Merino wool vs cashmere

06 November 2024

Cashmere and merino wool are two of the highest quality and most sought-after materials in the textile industry. Their softness, quality, warmth, and moisture management properties account for their timeless popularity. When it comes to premium quality clothing, both offer unique benefits which make them suitable for different uses. It's important to know the pros and cons of each in order to choose the material most suited to your needs.

In this article, we'll look at the difference between cashmere and merino wool and consider whether cashmere is better than merino wool when it comes to cost, softness, and performance.

What is merino wool?

Merino wool fabric is made from the fleece of the merino sheep, who famously graze across the rugged landscape of New Zealand. These amazing animals have evolved to grow a uniquely versatile coat which keeps them cool in the summer months and dry and warm in the winter.

Merino wool is breathable, resilient, and offers natural moisture management and thermoregulating properties. It is also naturally odour resistant and extremely soft, thanks to its fine fibres which are much thinner and smoother than traditional sheep's wool. This makes merino wool feel soft against your skin without the itchy feeling that classic wool can give, making it ideal for next-to-skin base layers as well as outer layers.

What is cashmere?

Cashmere is a traditionally soft natural wool which comes from specific goat breeds, namely the Kashmir goat, as well as pashmina goats and other select goat breeds native to the Northwest Indian region and Gobi Desert. The luxurious fabric comes from the soft undercoat which the goats grow to survive the cold winters, with extremely fine, smooth fibres which give it its gentle, delicate texture.

Cashmere is also known as pashmina (or pashma) in some parts of the world. As the ultra-fine fibres can be woven into a warm yet lightweight material, it's considered a premium fabric which, like merino, won't itch your skin. This offers unrivalled benefits for certain clothing items, but it can have some drawbacks.

Differences between merino wool and cashmere

The first difference between cashmere and merino wool is that merino wool comes from the merino sheep, and cashmere from specific breeds of goat. Cashmere originates from Asia, whereas merino sheep are native to Oceania as well as select European and African countries. Both are natural wool types, but cashmere is generally considered the softest of the two, as well as the warmest, which comes with a higher price tag. The benefits of merino wool are that it's still warm, lightweight, and much softer than traditional sheep's wool, but it's more breathable, highly versatile, easy to care for, and offers exceptional moisture management.

Warmth

When it comes to warmth, you might be wondering: is cashmere better than merino wool? Although premium cashmere is considered to be warmer than merino wool, merino is still an exceptional insulator, and offers additional benefits.

• • Both cashmere and merino provide warmth and moisture management, trapping air to retain the heat.
• • Cashmere is warmer than merino, making it good for keeping warm in cold weather. Merino offers a better balance of warmth and breathability, making it great for layering and wearing in all seasons.
• • Cashmere may be too warm for summer or uncomfortable in humid conditions. Merino's thermoregulation and moisture management make it wearable year-round and suitable for snow sports.

Durability

Merino wool is known to be more durable than cashmere, and it's more resistant to pilling.

• • Merino wool is more durable than cashmere and less prone to pilling.
• • Cashmere's delicate fibres feel softer but are less resilient. Merino is ideal for sports and activewear, heavy-duty separates, and frequently washed items like underwear.
• • Cashmere needs careful handling, while merino is easier to care for and retains its performance longer.

Care and maintenance

Cashmere is a highly luxurious fabric, and needs special attention to keep it looking its best. Merino is known for its versatility and resilience, making it easier to care for.

• • Cashmere may require hand washing or professional cleaning. Icebreaker's merino wool clothing is machine washable on a gentle cycle.
• • Cashmere is prone to pilling and may need a special comb, while merino's natural crimp makes it low maintenance.
• • Cashmere should be stored carefully, while merino can be folded and air-dried naturally.

Cost

Cashmere is more expensive due to its rarity and seasonal availability.

The softest cashmere is taken from the belly area of certain goat breeds, whereas merino wool comes from the larger coat of the merino sheep.

Only a small amount of cashmere comes from each goat, once a year, whereas some merino sheep are larger and can be sheared more frequently.

Merino presents a more affordable option, as its yield is higher, yet it’s still soft and warm with an optimal feel.

Sustainability

Merino wool is considered a more sustainable material, due to the larger population of merino sheep and the existing regulations which surround their welfare in New Zealand.

• • There are more merino sheep than cashmere goats, making the wool more easily available.
• • There have been concerns about overgrazing of cashmere goats, which puts pressure on water sources and can cause soil erosion in mountainous regions.
• • icebreaker growers go the extra mile for animal welfare, ensuring their commitment extends to their sheep and the sheep dogs working alongside them at the stations.
• •Discover icebreaker’s 5 freedoms of our flock. to ensure the sheep producing our high quality merino stay healthy and happy.

Best wool for outdoor activities

Although cashmere is considered warmer for cold climates, merino wool is ideally suited to outdoor activities in all seasons. Merino's soft and lightweight feel means it can be layered in winter, and its natural breathability and temperature-regulating properties keep you dry in all conditions. Highly absorbent, resilient and with natural odour control, this comfortable, versatile and high-performance fabric is great for all the family in summer, winter and all weather conditions in between. Discover merino for hiking, running, and comfy base layers.

Which is best for you – merino wool or cashmere?

Cashmere is highly luxurious, soft, and cosy, suitable for premium quality knitwear. Its delicate nature requires special care, and it suits dry, cold conditions. Merino wool, however, can be worn year-round, is easier to care for, and is versatile. Merino is more resilient, breathable, and better at regulating temperature and moisture, making it the ideal choice for activewear and everyday clothing. Shop our merino wool range today.