Merino Wool vs Cashmere: Which is the Better Wool?

Choosing between merino wool and cashmere is like picking the perfect companion for your cosy moments. While cashmere whispers opulence and luxury, merino wool offers a blend of comfort and practicality that's hard to resist.

In this blog, we're delving into the world of these luxurious fibres to uncover why merino wool is not just a choice, but the superior one when it comes to clothing. Keep reading to find out why we at The Wool Company think merino wool reigns supreme in the realm of natural fabrics!

What is Merino Wool?

Merino wool traces its roots to the rugged terrains of Spain, where the Merino sheep, prized for their incredibly fine fleece, were first bred. Over the centuries, these sheep were carefully cultivated, leading to the evolution of the merino breed known for its exceptional wool. The Wool Company has continued this careful cultivation. Our merino clothing is made from fully traceable merino fibre grown from Saxon merino sheep in Marlborough. We are privileged to work with several growers who are truly passionate about producing the very best quality merino wool, by ensuring the sheep are well cared for and using sustainable, ecologically-sound farming practices.

Read More: Why Choose Merino Wool?

Origins and Characteristics

Merino wool sets itself apart due to the remarkable characteristics of the sheep's fleece. Its fibres are notably finer than traditional wool, measuring a fraction of the width of human hair. This finer quality attributes to its inherent softness, making it luxuriously gentle against the skin.

Softness, Breathability, and Versatility

The defining feature of merino wool is its unmatched softness. Unlike coarser wools, merino is incredibly smooth, ensuring comfort without irritation, even for those with sensitive skin. Its natural elasticity allows garments to move effortlessly with the body, providing unparalleled comfort throughout the day.

Beyond its soft touch, merino wool boasts exceptional breathability, making it an ideal choice for various climates and seasons. Its unique structure enables it to trap air efficiently, providing warmth in colder weather while remaining remarkably cool in hotter temperatures. This adaptability allows merino wool to be a year-round staple, suitable for both summer and winter wardrobes.

Related: Benefits of Merino Wool in Summer

Natural Benefits

Merino wool's natural benefits extend beyond comfort. The fibres possess moisture-wicking properties, drawing sweat away from the skin, keeping you dry and comfortable. Furthermore, its innate ability to regulate body temperature means it keeps you warm when it's cold and cool when it's warm, ensuring optimal comfort no matter the conditions.

Merino wool is an environmentally conscious choice. Sourced from nature, it's biodegradable, and its production involves sustainable farming practices. This eco-friendly aspect aligns with the growing demand for clothing that's not only luxurious but also mindful of the planet.

Understanding Cashmere

Cashmere, often hailed as the epitome of luxury in the world of textiles, originates from the fine undercoat of a particular breed of goat known as the Kashmir goat. Indigenous to the Himalayan regions of Kashmir, Mongolia, Tibet, and China, these goats endure harsh climates, which results in their unique and incredibly soft fleece.

Luxurious Feel, Softness, and Insulation

Cashmere wool is renowned for its softness and sumptuous feel against the skin. The fine fibres, much finer than human hair, contribute to its silken touch, making it an indulgent and exquisite material for clothing.

In addition to its luxurious feel, cashmere boasts excellent insulation properties. Despite its fine texture, it provides exceptional warmth, keeping you cosy even in the chilliest of temperatures. This insulation is due to the natural crimp and loft of the fibres, creating tiny air pockets that trap warmth close to the body.

Rarity and Exclusivity

One of the hallmarks of cashmere is its rarity and exclusivity. Each Kashmir goat produces a limited amount of fleece annually, and the harvesting process is labour-intensive. It requires a thorough and meticulous collection of the fine undercoat, which is manually combed or sheared from the goats during the moulting season.

The scarcity of this luxurious fibre contributes significantly to its exclusivity and higher price point compared to other types of wool. Cashmere's rarity and the intricate process involved in its production make it a highly coveted and sought-after material in the fashion world.

