Posted by Team NZNC on 29th Jun 2022
Lambswool - like Cashmere has a reputation for being vastly superior to other wools on the market. Lambswool is a quality fibre, there’s no doubt about it, but it is by no means in a class of its own.
The differences between one quality wool and another may actually seem quite slight but the results and feel can be surprising.
Wool is measured in microns. This is taken from the diameter of the follicle and the smaller the micron count the softer the fibre.
This also usually means the smaller the micron count, the more expensive the wool becomes.
To give you an idea of scale, the hair of a Cashmere goat is around 19 microns whereas human hair is between 40-90 microns.
Which may explain why don’t see many human hair evening coats doing the rounds…
But before we tackle the question of which wool is softer, we need to know the differences between the two.
Lambswool is taken from the first shearing of a sheep, usually when it’s around 7 months old.
The fibres are usually no longer than 50mm which makes them very fine and very soft so processing them is straightforward.
However, lambswool can come from any sheep which means the micron count can vary a great deal. It’s rare that you’ll see a lambswool product with the micron printed on the label.
The fact that it’s lambswool and therefore lovely and soft is pretty much the level of specificity that you’re going to get.
Because it’s the first shearing, lambswool is produced in much smaller numbers which makes it more expensive than a lot of other wools on the market.
Exclusivity drives up prices as we well know. This circumvents the traditional sale by weight model.
Merino wool on the other hand comes from specifically Merino sheep and they produce wool throughout their lives.
Although this makes the wool less exclusive, you know that a Merino wool product is made from Merino quality.
Merino wool averages around 21.5 microns although the superfine follicles can measure between 15-18.5 microns making it as soft as cashmere.
This makes Merino wool incredibly versatile and very little of the fleece goes to waste.
Non blended merino drapes and acts as a fabric. It works super well for next to skin base layer garments.
Lambswool is more of a soft knot and has more outwear uses.
While both wools are soft, they are soft in a different way and the properties of the wools make them slightly better at different things.
Generally speaking lambswool is warmer than Merino wool and the soft fibres allow for the spinning of incredibly high quality yarn.
Depending on the knitting and gauge of yearn, you may hear of 2 ply or 3 ply etc. The palliser first clip romney lambswool we use is in 3 ply!
High quality yarn makes for high quality knitwear. It also has a more elastic quality that full grown wool lacks. This allows it to keep its shape better than other wools.
This makes it great for jerseys and other kinds of tops. Lambswool can also be used for hats gloves and scarves.
As it’s a coarse wool this entirely makes sense. It tends to be a little itchier than Merino wool. This is because the ends of the fibre are thicker but at around 27 micron, lambswool is less scratchy than the 30+ micron sheep fleece.
One of the lesser known uses for lambswool is for padding, specifically for dancer’s shoes.
All the benefits of quality wool - including lanolin - as well as that extra elasticity means lambswool is perfect for padding shoes or relieving pressure between toes.
Although not the first use that springs to mind, it serves as a great example of just how versatile wool can be.
Uses for Merino wool on the other hand are as broad as the range of fibres the sheep produces.
Because it has different diameters of fibre it can be woven into different types of garments.
You can get Merino wool socks for pretty much anything...from lightweight dress socks through trekking and cushion sole work socks.
If you are still a fan of the old school coarse sheep wool work socks and aren’t ready to move to modern merino socks you can stop in the middle and get lambswool work socks...
Although Lambswool may be warmer, Merino wool breathes better which allows for more effective core temperature regulation.
It’s used to make a wider variety of knitwear, you can also layer Merino wool so you’re better equipped for variations in weather conditions.
It’s also ideal for workwear, athletic wear and safetywear - specifically the kind of stuff firefighters wear under their Nomex uniforms.
Merino wool is also incredibly hard wearing and possess the same antibacterial properties as lambswool.
Although lambswool has a reputation for being superfine and ultrafine (yes that’s a real thing) Merino wool can easily give it a run for its money.
Coupled with the fact that lambswool tends to be itchier and less versatile Merino wool is definitely our fibre of choice.
If you ever have any questions about which fiber is the best choice for you, our team is super knowledgeable and always happy to help. Let’s find your perfect garment investment!
FAQs
Non blended merino drapes and acts as a fabric. It works super well for next to skin base layer garments. Lambswool is more of a soft knot and has more outwear uses. While both wools are soft, they are soft in a different way and the properties of the wools make them slightly better at different things.
