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Wool from sheep comes in a variety of types. Each variety has distinct properties and benefits. The types are based on the breed of sheep, the length and fineness of the fibers, and the climate conditions where the sheep live.
Some of the most common types include Merino, Saxon, Rambouillet, Cheviot, and Southdown.
Sourced from merino and other selected breeds of sheep. This variety has very narrow diameters of up to 24 microns. This makes it very soft and smooth. In fact, it is this quality that makes it highly sought after in the clothing industry.
The next sub-category is Merino wool. This comes from Merino sheep. It is well known for its extreme fineness and softness. These traits are especially highly prized in the luxury clothing and textiles markets. After all, merino wool is hypoallergenic and can thus be worn next to the skin.
There’s also Saxon wool which is from Saxon sheep. It has a micron count finer than 19 microns. This gives it a silky texture that is ideal for high-end garments. There’s also Rambouillet wool from Rambouillet sheep. It is slightly coarser than Merino but nonetheless still incredibly soft.
This type is finer than coarse wool but still has enough body to be durable. It often has microns between 25 and 30. It’s normally used in mid-range clothing and home textiles due to its balance between softness and strength.
The most well-known breed producing medium wool is the Corriedale. Its wool has a staple length and diameter that makes it versatile for various textile applications. Other breeds in this category include Romney and Targhee. Their wool is especially prized for its natural and home textile applications.
This type has the thickest fibers. They usually have diameters above 30 microns. Even though they are rougher. They have great durability and are often used in heavy garments and industrial textiles.
Examples include Merino and Cheviot. Their wool is from Cheviot sheep. They have a long-standing lineage. So they have a reputation for producing wool that is both resilient and ideal for outdoor apparel.
As a result, Cheviot wool works best for use in harsh conditions.
Wool has very diverse and numerous features. Some key ones include resilience, warmth, dye affinity, lanolin oil, and moisture management.
Wool’s natural elasticity is one of its most notable features. This allows wool to bend without permanently deforming. After all, this is what makes wool garments retain their shape over long-term wear. Besides this, it can also stretch up to 30% before it loses its shape. This ensures that items like sweaters and suits do not sag or become misshaped with time.
This elasticity comes from a protein called keratin. Keratin is embedded into the structure of each wool fiber. It also minimizes wrinkling. So, garments made from wool need less ironing or none at all.
Wool is very warm due to the air pockets in its fiber structure. This is regardless of the thickness of the fiber. It has a unique thermal insulation property to trap heat. This lets the wearer stay warm without overheating. Consequently, this makes it ideal for users in cold climates.
For example, premium cashmere and alpaca wools have greater insulation power than Merino wool. Although, they come at a higher price. Again, the finer the wool, the more it can regulate the wearer’s body heat.
Wool easily absorbs dyes. This allows for a vast array of colors, which doesn’t affect quality. The dyes penetrate deeply into the fibers. Thus, they allow wool to maintain vibrant and long-lasting colors. Especially when contrasting with exposure to sunlight and washing.
For example, bright colors on outdoor wear are essential for visibility to ensure safety in rugged work environments. Similarly, luxury fashion often requires deep, rich colors that stand out.
Lanolin is naturally found in sheep. It’s a waxy substance that’s deeply embedded in the fibers. Lanolin moisturizes and conditions the skin for wool garments worn against the body. This acts as a natural sunscreen that protects the garments from drying out and sun damage. This also helps improve the garment’s lifespan.
Wool can absorb up to 30% of its weight in moisture without feeling wet. This property allows wool to draw moisture away from the body. It then evaporates before it reaches the skin. This keeps the wearer dry and comfortable. Whether in workout gear or outdoor clothing.
In addition, Merino wool can still help regulate temperature even when it’s wet. Therefore, it is ideal for activewear in unpredictable weather.
The wool industry is hugely impactful globally. The commercial value ranges from around $1 billion to $5 billion every passing year. This is based on production volume, prices, and more. This is because of such high demand coupled with premium prices for specialty wools. Additionally, strong global trade networks add to this value.
In terms of usage, wool’s most common application is in the textile industry. Wool clothing, home textiles, and industrial products account for nearly 80% of global wool consumption. In fact, many industrials rely heavily on fine wool for clothing. This includes suits, sweaters, fined wool hosiery, and suits.
On the other hand, medium wool is ideal for everyday wear and more robust garments. Cheviot and other coarse wools are typically used for heavy-duty textiles in home applications. Hence, they are the mainstay of the carpet industry. Lastly, sheep’s wool is also used in insulation materials.
Selecting natural sheep wool that’s ideal for different applications requires careful consideration. Some of these factors include the yarn’s source, diameter, staple length, dyeing method, and blending capabilities.
Fine wool usually comes from Merino and Saxon sheep. They’re ideal for luxury textiles because of their extremely soft but strong texture. Commercial users commonly source medium wool from Corriedale and Romney sheep. This is usually preferred when making fabrics for daily use like clothing.
Wool with a narrower diameter usually has more premium quality. Specifically, a diameter of 18 microns is ideal for garments that will be next to the skin. Like cashmere sweaters, finer fibers provide softness and comfort.
On the other hand, fibers with a diameter of 25 microns offer more robustness. This makes them suitable for outerwear, suits, and workwear, which require durability and thermal properties. Therefore, diameter notably impacts how soft or sturdy the final product feels.
Longer wool staples, like those from Romney and Merino, are better for higher-end materials. They provide a smoother finish because they tangle less during spinning. Shorter staples are practical for carpets and felt where a rougher texture is suitable.
Wool that’s dyed with natural stains normally has longer color fastness. This means it won’t fade as easily over time. This is particularly important in clothing and upholstery that undergoes frequent washing or sun exposure. Customers also prefer sustainably dyed wool for its environmental benefits.
The practical quality of wool makes it extremely versatile. This means it can be easily blended with synthetic fibers. This increases commercial appeal by lowering costs while retaining beneficial properties. Therefore, medium and coarse wool is commonly blended with materials like nylon and polyester.
This increases their strength and reduces their potential for pilling. These two factors essentially elevate their application in workwear and outdoor gear, which must be both resilient and affordable.
A1: The most effective way to source high-quality natural sheep wool directly from reputable breeders is through verified alpaca fleece manufacturers. This helps ensure the ethical and quality aspects of the product.
A2: The factors that determine the price of natural sheep wool include country of origin, type, fiber diameter, staple length, and dyeing quality and technique. These elements affect the fiber’s fineness, strength, and appearance.
A3: Customer preferences are compelling the industry to adopt greener practices like improved water usage efficiency and reduced chemical reliance. Advanced shearing equipment is also being implemented.
A4: It’s simply advisable to hand wash in cold water with a wool-specific detergent and dry flat away from direct sunlight. This helps garments to maintain their quality, shape, and durability.
