor control, it has more natural color options, and it is better for the environment.

The fine fibers from merino sheep breeds offer unparalleled breathability and manage moisture very effectively, so you're never left feeling too clammy or hot. Traditional, coarse wool would feel warmer than merino wool in hot weather because it lacks these qualities.

Vicuna wool is the finest and rarest natural fiber in the world. One strand of vicuna wool measures approximately 12 microns, which is 12 thousandths of a millimeter. That is about 7 microns finer than the best Cashmere.

IT KEEPS YOU COOL IN WARM WEATHER

That means merino clothing is great to wear when its hot; it can actually help you regulate your temperature. The way it works is that the merino wool fibers can absorb moisture, so sweat is drawn away from your skin where it can evaporate into the air outside the fabric.

Merino wool fibers are smaller and smoother on their surface. This means that they bend when they touch your skin, unlike more rough wool types. The crimped structure of the wool also creates small air chambers within itself. This is what makes Merino wool soft and comfortable instead of itchy.

This wool is considered as a natural fiber. There are around 200 breeds of sheep but Merino is considered the best in quality because it's wonderful characteristics. These characteristics make it skin friendly, hence their woolen clothes are ideal for our consumption.