Wool has been used for thousands of years to make clothing, blankets, and other textiles. It is a versatile material that comes in different types and qualities, each with its unique properties and benefits. In this article, we will explore the benefits of five different types of wool: merino wool, lambswool, cashmere, recycled wool, and hard wool.
Merino Wool
Merino wool is known for its softness and versatility. It is obtained from the merino sheep, which is known for its fine, curly fleece. Merino wool is incredibly soft and has a natural sheen that gives it a luxurious look and feel. One of the benefits of merino wool is its versatility, as it can be used to make a wide range of garments, from lightweight t-shirts to heavy winter coats. It is also naturally moisture-wicking, which means that it can absorb moisture away from the skin and keep you dry and comfortable.
We love merino wool on babies and kids. It's hypo-allergenic and odour resistant which is basically perfect for active, grubby kids! It is best worn next to skin so the full range of benefits can be felt. We love our merino bodysuits, singlets, socks & tights, tops and leggings - basically anything merino, we are obsessed with!
Lambswool
Lambswool is another form of wool that is known for this softness and luxuriousness. It is obtained from the first shearing of a lamb, which is typically done when the animal is around seven months old. Lambswool is very fine and has a natural elasticity that makes it perfect for knitting and weaving into garments. One of the main benefits of lambswool is its softness, which makes it comfortable to wear against the skin. It is also breathable, which means that it can regulate body temperature and prevent overheating. Check out our range of scarves (both blanket and oversized), large throw blankets and baby & kids cot blankets in beautiful lambswool.
Cashmere
Cashmere is another step up from lambswool. It is so highly regarded worldwide for its luxuriousness, softness, warmth and durability. It is obtained from the undercoat of the cashmere goat, which is found in the high-altitude regions of Asia. Cashmere is incredibly soft and has a silky texture that makes it feel luxurious against the skin. One of the main benefits of cashmere is its warmth, as it is one of the warmest types of wool available. It is also lightweight, which means that it cfan provide warmth without adding bulk to your outfit.
However, it can be insanely expensive to buy pieces made from cashmere wool. A cashmere sweater can set you back a couple of hundred dollars. Though arguably worth the price tag, it is something that is outside of a lot of budgets.
If you are wanting to include some more cashmere into your wardrobe (and don’t want to break the bank!), try our Holly Day cashmere socks or our tbCo cashmere merino blend beanies, headbands or wrist warmers. These are all slightly more affordable options - each piece is under the $120 mark and it also uses cashmere wool in practical items that you will be able to get a lot of use out of. They are also machine washable (on a gentle cycle using a quality wool wash) which is a massive plus - no drycleaning required!
Recycled Wool
Recycled wool is a type of wool that is made from recycled materials, such as old woolen clothing, woolen blankets, and other woolen textiles. It is an eco-friendly alternative to new wool, as it reduces the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. Recycled wool has many of the same properties as new wool, including warmth, durability, and moisture-wicking capabilities.
This type of wool has SO many benefits, a big one being its sustainability, as it reduces the environmental impact of wool production. It is machine washable and easy to care for. It is also at a really nice price point. It is often a more affordable option than lambswool, cashmere or merino and you get so many of the same benefits! We love this type of wool! TbCo has an amazing range of pieces made out of recycled wool, including their popular picnic blankets, recycled wool throw blankets and pet blankets.
Hard Wool
Lastly, hard wool, also known as carpet wool or coarse wool, is a type of wool that is coarser and less soft than other types of wool. It is typically obtained from breeds of sheep that are raised for their meat rather than their wool. Hard wool is more durable than other types of wool and is often used to make carpets, rugs, and other heavy-duty textiles. One of the benefits of hard wool is its durability, as it can withstand heavy use and foot traffic without wearing out or breaking down.
Though we wouldn't recommend wearing this type of wool next-to-skin, it is essentially a free resource that if not utilised, will simply be discarded of. Sheep need to be shorn on a regular basis to avoid their coat from becoming too heavy for its back which hinders its movements and reduces the animals quality of life. We love to see this resource be put to use. A great way this is done is by one of our popular brands, Tara Treasures.
Tara Treasures creates beautiful mobiles, wall hanging, toys, finger puppets, play mats...you name it...out of this hard wool instead of plastic. They use only New Zealand wool, which is turned into a felt and dyed with azo-free dye making it safe for children and pets. One of our most popular products year on year would be their Australian Birds Mobile which features a Cockatoo, Rainbow Lorikeet, Kookaburra and Galah.
In addition to these benefits above, wool has many other advantages that make it a popular choice for clothing and textiles. One of the main benefits of wool is its natural insulation, which makes it warm and cozy in cold weather. Wool fibers contain tiny air pockets that trap heat and keep you warm even in freezing temperatures. Wool is also naturally flame-resistant, which means that it will not easily catch fire or spread flames. This makes wool a safe choice for clothing and textiles, especially in environments where fire hazards are a concern.
Another benefit of wool is its moisture-wicking capabilities. Wool fibers can absorb up to 30% of their weight in moisture without feeling damp or clammy. This means that wool can absorb sweat and other moisture away from the skin and keep you dry and comfortable.
Lastly, wool, no matter the form, is 100% natural, sustainable, renewable AND biodegradable. It is free from micro plastics and all it takes to produce is sunshine, water and grass. At the end of a woollen items life, if recycled properly, the fabric will just breakdown and release its nutrients back into the earth. This is what is often referred to as circular fashion. Circular fashion is a holistic design approach with the aim to "design out waste". Something that is desperately needed in today's world where it is estimated that 260,000 tonnes, or 10kg a person, reaches landfill each year in Australia alone.
So, there you have it. If you have any other questions about the different types of wool and which one is right for you, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at info@merinoandme.com. We are always happy to help!
