The primary distinction between wool and Merino wool is that Merino wool is softer and less scratchy than average wool. Wool is a fiber made from the fur of animals like goats, sheep, and alpacas. There are various types of wool, and Merino wool is just one type, obtained from Merino sheep.
Key Takeaways
- Wool is a textile fiber obtained from the fur of furry animals like sheep and goats, while Merino wool comes specifically from Merino sheep.
- Merino wool is softer, more flexible, and less itchy compared to average wool.
- While people generally use wool for winter clothing, Merino wool is ideal for outdoor activities like hiking.
What is Wool?
Wool is a textile fiber obtained from the fur of furry animals like sheep and goats. There are different types of wool, which depends on the animal the wool comes from. For example, angora is wool from the fur of rabbits, while cashmere and mohair are wool from goats. Wool has various uses, including making winter clothes such as sweaters, coats, socks, and hats due to its insulating properties. Other products made from wool include blankets, rugs, saddle clothes, and carpets. Wool fiber is soft, durable, stretchable, and does not wrinkle easily. The quality of wool is affected by factors such as yield, fiber diameter, crimp, color, and staple strength.
What is Merino Wool?
Sheep’s wool is the most common and widely available wool in the market. There are different types of sheep wool, such as melton, loden, Shetland, lambswool, and merino, which depend on the various sheep species. Merino wool is obtained from Merino sheep, typically found in the mountainous areas of Australia and New Zealand. Merino wool is finer than average wool, making it softer, more flexible, and less itchy. It is also quite durable due to its strength and natural elasticity. Merino wool is lightweight and provides warmth, making it a great choice for outdoor activities like hiking. It is essential to note that the term “merino wool” does not always refer to 100% Merino wool in the textile industry.
What is the Difference Between Wool and Merino Wool?
Wool is a textile fiber obtained from the fur of furry animals like sheep and goats, while merino wool is a textile fiber obtained specifically from Merino sheep. Thus, wool can come from different types of furry animals, such as sheep, goats, and rabbits, whereas Merino wool comes from Merino sheep. The most significant difference between wool and Merino wool is that Merino wool is softer and finer than average wool. It is also more flexible and less stretchy than regular wool. While people generally use wool for winter clothing, Merino wool is ideal for outdoor activities like hiking.
Summary – Wool vs Merino Wool
The crucial difference between wool and Merino wool is that Merino wool is softer and less scratchy than the average wool. Moreover, Merino wool is obtained from a special type of sheep called Merino sheep.
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1.”3126914″ (Public Domain) via Max Pixel
2.”3677591976″ by Jean (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr
