Different Types of Wool: Properties, Micron Counts & Best Uses Compared

Not all wool is created equal. A 15-micron cashmere fibre and a 35-micron carpet wool fibre are technically both "wool," but they couldn't be more different against your skin, in performance, or in durability. The type of wool in your clothing determines everything — how soft it feels, how warm it keeps you, how long it lasts, and whether it handles moisture or traps it.

This guide compares eight types of wool you'll encounter when shopping for merino wool clothing and outdoor apparel. For each type, we cover the fibre diameter, key properties, strengths, weaknesses, and what it's actually best suited for — so you can make an informed decision next time you're comparing labels.

The 8 Most Common Types of Wool in Clothing

1. Merino Wool — The All-Round Performance Fibre

Merino wool comes from Merino sheep, originally bred in Spain and now primarily raised in Australia and New Zealand. What sets merino apart from other sheep's wool is its exceptionally fine fibre diameter — typically 15–24 microns, with premium apparel-grade merino sitting at 18.5 microns or finer.

At this diameter, the fibres are thin enough to bend on contact with skin rather than poke it, which is why merino feels soft even for people who find regular wool unbearable. But softness is just the starting point. Merino's natural crimp structure creates millions of tiny air pockets that insulate in cold conditions and allow airflow in heat. The fibres absorb up to 30% of their weight in moisture without feeling wet, then release it gradually — a property no synthetic fabric can replicate.

Merino also contains natural lanolin remnants that resist bacteria, giving it multi-day odour resistance that makes it the go-to choice for travellers, hikers, and anyone who values wearing the same garment across several days without washing. Add natural UV protection (UPF 30–50+), biodegradability, and flame resistance, and merino becomes the most well-rounded fibre on this list.

For a deeper look at what separates good merino from great merino — including fibre diameter grading, certification marks, and construction quality — see our merino wool quality guide.

Best for: base layers, t-shirts, underwear, socks, activewear, travel clothing, everyday wear

2. Cashmere — Soft and Lightweight, but Fragile

Cashmere comes from the fine undercoat of cashmere goats, primarily raised in Mongolia, China, and parts of Central Asia. The fibres are extremely fine — typically 14–19 microns — which gives cashmere its signature buttery softness and lightweight feel.

Where cashmere falls short is durability and performance. Cashmere fibres are shorter and weaker than merino, making them prone to pilling and losing shape over time. They offer minimal moisture management, no meaningful odour resistance, and poor recovery from stretching. Cashmere also requires delicate hand washing and careful storage to prevent moth damage.

Cashmere is a lifestyle fabric — beautiful for scarves, dress sweaters, and low-activity casual wear — but it's not built for the demands of active use, travel, or repeated washing. For a full performance comparison, see our merino wool vs cashmere article.

Best for: dress sweaters, scarves, luxury accessories, low-activity casual wear

3. Alpaca Wool — Warm and Hypoallergenic, but Heavy

Alpaca wool comes from South American alpacas and measures 18–30 microns depending on the grade. The fibre is naturally hypoallergenic because it contains no lanolin, which makes it a good option for people with true lanolin allergies (though this is rare — most "wool allergy" is actually a response to coarse fibre diameter, not lanolin).

Alpaca is warmer than merino at equivalent weights because its hollow fibre structure traps more air. However, it's also heavier, drapes differently, and offers less elasticity — meaning alpaca garments don't bounce back as well from stretching. Alpaca has limited moisture-wicking ability compared to merino and doesn't resist odour as effectively.

For the full fibre-by-fibre comparison, check our merino wool vs alpaca wool breakdown.

Best for: heavy sweaters, blankets, cold-weather outerwear, scarves

4. Lambswool — Soft First Shearing, Limited Performance

Lambswool is the wool taken from a sheep's first shearing, typically at around seven months of age. Because the fibre tips haven't been cut before, lambswool is naturally softer than subsequent shearings of the same animal — usually 24–28 microns.

Lambswool is warmer than regular sheep's wool and reasonably durable, but it lacks the fine fibre diameter and performance properties of merino. It pills more easily, offers less moisture management, and doesn't provide the same odour resistance. Lambswool is a solid choice for traditional knitwear — sweaters, cardigans, scarves — but it doesn't perform well in activewear or technical applications.

Best for: sweaters, cardigans, traditional knitwear, blankets

5. Mohair — Lustrous and Durable, but Coarse

Mohair comes from the Angora goat (not to be confused with angora wool from rabbits) and measures 25–40 microns. It's known for its distinctive lustre, sheen, and exceptional durability — mohair fibres are among the strongest natural fibres available.

The trade-off is comfort. At 25+ microns, mohair is noticeably coarser against skin than merino or cashmere. It's better suited to outer garments, blankets, and upholstery where direct skin contact is minimal. Mohair blends well with other fibres to add durability and sheen without the full coarseness.

