Difference Between Merino Wool and Regular Wool [+Similarities]

Whenever you think of something cozy to wear, one of the first things that come to mind must be those oversized woolen sweaters. Even when it is not sweater weather, they look so good and fluffy that you want to put them on. But do you know what type of wool is comfortable and softest?

Yes, there are many different wool options. Regular wool is only one of them – there are cashmere wool, virgin wool, alpaca wool, camel wool, angora wool, and many other types. But one prevails over all others thanks to the comfort and softness – the merino wool.

In today’s guide, I want to tell you more about the characteristics of regular and merino wool. This will help you determine the most significant differences and similarities between the two, allowing you to choose the one you like best without doubting your decision. So, if you want to learn more about this topic, I urge you to stick around!

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Difference Between Merino Wool and Regular Wool

Is Merino Wool Better Than Regular Wool?

People who have worn garments from both merino wool and regular wool could tell which one seems better to them. There is no right or wrong answer to this question. It all comes down to preferences as well as what you need the wool for.

Take regular wool as an example. People love wearing clothes of traditional wool because they are exceptionally warm. The insulation properties of the wool fabric are amazing, and nothing comes close to them. But insulation is not the only great characteristic of this wool.

Traditional wool is also famous for its durability and flexibility. You can use it for any type of garment, and you can rest assured that the garment will stay in top shape for years after you buy it. Furthermore, this type of wool has moisture-wicking abilities, and it is antimicrobial.

These are all great characteristics, but merino wool also shares some of them. For example, merino wool is also flexible and great at wicking moisture. It is extra breathable, does not need any special maintenance, and does not pick up your body odors. This all makes it a great option for various types of garments.

So, as you can see, both regular and merino wool have many attributes. If you are looking for fabric that will keep you warm and comfortable, you should go for regular wool. You can also go for merino wool if you want softness and breathability.

Ultimately, no matter your choice, you will not make a mistake. I urge you to give both types of wool fibers a chance before you make a final decision. I can guarantee that you will not be disappointed in either option!

Is Merino Wool Different from Regular Wool?

Several things separate merino wool from regular wool. While I mentioned some of the characteristics of both types of wool fibers, I want to get into their differences more closely. Let’s start with the obvious one first:

Wool fibers

When it comes to wool fibers, regular wool has coarser wool fibers that will keep you comfortable but will also be a bit itchy. Some people avoid wearing woolen clothes without anything underneath them because of this itchiness. So, this can be a big problem for some people who want to feel comfortable in their winter garments.

This is where merino wool and its finer fibers can take the spotlight. The merino breed gives very fine, delicate fibers that are comfortable and soft most of the time. Even if you have a garment from merino wool and it feels itchy, you can give it a few washes, and the itchiness will be long gone.

Versatility

The versatility is an important difference between merino wool and wool from regular sheep. With traditional wool, you can make various garments for the winter, including socks, sweaters, hats, gloves, and so on.

As for merino wool, the versatility is even bigger. Not only is merino wool clothing comfortable and soft, but it is also suitable for winter and summer. This might confuse some people, considering that wool is not the first choice for summer garments. But you should try it and see how amazing it is.

The merino wool is often used to create base layer garments and other outdoor gear. Since this type of wool is lightweight, moisture-wicking, breathable, water-resistant, and quick drying, it is great for active people. It also does not adopt odors, so you can wear it without worrying that you will smell bad.

So, the versatility of merino wool is not something that people should overlook. Suppose you are looking for versatile clothing for all kinds of weather conditions. In that case, merino wool is the material you should be looking into.

Is Merino Wool as Warm as Regular Wool?

Merino wool is very warm. Garments made from this type of wool are suitable not only for the winter but also for summer. They regulate temperature and can help you stay protected in all kinds of weather.

Having said that, regular wool is known for having the best insulating properties out of out all the different types of wool. The high warmth this type of wool provides will be a pleasant surprise for those who have never worn this material before.

Even though both materials are warm, regular wool is the warmer one. So, I recommend it over merino wool for people looking to get as much warmth as possible.

Is Merino Wool More Expensive Than Regular Wool?

Merino wool is more expensive than regular wool. Even though regular woolen garments can also be quite expensive, merino wool is generally the more expensive.

This is because the wools come from different sheep breeds. While there are many wool-bearing sheep, not all of them are merino sheep. Merino sheep are quite rare, and they live only in some regions. Most of these sheep live in Australia and New Zealand, so companies have to get their merino wool from there.

Even though getting merino fibers can be expensive and time-consuming, it is worth it. The softness, lightness, and breathability of the material - these properties all make an effort worth it. Some even say that merino wool is better than cashmere!

So, to find out if there is any truth to these claims, go out and get some merino wool clothes. That is the only way to confirm or dispel the claims.

Wrap-Up

Wool clothing is the best – you can never beat the warmth of wool socks or the comfort of wool sweaters. Regular wool is great, but I recommend getting into the merino breed to get even more great properties out of your clothing.

Have you ever experienced anything made from regular wool or merino wool? How did you like the garments – what was your favorite and least favorite thing about them? If you have not tried them yet, let me know which one you would like to try. I cannot wait to read all your comments!

Andrew Mullen

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