Types of wool: sheep, cashmere, angora, mohair | Ansin Blog

When it's gray and gloomy outside, and the temperatures drop by the day, we all dream of slipping into something warm that will effectively warm us and make us feel comfortable. That something is definitely a wool sweater or cardigan. However, not all wool is created equal – after all, there are so many varieties of this natural fiber on the market . So today I'll try to explain the differences between the different types of wool and answer the question of how to wash wool. After reading this, you'll surely be able to decide which one is right for you !

Advantages of Wool:

- excellent heat insulation,

- perfectly wicks away moisture, so you won't sweat in a woolen sweater, jacket or coat,

- has thermoregulatory properties and protects the body against overheating,

- resistance to rapid absorption of odors, so you don't have to wash it as often.

Types of wool

1.Cashmere

It is obtained from cashmere goats, which inhabit the Himalayas, where temperatures can fluctuate by up to 40°C. To survive these harsh conditions, the goats develop two layers of fur: an outer layer that provides protection against moisture, and an inner layer, called the undercoat, that provides warmth. This undercoat is combed by hand or machine and then used to produce cashmere. Cashmere fiber is several times warmer than classic wool, despite being relatively thin (average thickness is approximately 19 microns). An additional advantage is that cashmere is not itchy and is, in fact, very pleasant to the touch. The high price of cashmere stems from the hand-processing of the fibers and the fact that it takes wool from several goats to create, for example, a single sweater. How to wash cashmere? Cashmere wool is best washed gently – on a special washing machine cycle or by hand. Nowadays, almost every washing machine model has a low temperature and low spin program, which will be ideal for this material.

2.Angora

It is made from the fur of long-haired Angora rabbits. It is characterized by its softness and velvety feel . It is obtained by combing or shearing. Originally, the Angora rabbit species originated in Turkey (interesting fact: the former spelling of the Turkish capital, Ankara, was Angora). Today, it is most often used as an admixture for sheep wool.

3.Mohair

What is mohair made from? We've got the answer! This wool comes from Angora goats, whose fur is silky soft and delicately lustrous . Angora goat farms are located in South Africa, Turkey, and the United States. Although primarily associated with berets, mohair is also used in the clothing industry to produce sweaters and coats .

4.Merino wool (Merino)

Merino wool is obtained from the fur of merino sheep raised in the New Zealand (Southern) Alps, where harsh weather conditions prevail. Summer temperatures can reach up to 40°C, while winter temperatures drop below -20°C – the sheep's bodies must adapt to such temperature fluctuations.

That's what makes their wool so unique – although dense, its fibers are thin and delicate . At higher temperatures, the wool breathes, protecting the sheep from overheating. In winter, however, its properties change – it insulates the heat necessary for the animal to survive in sub-zero temperatures. Merino wool fibers are fluffy, soft, and very pleasant to the touch . Furthermore, the wool is breathable, allowing moisture to wick away from the skin, ensuring a sense of comfort. It's also worth noting that it doesn't absorb odors and regenerates automatically when exposed to oxygen. This means that clothes made from this fiber don't require frequent washing.

All these aspects have contributed to its widespread use in the clothing industry. It's most commonly found in thermal underwear and winter accessories like hats and scarves . A growing number of companies are also choosing to produce outerwear like coats, sweatshirts, and sweaters using merino wool. These are the perfect complement to any autumn and winter wardrobe.

5.Alpaca

As the name suggests, alpaca wool is obtained from the hair of alpacas, which are bred primarily in South America. It's warmer than traditional sheep wool. However, the greatest advantage of this type of wool is that it doesn't cause allergies due to its low lanolin content . The fiber is relatively thin and delicate, yet more durable than traditional sheep wool. So how should you care for this type of wool? For example, your favorite alpaca coat or sweater should be hand washed in warm water at a temperature no higher than 30°C. When washing: do not spin, bleach, bleach, or tumble dry!

How to check the quality of wool?

The WOOLMARK certification mark is awarded to products made from high-quality, pure wool. If a sweater, coat, or other garment bears this mark, you can be sure it's of good quality. Unfortunately, not all wool products carry this mark, so I recommend checking the composition on the label and the thickness of the fabric or knit. The tighter the weave, the better.

If you want to care for your sweater and extend its lifespan, consider layering it underneath. A men's invisible undershirt, which fits snugly, is the perfect choice. This is a good solution if your favorite sweater is itchy – the extra layer will provide pleasant protection for your skin.

Wool products are an investment that will last for years. An undoubted advantage of wearing wool is that in winter, you don't have to wear dozens of layers of clothing to feel comfortable. This makes life much easier, especially when you're often exposed to unfavorable weather conditions. I recommend discovering the "power" of wool – by trying out different options, you can choose the variety that feels best to you.