Which is softer lambswool or merino? ›
Non blended merino drapes and acts as a fabric. It works super well for next to skin base layer garments. Lambswool is more of a soft knot and has more outwear uses. While both wools are soft, they are soft in a different way and the properties of the wools make them slightly better at different things.
What is the softest wool to wear? ›
Merino wool is the finest and softest sheep's wool in the world. Merino wool makes up just 1% of the world's fibre for apparel – true luxury.
Is lambswool soft or itchy? ›
Is Lambswool Itchy? For many people, lambswool material feels very soft and comfortable. But it can be itchy for people with sensitive skin since lambswool tends to be thicker than other wool types. The lambswool fibres can often become softer and less itchy after being washed.
What is the difference between lambs wool and merino wool? ›
Lambswool is warmer than merino wool, thereby making the former a more suitable choice for colder climates. Lambswool is a great choice for hats, gloves, scarves while merino can also be used for socks, home accessories, children's garments, etc.
What is the least scratchy wool? ›
Merino wool isn't itchy and is one of the best types of wool to prevent scratching.
What is the softest wool ever? ›
The finest and softest sheep's wool is Merino which comes from the Merino sheep. It is the most popular breed of sheep used for clothing and produces the most luxurious wool, famous for its fine staples at about 20-25 microns in diameter (superfine merino can sometimes be down to 17 microns) and a soft hand feel.
What's better than merino wool? ›
When compared to merino wool, alpaca is softer, stronger, warmer, and retains less water. It's also a more environmentally sustainable option when you look at the overall impact.
Can you wear lambswool in summer? ›
Wool clothing provides good protection from the sun (UV protection factor of 30+) compared with the protection from other fibres. As a natural fibre, evolved over millions of years to protect sheep against the elements, wool literally absorbs UV radiations and keeps it away from the skin.
What are the disadvantages of lambswool? ›
Lambswool is an incredibly soft and luxurious wool fiber that is often used in sweaters and blankets. It has a unique texture that makes it more prone to snagging and pilling, so regular care and cleaning are necessary to maintain its quality.
One is softness. Although fineness largely determines softness, lambswool of the same micron as adult merino will still be softer. And cashmere is softer because it has fewer scales in the fibre structure. Another is length: one issue with cashmere is that although it's fine and soft, it's shorter than most merino.
Can you put lambswool in the washing machine? ›
So, over time machine washed lambswool, even on a wool cycle will lose its soft appeal. However, some lambswools are specially treated so they can be safely machine washed. It is always best to check the manufacturer's care instructions usually printed on the care label on the inside body seam.
Is lambswool or merino wool softer? ›
Merino wool has a much smaller diameter, around 20 microns, than lambswool, making it even softer and finer. Superfine merino can have a diameter down to 17 microns. Merino wool also has a long staple, up to four and a half inches, which gives it a beautiful drape and is therefore very popular in clothing.
Is merino wool better than cashmere? ›
Merino wool is more elastic and durable than cashmere. Its strong structure is sturdy and will last longer than cashmere if care instructions are followed correctly. You'll get years of use out of our merino garments, plus it's less prone to pilling compared to cashmere keeping it in top form.
How to tell if it's merino wool? ›
All wool fabric is made of yarns that have protruding fibers that rub against the skin. The coarser wool fibers are wider and stiffer causing irritation whereas Merino's fine fibers are much softer (See our “Itchy Guide” for more scientific details).
What is the most comfortable wool? ›
Merino wool is a super fiber. Merino T-shirts somehow manage to be comfortable in 95-degree-Fahrenheit heat, and merino hoodies keep you warm well below freezing. Unlike synthetic fibers derived from petroleum, merino wool is natural and renewable.
Is merino wool softer than wool? ›
The coarser wool fibers are wider and stiffer causing irritation whereas Merino's fine fibers are much softer (See our “Itchy Guide” for more scientific details). The itch factor is why there is much more Merino wool clothing on the market than that made from other kinds of sheep wools.
Is merino wool less itchy than wool? ›
Well, finer fibres like Merino feel more comfortable because they bend when they touch your skin. Coraser wool fibres on the other hand are stronger and stay more rigid on contact with skin, resulting in that itchy sensation that many people experience when coming into contact with wool.
