Which "Wool" Keeps You Warmer: Cashmere vs. Merino Wool
Wool is a natural yarn that has kept humans warm for thousands of years. But not all wool is created equal. Some varieties of wool are warmer than others. The two most popular natural yarns are cashmere and merino wool. But which one keeps you warmer? And which one offers the best value for money?
Before answering these two questions, let's see what the characteristics of these two natural yarns are.
Cashmere
Cashmere is a fine natural fiber that comes from the soft, fine hair of cashmere wool, a breed of goat native to the mountainous regions of Central Asia. Cashmere is known for its extreme softness and warmth. It is lightweight and incredibly insulating; in fact, cashmere is said to be up to three times warmer than traditional sheep's wool.
However, cashmere also has a price. Due to the hand-harvesting process and the limited amount of fiber each goat can produce, cashmere tends to be significantly more expensive than most other types of wool.
Lana Merino
Merino wool comes from merino sheep, originally from Spain but now raised around the world, with New Zealand and Australia being the main producers. Merino wool is extremely soft and fine, making it very comfortable to wear directly against the skin.
Merino wool is also exceptionally warm. Merino wool fibers are full of tiny air pockets that trap body heat, providing excellent thermal insulation. Additionally, merino wool is able to wick moisture away from the body, which helps keep your skin dry and warm even in humid conditions.
What to choose between Cashmere and Merino Wool?
As also written in the Free Recovery article, both cashmere and merino wool are excellent choices for winter clothing. Both offer superior warmth to traditional wool and are incredibly soft and comfortable to wear.
However, if you are looking for the best value for money, merino wool may be the best choice. It's almost as warm and soft as cashmere, but usually costs significantly less.
In conclusion, cashmere and merino wool are both great fabrics that offer high levels of winter comfort. The decision between the two comes down to individual style priorities, budget, and personal preference. Whether you choose the luxury of cashmere or the functionality of merino wool, both are great choices for keeping you warm on cold winter days.
