It's fall already and the upcoming is the season we all love to dress for. Yes, winter is knocking at our doors, and all we need to do is dress up in the comfiest and cosy way. But the question is what to choose. And the answer is wool. But does wool have just one type? Is all wool the same? Do we have other options? And thankfully the answer to this too is yes. We have Cashmere, and perhaps that is all we need to combat the chilly winter season which is already approaching more rapidly this year.
Wool and its types
Before we get into what Cashmere is, we discuss the most obvious choice for winter. And that is wool. Since winter is on its way, a few of us might love to learn more about what to wear this winter season, and how to choose. Wool might be the first choice we make, but there are more choices we have when it comes to winter clothing.
While a large number of individuals associate wool with sheep, winter clothing is crafted from the hair of a large number of animals. Hence there are a large number of wool or animal hair types that are procured from animals other than sheep. And even though wool has, for centuries, reigned supreme when it comes to winter clothing, new varieties are taking over.
Here is a broad categorisation of wool types:
- Merino Wool
- Cashmere Wool
- Mohair wool
- Alpaca wool
- Camel wool
- Angora wool
- Vicuna wool
- Llama wool
- Qiviut wool
Merino wool
Merino comes from domestic merino sheep and is characterised by its very very soft touch. Fashion designers all over the world love this unique fibre for its excellent quality and feel, and it is they who confirm that nothing can beat the softness of Merino wool when it comes to sheep wool categories.
Cashmere wool
Even though an animal fibre and not specifically wool, Cashmere comes from a rare and unique type of goat which is found in Ladakh. These goats endure temperatures of -40 degrees over altitudes of 15000 feet and grow a fine hair coat on their bodies as a defence mechanism. When summer arrives, this fine hair is procured from their bodies and made into luxury fabric.
Mohair Wool
Mohair wool is the one that we see as long threads used in luxury sweaters, hats and more. It is taken from angora goats and has a graceful and beautiful lustre and fineness. Some call mohair a diamond fibre, as fabric made from it is rich in sheen. Mohair is more expensive when compared to sheep wool, as it is considered a luxury fibre and often compared to Cashmere.
Alpaca Wool
Alpaca wool is a type of animal hair that grows on alpacas. These animals are found in South America and are similar to camels. Alpaca wool can be heavy or light, and this depends on the way it is processed. Hence this variety can be used in making garments as well as carpets and upholstery.
An amazing property of alpaca wool is that its fibres contain small air pockets. These provide comfortable breathability. At the same time, alpaca wool fabric is considered highly insulative as well as one of the warmest animal fibre types.
Camel Wool
Camel wool is usually derived from the Bactrian camel. This is because this type of camel has long and lustrous hair, unlike their counterparts. Like Cashmere goats, the camel grows guard hair and a separate undercoat. The undercoat is soft and is used to make apparel, while the guard hair, being rough, is mostly used by textile industries.
Angora Wool
This wool comes from angora rabbits. Angora fibre is one of the finest fibres in the world. It is fluffy and soft because angora rabbit hairs are hollow. Hence this wool type has better heat retention qualities when compared to its counterparts. Also, angora wool doesn't have allergenic properties inherent to other types of wool. This property makes angora wool the best option for people who are allergic to animal fibre.
Vicuna Wool
An animal from Peru, which is a relative of the Alpaca is called Vicuna. Vicuna wool is the most expensive wool in the world right now. The wool is cherished for its softness, lightweight and graceful natural colour. It is immensely warm, and this is the warmth that regulates the animal's body temperature in the freezing Andean temperature. Vicuna is procured from the animal’s body and used to make luxury fabrics like high-priced sweaters, scarves, throws and wraps.
Qiviut Wool
Qiviut is the inner wool of the musk ox. It is warmer and stronger than sheep wool. Since its main quality is its strength and durability, it is usually used in the making of gloves, hats, and other cold gear essentials.
Also read: WHICH COUNTRY HAS THE BEST CASHMERE?
Why is Cashmere better than Mohair?
A very common comparison is always done between two of the above wool types - Mohair and Cashmere. While Mohair comes from the Angora goats, Cashmere comes from the Changthangi goat found in Ladakh. Here are more differences between the two.
- Both Angora and Cashmere come from goats and not sheep.
- Mohair is shorn with shears from Angora goats (much like sheep wool is shorn), but Cashmere is gently combed off the body of the Cashmere goat with the help of combs.
- Cashmere is much softer than Mohair. Cashmere fibre has a diameter of 12-16 microns, while Mohair is thicker than this.
- Pure and original Cashmere is more expensive than Mohair due to its high quality, finesse and alluring look.
As far as being better is concerned, more individuals believe that Cashmere is better than Mohair. This is because Cashmere being softer is much more suitable for those who have sensitive skin. And while users definitely vote for Cashmere to be used in winter, as well as Spring and Fall, we too believe that if your Cashmere is original and pure, it is the best alternative to any other wool type. Cashmere is heavenly soft, fine and warm, and is hence used to make luxury delicate apparel and accessories. The most famous use of Cashmere is the world-famous Pashmina shawl of Kashmir.
Also read: IS CASHMERE THE SAME AS PASHMINA?