Wool is valued for warmth, resilience and comfort, but labels such as merino, alpaca, cashmere and mohair do not describe the same fibre. Understanding where each one comes from, how it feels and how it should be cared for makes it easier to choose a throw or blanket that suits your home.
In everyday shopping, several animal fibres are grouped with wool. Technically, wool usually means fibre from sheep. Alpaca fibre comes from alpacas, cashmere and mohair come from different breeds of goat, and angora comes from rabbits. Each has its own structure and character.
Popular Types of Wool and Animal Fibre
- Sheep's wool is a broad category that includes fibres with different levels of fineness, crimp and softness.
- Merino wool is known for fine fibres and a soft hand. It is used for clothing as well as warm merino wool throws.
- Lambswool is taken from a sheep's first shearing. Its exact feel depends on breed, fibre diameter and finishing.
- Alpaca feels smooth and warm and is naturally available in many shades. Compare alpaca throws and especially fine baby alpaca throws.
- Cashmere is the fine undercoat of cashmere goats. It is prized for a light, soft and insulating feel; see our cashmere throws.
- Mohair comes from the Angora goat, while angora comes from the Angora rabbit. Despite the similar names, they are different fibres.
Why Wool Performs So Well
Wool fibres have a natural crimp that helps trap still air, providing insulation without relying only on weight. Wool can also absorb water vapour before it feels wet, helping the material manage changes in temperature and humidity. These properties help explain why wool feels comfortable in both clothing and home textiles.
Wool is naturally elastic and can recover from compression, so a well-made blanket can retain its shape with sensible care. It is also difficult to ignite, does not melt like many synthetic fibres and tends to self-extinguish when the flame source is removed. The Woolmark fibre guide and the International Wool Textile Organisation explain these performance qualities in more detail.
What Makes Wool Feel Soft or Itchy?
Softness depends largely on fibre diameter, but yarn construction, fabric finish and individual skin sensitivity matter too. Finer fibres bend more readily against the skin and usually feel softer. Coarser fibres can feel more robust and may be better suited to outer layers, rugs or decorative throws than to direct contact with sensitive skin.
Do not rely on the fibre name alone. Read the composition, touch the fabric where possible and consider how you plan to use it. A dense wool blanket for a sofa has a different job from a light wrap worn around the shoulders.
How to Choose a Wool Throw or Blanket
- Check the composition: blends can combine the character of wool, alpaca, cashmere or linen, so percentages matter.
- Match warmth to use: a substantial throw suits cold evenings, while a lighter weave may work across more seasons.
- Consider feel: choose finer fibres for close contact and more textured weaves for visual depth and durability.
- Read the care label before buying: some pieces can be washed at home, while others require professional dry cleaning.
- Choose a practical size: compare dimensions for the sofa, the end of a bed or wrapping around your shoulders.
Explore the full collection of wool throws or compare them with our wider range of throws and cushion covers.
How to Wash and Dry Wool Safely
The care label is the authority for the individual product. Some wool items can be machine washed on a wool or delicate cycle; others should be hand washed or professionally dry cleaned. Never assume that one method is safe for every wool, alpaca or cashmere piece.
If the label permits washing, use cool water, a gentle wool cycle and a neutral mild detergent. Avoid vigorous rubbing, sudden temperature changes and ordinary biological detergents. Reshape the item while damp and dry it flat unless the care label specifically allows another method. Woolmark's guides to washing wool and drying wool provide useful general guidance.
A Simple Wool Care Checklist
- Air throws between uses and brush away loose surface dust gently.
- Blot spills promptly instead of rubbing them deeper into the fibres.
- Follow the product care label for washing, drying or dry cleaning.
- Store only when clean and fully dry, away from direct sunlight and damp.
- Fold heavy knitwear and blankets rather than hanging them for long periods.
The best fibre is the one that suits the way you live. Compare composition, softness, warmth and care requirements rather than choosing by name alone, and a quality wool or animal-fibre textile can remain a comforting part of your home for years.
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