Which "Wool" Keeps You Warmer: Cashmere vs Merino Wool
The wool is a natural yarn that has kept humans warm for thousands of years. But not all wools are the same. Some types 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 offers the best value for money?
Before answering these two questions, let's see the characteristics of these two natural yarns.
Cashmere
The cashmere is a precious natural fiber that comes from the soft and fine hair of cashmere goats, a breed 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 wool.
However, cashmere also comes with a price. Due to the manual collection process and the limited amount of fiber each goat can produce, cashmere tends to be significantly more expensive than most other types of wool.
Merino Wool
Merino wool comes from merino sheep, originally from Spain but now raised worldwide, with New Zealand and Australia being the main producers. Merino wool is extremely soft and fine, making it very comfortable to wear directly on the skin.
Merino wool is also exceptionally warm. Merino wool fibers are rich in tiny air pockets that trap body heat, providing excellent thermal insulation. Additionally, merino wool can absorb moisture from the body, which helps keep the 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 garments. Both offer superior warmth compared to traditional wool and are incredibly soft and comfortable to wear.
However, if you are looking for the best value for money, merino wool might be the better choice. It is almost as warm and soft as cashmere but usually costs significantly less.
In conclusion, cashmere and merino wool are both extraordinary fabrics that offer high-level winter comfort. The choice between the two depends on individual priorities of style, budget, and personal preferences. Whether you choose the luxury of cashmere or the functionality of merino wool, both represent exceptional choices to keep warm during cold winter days.