Best for: suits, outerwear, blankets, upholstery, fibre blends

6. Angora Wool — Ultra-Soft but Impractical

Angora wool comes from angora rabbits and is one of the softest natural fibres available — typically 10–15 microns. It's also one of the warmest, with a thermal capacity significantly higher than sheep's wool.

However, angora has serious practical limitations. The fibres shed constantly, the fabric loses shape quickly, and angora garments require extremely careful handling. Ethical concerns around angora farming practices have also led many brands and consumers to avoid it. Angora works best as a small percentage in blends, adding softness without the durability issues of pure angora.

Best for: blended knitwear, luxury accessories (scarves, hats)

7. Shetland Wool — Rugged and Traditional

Shetland wool comes from Shetland sheep native to Scotland's Shetland Islands. The fibre is medium-coarse — typically 23–28 microns — and comes in a remarkable range of natural colours, from white and grey to brown and black.

Shetland wool is valued for its warmth, durability, and character. It's the traditional wool for Fair Isle knitting and heritage sweaters. However, it's noticeably coarser than merino and not suited to next-to-skin wear for most people. Shetland works best as an outer or mid-layer fabric where its insulation and rugged character shine.

Best for: traditional sweaters, outerwear, heritage knitwear

8. Yak Wool — Emerging Alternative for Cold Climates

Yak wool comes from the soft undercoat of Himalayan yaks and measures 16–20 microns — comparable to fine merino. It's naturally warm, moisture-wicking, and odour-resistant, with a soft hand feel that surprises people expecting something coarse.

The limitations are availability and price. Yak wool production is tiny compared to merino — most comes from small-scale herders in Mongolia and Tibet — which drives costs higher and limits colour options. As production scales, yak wool may become a more accessible alternative, but for now merino offers similar performance at better availability and price.

Best for: cold-weather base layers, socks, scarves, premium accessories

How Do the Different Types of Wool Compare?

Here's a practical comparison of all eight wool types across the properties that matter most when choosing clothing.

Property	Merino	Cashmere	Alpaca	Lambswool	Mohair	Angora	Shetland	Yak
Fibre diameter	15–24μ	14–19μ	18–30μ	24–28μ	25–40μ	10–15μ	23–28μ	16–20μ
Softness	Excellent	Excellent	Good–excellent	Good	Fair	Excellent	Fair	Good–excellent
Warmth	Excellent	Good	Excellent	Good	Good	Excellent	Good	Excellent
Moisture wicking	Excellent	Poor	Fair	Fair	Fair	Poor	Fair	Good
Odour resistance	Excellent	Poor	Fair	Poor	Poor	Poor	Poor	Good
Durability	Good	Poor	Good	Fair	Excellent	Poor	Good	Good
Pilling resistance	Good	Poor	Fair	Fair	Good	Poor	Fair	Fair
Next-to-skin comfort	Excellent	Excellent	Good	Fair	Poor	Excellent	Fair	Good
Elasticity / recovery	Excellent	Poor	Fair	Fair	Good	Poor	Fair	Fair
Temperature regulation	Active both ways	Passive warmth	Passive warmth	Passive warmth	Passive warmth	Passive warmth	Passive warmth	Moderate
Sustainability	Renewable, biodeg.	Environmental concerns	Renewable, low impact	Renewable	Renewable	Ethical concerns	Renewable	Low impact
Price point	Mid-range	High	Mid-high	Mid-range	Mid-range	High	Mid-range	High
Best use	All-round apparel	Luxury casual	Heavy warmth	Traditional knits	Outerwear, blends	Blended accessories	Heritage knitwear	Cold-weather layers

Why Merino Wool Outperforms Other Wool Types for Activewear

Every wool type on this list has its place, but for clothing that needs to perform — base layers, t-shirts, underwear, socks, and travel wear — merino wool consistently comes out on top. Here's why.

The Fibre Diameter Advantage

Merino's 18.5-micron fibre diameter hits the sweet spot between softness and durability. Cashmere and angora are finer (softer) but sacrifice durability and shape retention. Lambswool, mohair, and shetland are coarser (more durable) but uncomfortable against skin. Merino threads the needle — soft enough for all-day next-to-skin wear, durable enough to handle repeated washing and hard use.

Active Temperature Regulation

Most wool types provide passive insulation — they trap warm air and that's it. Merino is different. Its fibre structure actively responds to changes in body temperature and humidity, releasing moisture and heat when you're working hard and retaining warmth when you stop. This makes merino the only wool type that genuinely works across seasons — from a summer hiking t-shirt to a winter base layer.

Multi-Day Odour Resistance

Merino's natural antimicrobial properties mean you can wear a merino garment for 3–4 days of active use without washing and still be socially acceptable. No other wool type comes close to this level of odour resistance. For travellers packing light, this alone makes merino the most practical choice — one merino t-shirt replaces three cotton shirts in your bag. See our one-bag travel guide for the full packing strategy.

