When shopping for wool or going into the fabric store, it can often feel like there are too many wool options. Many types of wool are available having their own built in characteristics making it suitable for varied uses. In making outdoor gear, knowlege about what properties various types of wool can offer helps decide which type of wool would provide best to a given task.
Merino Wool: The Premium All-Rounder
Characteristics:
- Softness: In diameter fibers, Merino wool is one of the finest and softest wools.
- Breathability and Temperature Regulation: Naturally wicks moisture while providing insulation – perfect for both heat and cold climates.
- Odor Resistance: Bacteria stay away from the lanolin coating, so extended wear is possible, without odors.
- Versatility: It is used for base layers, sweaters, socks and luxury garments.
Ideal Uses:
Confident in a long history of outdoor activities and athletic wear, Merino is especially suited for outdoor activities, athletic wear, or any situation where you need lightweight breathable fabrics. It’s also a go to whenever high end clothing needs to feel luxurious.
Cashmere Wool: Luxurious and Lightweight
Characteristics:
- Softness: The fibers are so fine and soft that they come from undercoat of the cashmere goat.
- Insulation: It’s warm without bulk, giving it exceptional application in winter garments.
- Delicacy: Needs to be hand washed or dry cleaned.
Care Tips:
- Mild detergent in lukewarm water can be hand wash.
- Do not twist or wring; let them lay to dry.
- Breathable containers will prevent moth damage and save the time it takes to store the items in a moth proof box.
Ideal Uses:
Sweaters, scarves, gloves and other light weight winter accessories are best suited with cashmere. It’s a real favorite for formal or elegant pieces thanks to its luxurious feel.
Alpaca Wool: Durable and Hypoallergenic
Characteristics:
- Hypoallergenic: It is lanolin free meaning it’s suitable for sensitive skin.
- Thermal Insulation: Hollow fibers are breathable and offer great warmth.
- Durability: Long lasting and elastic with natural wrinkle resistance.
Ideal Uses:
Outstanding for outdoor and travel gear, alpaca wool is also wonderfully soft to cozy into in sweaters, socks and hats. Those looking for sustainable textiles are also attracted to its eco friendly properties.
Angora Wool: Fluffy and Luxurious
Characteristics:
- Softness: Angora wool is one of the softest fibers, a silky, light feel.
- Warmth: Heat is trapped in hollow fibers which make for great insulation.
- Delicacy: Used often as a blending fibre to improve durability and elasticity.
Care Tips:
- Avoid felting hand wash or dry clean.
- Wet and lay flat to dry, and avoid heat.
Ideal Uses:
There is no doubt that Angora wool is perfect for lightweight sweaters, accessories and garments where softness and warmth is what’s important. Blends are a combination of luxury and durability.
Mohair Wool: Durable and Lustrous
Characteristics:
- Durability: Mohair garments are strong and begin to wear slowly, all the while looking good.
- Luster: Silky both naturally and with a distinctive sheen.
- Elasticity: Retains shape well over time.
Ideal Uses:
For suits, scarves, and any other garment that straddles insulation and lightness of feel, mohair is just top notch. For home textiles, such as rugs and upholstery, it is also prized.
The Highest Quality Wool: Merino
Merino wool is my favorite because it’s the most graded wool, soft, durable, and versatile. For both luxury garments and performance wear it’s the ultimate choice, simply the most comfortable and functional.
Wool’s Three Key Properties
- Durability: The only reason why wool is so resilient is that it can stand up to wear and maintain its shape.
- Insulation: An advantage of wool is that it traps air for warmth while breathing.
- Absorbency: Moisture moves into and out of wool without picking it up, drying you out and keeping you comfortable.
Conclusion
Different types of wool show unique properties which we can learn and make informed choices in the course of our projects. Whatever your focus is, softness, durability or eco friendliness, there’s a wool variety you will never regret. If you choose and take care of the best wool, then enjoying the warmth, the comfort and the timelessness of this natural fiber can last years.
Olivia Hart is a business analyst passionate about entrepreneurship, providing insights and strategies for startups and established companies alike.
