When it comes to luxurious warmth and comfort, cashmere and merino wool are often talked about in the same way. But their characteristics are actually quite different. Let’s take a look at both wools in more detail so you can decide which is best for you. We will also focus on why cashmere is unique.
What is Cashmere?
Cashmere is thought of as a luxury fabric. It comes from the fine, downy undercoat of cashmere goats, usually found in places like Mongolia, China, and Iran. It is sustainable and natural.
Cashmere fibres are incredibly soft, lightweight and have excellent insulating properties. It feels great against the skin and is breathable as well as soft and comfortable, making it a fantastic choice for pieces that sit against the skin, such as jumpers, scarves and shawls.
What is Merino Wool?
Merino wool, on the other hand, comes from the fleece of merino sheep, which are mainly bred in Australia and New Zealand. Merino wool is celebrated for its exceptional natural properties, including moisture-wicking abilities, breathability and temperature regulation. It is also soft for a wool type and is often used for outdoor and performance apparel, as well as everyday clothing.
Is Cashmere Wool?
Cashmere is a type of wool. However, it differs significantly from traditional sheep's wool in terms of texture, warmth and how fine it is. While both cashmere and sheep's wool are natural animal fibres, cashmere is considered to be a luxurious type of wool due to its exceptional softness and insulation capabilities. They come from similar places but they’re very different.
What Are The Main Differences Between Cashmere And Merino Wool?
Our cashmere is known for its unparalleled softness. It feels incredibly luxurious against the skin and is often described as "buttery" or "silky”. Merino wool is also soft but has a slightly coarser texture compared to cashmere. 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. However, merino is great for temperature regulation, making it suitable for a wide range of temperatures.
Cashmere, while soft and luxurious, is more delicate and prone to pilling and damage compared to merino wool. Merino wool is known for its durability and can withstand more wear and tear over time, which is why it gets used in performance wear.
Cashmere is considered a luxury material and is usually more expensive than merino wool.
Merino wool offers a balance between performance and affordability. However, you usually get what you pay for when it comes to quality. Discover more about the quality and origins of our cashmere.
Cashmere vs. Merino Wool – Which to Choose?
The choice between cashmere and merino wool ultimately depends on your needs and preferences. Here is why you would choose one type of wool over the other.
Choose cashmere if:
- You want a super-soft feeling piece of knitwear.
- You need exceptional warmth for cold weather.
- You are looking for a material for formal or smart occasions.
- You have the budget for something luxurious that makes you feel fantastic.
Choose merino wool if:
- You want a versatile material that can perform well in various conditions.
- You need moisture-wicking and temperature-regulating properties.
- You are looking for a more durable and budget-friendly option.
Both cashmere and merino wool have their unique strengths and are excellent choices depending on the situation. Whether you seek ultimate softness or functional performance, these natural wools are a great choice.