Moisture Management

Merino absorbs up to 30% of its weight in moisture without feeling wet, then releases it gradually. Cashmere absorbs some moisture but handles it poorly. Alpaca and the coarser wools barely absorb at all. For any activity where you're generating sweat — hiking, skiing, cycling, commuting — merino's moisture management is the difference between comfort and misery. Compare the performance data in our merino wool vs polyester breakdown.

How to Choose the Right Wool for Your Needs

Choosing between wool types comes down to what you need the garment to do.

If you need all-round performance — temperature regulation, moisture management, odour resistance, and durability in a single garment — merino wool is the clear choice. It works as a base layer, a standalone t-shirt, underwear, socks, or a mid layer depending on the weight you choose. Our merino wool weight guide maps the right gsm to every activity and temperature range.

If you need maximum warmth and weight doesn't matter, alpaca is worth considering for heavy sweaters and blankets. If you want a luxury fashion piece for low-activity wear, cashmere delivers unmatched softness. And if you're drawn to heritage craftsmanship and traditional patterns, shetland wool carries centuries of character.

For most people buying functional clothing — especially outdoor, travel, and everyday apparel — merino wool is the right answer. It does more things well than any other wool type, and it does them consistently across seasons, activities, and years of wear.

Sizing note: Merino Protect garments are designed with a slim, athletic fit. If you prefer a relaxed feel or plan to layer over the top, we recommend sizing up one size from your usual.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many types of wool are there?

There are over 200 breeds of sheep worldwide producing different wool types, plus several non-sheep sources including cashmere goats, alpacas, angora rabbits, Angora goats (mohair), yaks, and camels. For clothing, the eight most commonly used wool types are merino, cashmere, alpaca, lambswool, mohair, angora, shetland, and yak wool. Each varies in fibre diameter (from 10 microns to 40+ microns), which directly determines softness, comfort, and suitability for next-to-skin wear.

What is the softest type of wool?

Angora wool (10–15 microns) is technically the softest, followed closely by fine cashmere (14–16 microns) and superfine merino (15–18.5 microns). However, softness alone doesn't make a good garment — angora sheds constantly and lacks durability, while cashmere pills quickly. Merino at 18.5 microns delivers excellent softness combined with the durability, moisture management, and odour resistance needed for everyday wear. Browse our women's merino collection to feel the difference.

What type of wool is warmest?

Alpaca wool is the warmest at equivalent weight due to its hollow fibre structure, which traps more insulating air. Yak wool and angora also score highly for raw warmth. However, merino wool provides more effective overall warmth management because it actively regulates temperature — releasing heat when you're active and retaining it when you stop. For cold-weather performance, a 250gsm merino base layer paired with a proper layering system outperforms heavier alpaca garments because it manages moisture simultaneously.

Is merino wool better than cashmere?

For performance clothing, yes. Merino wool outperforms cashmere in durability, moisture wicking, odour resistance, elasticity, and care requirements. Cashmere is softer at equivalent micron counts and lighter, making it superior for luxury fashion pieces where performance isn't the priority. For everyday clothing, activewear, travel, and outdoor use, merino is the stronger choice across nearly every measurable metric. See our full merino vs cashmere comparison for the detailed breakdown.

What type of wool is best for sensitive skin?

Merino wool at 18.5 microns or finer is the best wool choice for sensitive skin. At this diameter, the fibres bend on contact rather than poking, eliminating the itch response that coarser wools trigger. Merino Protect garments are OEKO-TEX Standard 100 Class I certified — the same safety standard applied to baby clothing — confirming they're free from harmful substances. Alpaca is also a good option for people with true lanolin allergies, since alpaca fibre contains no lanolin.

How long does merino wool last compared to other wool types?

With proper care, quality merino wool garments last 3–5 years of regular wear. This places merino's durability well above cashmere (which pills and loses shape within 1–2 years of regular use) and angora (which sheds and deteriorates quickly), roughly on par with alpaca and yak, and below mohair (the most durable natural fibre). Merino's advantage is that its durability comes alongside softness — you don't have to sacrifice comfort for longevity. For detailed care instructions that maximise garment life, see our how to wash merino wool guide.

The Right Wool Makes All the Difference

Each type of wool has its strengths, but for clothing that needs to perform across activities, seasons, and years of wear, merino wool consistently delivers the best combination of softness, temperature regulation, moisture management, and durability. It's why experienced outdoor enthusiasts, frequent travellers, and everyday wearers choose merino over every other option.

Every Merino Protect garment is made from 18.5-micron Australian merino wool, Woolmark certified and OEKO-TEX Standard 100 Class I rated. Our products are backed by a 90-day warranty, extendable to one year free with registration, and sourced under the Responsible Wool Standard for ethical animal welfare.

Explore our men's merino wool collection or women's merino wool collection to see the full range.