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

When it's gray and gloomy outside and temperatures are dropping day by day, we all dream of jumping into something warm that will effectively heat us up and make us feel comfortable. That something will certainly be a wool sweater or cardigan. However, not all wool is the same – after all, there are many varieties of this natural fiber on the market. That is why today I will try to bring you closer to the difference between types of wool and also answer the question of how to wash wool. After reading this, you will certainly be able to decide which one is right for you!

Advantages of Wool:

- it is an excellent thermal insulator,

- it wicks moisture away perfectly, so you won't get sweaty in a wool sweater, blazer, or coat,

- it has thermoregulatory properties and protects against overheating the body,

- it is resistant to quickly absorbing odors, which means you don't have to wash it as often.

Types of wool

1. Cashmere

It is obtained from cashmere goats living in the Himalayas, where temperatures can fluctuate by as much as 40°C. To survive adverse conditions, the goats have developed two layers of fur: the first, external, protects well against moisture; the second, internal, known as undercoat, keeps them warm. It is the undercoat that is combed out manually or by machine and then used to produce cashmere. Cashmere fiber is several times warmer than classic wool, although it is relatively thin (the average thickness is about 19 microns). An additional advantage is the fact that cashmere does not "itch" and is even very pleasant to the touch. The high price of cashmere is due to the manual processing of the fibers and the fact that, for example, several goats' wool is needed to make one sweater. How to wash cashmere? Cashmere wool is best washed gently - on a special program in the washing machine or simply by hand. Nowadays, almost every washing machine model has a program with a low temperature and low spin speed, which will be perfect for this material.

2. Angora

It is made from the fur of long-haired Angora rabbits. It is characterized by its delicacy and velvety touch. It is obtained by combing or shearing. Originally, the breed of Angora rabbits originated from the territory of Turkey (an interesting fact: the old spelling of Turkey's capital Ankara - Angora). Currently, it is most often used in blends with sheep's wool.

3. Mohair

What is mohair made of? We are already answering! This wool comes from Angora goats with silky soft and delicately shimmering fur. Angora goat farms are located in South Africa, Turkey, and the United States. Although it is mainly associated with berets, mohair in the clothing industry is also used to produce sweaters and coats.

4. Merino wool

Merino wool is obtained from the fur of merino sheep bred in the New Zealand Alps (Southern Alps), where there are truly difficult weather conditions. In summer, the temperature reaches as high as 40°C, while in winter it drops below -20°C - to such temperature fluctuations, the sheep's body had to find the appropriate adaptation.

That is why their wool is so unique - although it has a high density, its fibers are thin and delicate. At higher temperatures, the wool breathes, protecting the sheep from overheating. In winter, however, it changes its properties - it insulates heat, which is necessary for the animal to survive in sub-zero temperatures. Merino wool fibers are fluffy, soft, and very pleasant to the touch. Additionally, the wool is breathable, allowing for moisture to be wicked away from the skin, ensuring a feeling of comfort. It is also worth noting that it does not absorb odors and regenerates itself upon contact with oxygen. This means that clothes made from this fiber do not require frequent washing.

All these aspects have contributed to it being known and widely used in the clothing industry today. We most often encounter it in thermoactive underwear and winter accessories such as hats or scarves. More and more companies are also choosing to produce outerwear such as coats, sweatshirts, or sweaters using merino wool. They are the perfect complement to an autumn-winter wardrobe.

5. Alpaca

As the name suggests, the wool is obtained from the coat of alpacas, which are mainly raised in South America. It is warmer than traditional sheep's wool. However, the greatest advantage of this variety of wool is the fact that it is hypoallergenic due to its low lanolin content. The fiber is relatively thin and delicate, yet more durable than traditional sheep's wool. How then to handle this type of wool? For instance, your favorite alpaca coat or sweater should be washed by hand in warm water not exceeding 30°C. During washing: do not spin, do not bleach, do not chlorinate, do not tumble dry!

How to check the quality of wool?

The WOOLMARK certification mark is awarded to products made of very high-quality pure wool. If a sweater, coat, or other garment has this mark, you can be sure that it is a good quality product. Unfortunately, not all wool products have this mark, in which case I recommend looking at the composition on the label and the thickness of the fabric or knit weave. The more "compact" the weave, the better.

In a situation where you want to take care of your sweater and extend its lifespan, opt for layers "underneath". An ideal choice would be an invisible men's undershirt that fits the body perfectly. This is a good solution in case your favorite sweater "itches" – an additional layer will provide nice protection for your skin.

Wool products are an investment for many years. An undoubted plus of wearing wool products is the fact that in winter you do not have to wear a dozen layers of clothes to feel comfortable. This makes life much easier, especially when you are often in unfavorable weather conditions. I encourage you to discover the "power" of wool - by trying on different options you can choose the variety in which you will feel best.