Analysis of the Four Mainstream Woolen Materials for Knitted Sweaters

2026-08-17 12:03:27

1. Ordinary sheep wool: a cost-effective choice for daily basic products

The commonly referred to "woolen sweater" is made from sheep wool, which is the most basic and widely used woolen material for knitted sweaters.

Source of raw materials

The wool taken from sheep has a large production and stable supply, and is the basic bulk raw material for the wool textile industry. According to fineness, wool can be divided into coarse wool and fine wool. Ordinary knitted sweaters often use medium fineness sheep wool.

core performance

Warmth: Good. Wool fiber has a natural curly structure that can lock in a large amount of still air, and its warmth is much better than cotton and synthetic materials, which is sufficient to cope with the transition between winter in the south and indoor and outdoor scenes in the north;

Texture: Medium. Ordinary sheep wool fibers are relatively coarse, and wearing them close to the body may cause a slight skin pricking sensation, making them more suitable for wearing as a base layer shirt on the inside and outside; The hand feel of high count fine wool will be significantly improved;

Durability: Excellent. Strong fiber toughness, wear-resistant and durable, not easily deformed during normal washing and care, low maintenance threshold, suitable for daily high-frequency wear;

Moisture absorption and breathability: excellent. Wool can absorb about 30% of its own weight of water vapor, making it dry and comfortable after sweating without feeling stuffy.

Price and positioning

From entry-level to mid-range price range, with outstanding cost-effectiveness, it is the mainstream choice for daily knitted sweaters for the public.

Adaptation scenario

Suitable for people who pursue practicality, durability, and high cost-effectiveness for daily commuting, office interior wear, and autumn/winter outdoor wear.

2. Cashmere: a high-end insulation material of soft gold grade

Cashmere, known as the "fiber diamond" and "soft gold", is a high-end material in knitted sweaters and the ceiling of warmth and skin friendliness.

Source of raw materials

The fine wool taken from the outer skin layer of goats is only collected by combing during the spring molting period. Each goat produces only a few tens of grams of wool per year, which is rare and expensive to collect.

core performance

Warmth: top-notch. Cashmere fibers have high hollow density and finer curls, and their warmth retention is 2-3 times that of ordinary wool under the same weight; And the texture is lightweight, with no weight-bearing sensation when worn, truly achieving "light and warm";

Texture: Extremely soft and sticky. The fiber fineness is much finer than ordinary wool, the scales are thin and smooth, and it fits snugly without any knots. The touch is as smooth as clouds, making it the most skin friendly category among all woolen materials;

Lightweight: Under the same insulation effect, cashmere sweaters weigh only about half of wool sweaters, with zero burden when worn;

Shortcomings: Delicate and prone to wear and tear, high care requirements, prone to pilling in friction areas, not resistant to strong pulling, requiring gentle washing and care.

Price and positioning

At the high-end price point, pure cashmere sweaters are generally priced higher and belong to the category of quality upgrading consumption.

Adaptation scenario

For winter wear in cold regions, high-end business attire, and those who pursue the ultimate wearing experience, it is also suitable as a high-quality gift.

3. Merino wool: a functional fine wool that can fit snugly

Merino wool is the "top student" in wool, known for its ultra-fine texture and excellent skin friendliness, breaking the stereotype that "wool always pricks people".

Source of raw materials

Merino sheep, produced in Australia, are one of the finest sheep breeds in the world. They can be classified into multiple grades based on fineness, with finer ones being more precious. Some ultra-fine Merino sheep have fineness close to cashmere.

core performance

Warmth: Excellent. The fibers are finer, curled more, and have better temperature locking ability than ordinary sheep wool, while also having good breathability and not sweating;

Texture: skin friendly without pricking. The fiber fineness is much lower than that of ordinary wool, and the scales are delicate and smooth. High quality Merino can be directly worn close to the body, with almost no tie feeling, making it a wool material that can also be worn by sensitive muscles;

Strong functional attributes: outstanding ability to absorb moisture and sweat, able to keep the body dry during exercise, and naturally possessing certain antibacterial and anti odor abilities;

Durability: superior to cashmere. More wear-resistant and durable than cashmere, easier to maintain than cashmere, and has a longer daily wear life.

Price and positioning

In the mid-range to mid to high end price range, it is more expensive than ordinary wool but lower than pure cashmere, making it a high-quality choice for "enjoying high-end experiences on a budget such as flowers".

Adaptation scenario

A premium choice that combines comfort and quality for close fitting base, autumn and winter interior, outdoor sports, and sensitive skin groups.

4. Lamb hair (lamb hair): a soft, fluffy and cost-effective choice

Sheep wool, also known as lamb wool, is a very popular knitted fabric in recent years, capturing many consumers with its fluffy and soft touch.

Source of raw materials

The wool harvested from lambs within 7 months of age for the first time belongs to juvenile wool, with finer, softer, and more fluffy fibers, which is different from ordinary wool of adult sheep.

core performance

Warmth: superior to ordinary wool. High fiber fluffiness, thicker air layer, better temperature locking effect than ordinary wool of the same thickness, with a fluffy and full feel;

Texture: Soft and smooth. Compared to ordinary wool, it is softer and more delicate, with significantly reduced skin pricking sensation, a warm and soft touch, and a high-end texture when touched;

Fluffy and stylish: After weaving into a sweater, the shape is full and not easy to collapse, visually more textured, suitable for making loose and lazy styles;

Shortcoming: Long term wearing may cause slight pilling in the friction area, which is slightly more delicate than ordinary wool.

Price and positioning

The mid-range price is slightly higher than ordinary wool, but far lower than cashmere, making it a cost-effective choice for pursuing a soft and sticky texture.

Adaptation scenario

People who wear sweaters for autumn and winter, have a lazy style of dressing, and prefer soft and sticky textures, balancing appearance and warmth.