As soon as winter comes knocking on your door, you start planning your winter capsule wardrobe which is filled with different types of wool – Angora to Cashmere and Merino wool, for instance. With different types of rool sweaters and coats available, do you know which wool looks the best on you? Or rather – which wool fabric types makes you feel the most warm, comfortable, and luxurious?
Well, to make things simpler for you, we have curated the list of the most popular types of wool fabrics. Once you know the different types of wool, you’ll be able to decide which type of wool coat or sweater, you’d like to wear in the coming winter season. In addition, we will discuss what is wool made of and the best types of wool. So without further ado, let’s get started.
What To Expect In This Article?
What Is Wool Made Of?
Wool can be extracted from various animals, like sheep, rabbits, goats, etc. But primarily, sheep are the most common source of wool. The process of extraction and processing of wool is quite laborious due to which the price of wool is fairly expensive. Thus, if you ever want to dress up for an occasion, ditch the varsity jackets and opt for wool coats and jackets.
Did You Know There Are 10 Wool Fabric Types?
Did you know that there are not one or two but 10 different types of wool fabrics? Each has its source – bred and raised in different parts of the world. Following we have discussed the most popular types of wool fabrics and their origins along with traits.
The 10 Different Types Of Wool Fabric
Lambswool
Lambswool is a type of wool fabric that is extracted from a lamb. It is one of the first shearing that happens when the lamb is around 7 months old. It is one of the most common wool fabric types that is also known as virgin wool. Lambswool is a type of wool fabric that is yet to be processed. It is known as the best type of wool because of how soft, smooth, and silky it is – due to the extraction at such an early stage. There are different types of wool available and this one is special for its hypoallergenic properties and rich, fine appearance.
Merino Wool
Merino is a breed of sheep that has its origins in Spain and Australia. The type of wool fabric extracted from merino sheep is known as merino wool and it is heavily exported from Australia. This is one of the wool fabric types known for having ultra-thin and fine fibers; making it one of the top choices for forming base layers. Being supremely soft, merino wool is a wool fabric type that is luxurious and expensive. The process after the extraction of merino wool is quite extensive and laborious which also contributes to its high price.
Shetland Wool
Shetland sheep originate from the Shetland Islands of Scotland. This is a type of wool fabric that is comparatively thicker. Due to the climate of the Island, the wool is slightly coarse as well. Shetland wool is a type of wool for sweaters with crewneck design. Go ahead and make sweaters and coats from Shetland wool fabric to stay warm and cozy.
Mohair
Mohair is a type of wool fabric that is extracted from the Angora goat. This type of wool yarn is distinct from other wool fabric types for various reasons. The first reason is that the topcoat of the goat has guard hair and they are included as part of the shearing process. In addition, this type of wool yarn has thicker fibers which also makes its texture extremely coarse. At the same time, this is one of the best types of wool as it maintains its smoothness despite the longer length.
Cashmere
Cashmere is amongst the most popular types of wool that is extracted from the undercoats of goats in are found in Kashmir. The extraction is done in the molting season. Cashmere is a wool fabric type that has fairly thin fibers and is as thick as merino wool. There is often debate around wool and cashmere – one is an umbrella term while the other is its subordinate. There are several different types of wool and cashmere is one of its types.
Angora
Angora wool is often confused with mohair wool. This is because mohair is extracted from Angora goats – and people confuse it with its other name. Angora wool is extracted from Angora rabbits. It is one of the best types of wool – having one of the lightest and warmest fibers. The Angora fibers are similar to alpaca since both are quite hollow and have a smooth texture. Angora wool is one of the most delicate types of wool fabrics, and because its extraction is a laborious process, its price is also hefty.
Camel Hair
Mongolia, Russia, and China are known for breeding Bactrian camels from which camel hair is extracted. Camel hair is a wool fabric type that is collected or extracted during the Spring season. It is similar to Cashmere in terms of its soft and smooth texture and is extremely lustrous like merino wool or other type of sheep wool. Although camel hair can be dyed, it is most commonly found in its original color which is light brown that is almost golden.
Alpaca
Alpaca is a wool fabric types that have hollow hair. Due to this reason, alpacas are extremely lightweight and provide high insulation. Not only is it lighter than a sheep’s wool, it is also supremely warm. Alpaca is also known as one of the strongest types of wool fabric that maintains its signature softness. If you have sensitive skin, make sure you buy types of wool coats made with alpaca.
Vicuña
Vicuña is one of the rarest kinds of wool which also makes it one of the most expensive wool in the world. It originates in the Andes and is an animal that is related to Ilama and alpaca. This type of wool fabric is highly prestigious and regarded highly for its softness and warmth. Its fibers are finer than cashmere and it is also supremely warm. It is best to avoid dying this wool fabric type because it is sensitive to chemicals. Did you know that one yard of vicuña costs almost 3000 pounds?
Qiviut
The arctic muskox that is bred in Alaska and some parts of Canada produces the Qiviut wool. The undercoat of this animal is shed during the molting season which it then withers plucked or combed from the ground. This wool has superfine fibers and offers supreme strength and warmth. The most popular feature of this wool is that it doesn’t shrink in water.
FAQs
Although people tend to believe that cashmere is the warmest type of wool it is not as warm as Angora wool.
Wool can be classified into four categories based on the sheep, its extraction process, its fleece, and fitness.
Cashmere is the highest quality wool but Vicuña is the rarest.
No, they are both on the same level of warmth and softness.
Merino wool is called soft wool.
Mohair is known as the fuzzy wool.
Acrylic is referred to as fake wool which is completely synthetic. Many faux fur shearling jackets and coats are made of fake wool.
Conclusion
In this guide, we discussed the various types of wool in the world and their distinctive traits. There are 10 different types of wool and they are extremely soft and smooth in texture giving you the most comfortable and luxurious appearance. Let us know which wool jackets and coats would you be interested in buying this coming winter season.
