Is cashmere better than merino wool?

When choosing the all-natural accessories that will stand the test of time in your home, wool should be your number one fibre choice!

As well as being extremely versatile, it’s naturally hypoallergenic, breathable, moisture-wicking and hardwearing. It’s great for the planet too, with its sustainability going beyond the fact that it’s completely biodegradable as the International Wool Textile Organisation (IWTO) explains:

“Wool is a naturally durable fibre. Wool garments can stay in circulation for a relatively long period of time, and this reduces their environmental footprint. Research shows that woollen products have the potential for several ‘lifetimes’, lasting 20-30 years and often longer… Wool is one of the world’s most suitable fibres for reuse, extending the lifetime of garments and helping the environment (and bank balances).”

Some of the cosiest home décor schemes use wool to their advantage, but as you’ll discover, there is more than one type of wool to choose from. Two varieties crop up in particular – merino wool and cashmere.

Both are renowned for their softness, warmth and luxurious feel, but is one really better than the other? Here we compare the two to reveal which wool type really comes out on top!

Fibres are sourced from very different places

As the name suggests, merino wool comes from Merino sheep, a breed that’s well known for producing some of the finest and softest wool on the planet. Originally from Spain, but now farmed in Australia and New Zealand, merino wool is prized for its fineness and excellent insulation.

Cashmere comes from an entirely different species altogether. It is a fibre sourced from the undercoat of cashmere goats in regions like Mongolia, China and India. Like merino wool, cashmere is applauded for its unparalleled softness and luxurious feel, making it one of the most coveted and expensive natural materials around.

In terms of softness – cashmere wins!

Merino wool is incredibly soft compared to regular lambswool, making it comfortable and particularly skin friendly. Its micron count is also testament to its smoothness and fineness, with most merino wool fibres ranging from 18 to 24 microns in diameter.

In comparison, cashmere is exceptionally soft, with fibres as fine as 14 to 19 microns. This makes cashmere one of the softest materials available. Yet, all this softness comes at a price…

Merino wool is more cost effective

Cashmere is significantly more expensive than merino wool due to the labour-intensive harvesting process and the rarity of the resulting fibres. While one sheep is responsible for producing 4.5 kilograms of wool, one goat can only provide up to 0.3 kilograms of the desired downy fibres.

Merino wool isn’t exactly cheap however. While generally more affordable than cashmere, its fineness and quality make merino wool homewares, especially items of the super fine variety, particularly pricey.

Cashmere wool is a lot lighter

While soft, merino wool tends to be much heavier than cashmere. Despite being lighter in weight however, cashmere doesn’t compromise on warmth, making it ideal for use as a scarf, shawl or throw.

Merino is a year-round superstar

Merino wool may be slightly heavier, but it makes up for it in breathability. It has incredible moisture-wicking abilities, making it a pro at helping you regulate your body temperature all year round. These fibres will keep you warm in cooler weather and cool during the warmer seasons, maintaining freshness every step of the way thanks to its natural odour resistance.

There are other perks that come naturally to merino wool during summer too, with the material known for its sun protection. Unlike merino wool, cashmere does not wick moisture as effectively, which may make things a little less comfortable as temperatures fluctuate.

Cashmere needs gentler care

Merino wool is significantly more durable than many other wool types, including cashmere. It is naturally resistant to pilling and can withstand frequent use without losing its shape or softness. Cashmere on the other hand is of a more delicate nature, and often requires extra care and gentle handling especially during washing.

Which will you choose?

With both merino wool and cashmere offering their own unique characteristics, selecting the right fibre for you really comes down to personal choice.