Merino Wool vs Cashmere: A Comparative Analysis

Softness and Texture

Merino Wool: Renowned for its remarkable softness, merino wool boasts a gentle, luxurious texture that's exceptionally comfortable against the skin. Its fine fibres, considerably thinner than traditional wool, offer a supple and non-itchy feel, making it ideal for those with sensitive skin.

Cashmere: Equally famous for its luxurious feel, cashmere exudes opulence with its soft, plush texture.

Warmth and Insulation

Merino Wool: Despite its finer texture, merino wool is highly efficient in providing warmth, owing to its crimped fibres that create natural insulation. It offers superb thermal regulation, keeping you warm in cold conditions while allowing breathability when the temperature rises.

Cashmere: Cashmere is revered for its exceptional warmth. Its finer fibres and loftiness create an insulating layer that provides unparalleled cosiness in colder climates. However, some may find it less versatile across varying temperature ranges.

Durability and Longevity

Merino Wool: Merino wool is inherently durable and long-lasting, able to withstand frequent wear without losing its shape or quality. Its resilience against stretching and pilling makes it an excellent choice for everyday wear.

Cashmere: While undeniably luxurious, cashmere can be less durable than merino wool. Its fine fibres, though soft, can be more prone to pilling and wear with repeated use.

Keep Reading: Caring for Your Merino Wool Clothing: Dos and Don'ts

Moisture-wicking and Breathability

Merino Wool: One of the hallmark qualities of merino wool is its exceptional moisture-wicking ability. It effectively pulls moisture away from the skin, keeping you dry and comfortable even when perspiring, while maintaining breathability.

Cashmere: Cashmere's moisture-wicking abilities are not as pronounced as merino wool's. It may retain moisture more readily, potentially feeling less comfortable in high humidity or during physical activities.

Eco-friendliness and Sustainability

Merino Wool: Merino wool stands out for its eco-friendly nature. It's a renewable and biodegradable material sourced from Merino sheep, and many companies, including The Wool Company, prioritise sustainable and ethical farming practices.

Cashmere: The production of cashmere involves more complex processes, potentially posing greater environmental challenges. The rarity of cashmere goats and the labor-intensive collection of fibres might impact sustainability.

Cost and Accessibility

Merino Wool: Generally more accessible and available in a wider range of products and price points, merino wool offers a balance between quality and affordability.

Cashmere: Due to its rarity and production methods, cashmere tends to be more expensive and less accessible, often considered a luxury fibre reserved for higher-priced items.

Choosing Between Merino Wool and Cashmere

When deciding between merino wool and cashmere, it's essential to consider your specific needs, preferences, and lifestyle. If you prioritise a soft, luxurious feel and are willing to invest in occasional-use garments that exude opulence, cashmere might be the perfect choice. Its warmth and unparalleled softness make it an excellent option for occasional wear in colder climates.

On the other hand, if you seek a versatile, everyday fabric that combines comfort, durability, and practicality, merino wool shines through. Its softness, breathability, moisture-wicking capabilities, and overall durability make it an ideal choice for various activities, from outdoor adventures to everyday wear.

Best Applications for Each Material

Cashmere: Ideal for special occasions, formal wear, or luxurious, statement pieces.
Merino Wool: Perfect for everyday wear, outdoor activities, layering, and all-season comfort.

Both merino wool and cashmere stand as exemplary natural fibres, each with its unique qualities. While cashmere boasts unrivalled softness and warmth, merino wool shines with its versatility, durability, and sustainability. Ultimately, the best choice between the two depends on individual preferences, lifestyle, and the intended use of the garment.

At The Wool Company, we celebrate the beauty of merino wool for its practicality, comfort, and eco-friendliness. We believe that merino wool, with its exceptional qualities and suitability for diverse scenarios, is the superior choice for those seeking a perfect blend of luxury and everyday functionality in their clothing.