Sheep breeds and their wool: The ultimate guide to the softest natural fibre in the world
Merino wool vs. other sheep breeds: Which wool is the softest? Everything you need to know about wool quality and making the right choice for your needs.
Imagine being able to choose the perfect wool for your needs – as soft as silk, but robust enough for everyday use. Nature has given us a wide range of wool qualities from different breeds of sheep, from ultra-fine luxury wool to hard-wearing fibres for everyday use.
What actually makes sheep's wool soft? The answer lies in the details – more specifically, in the fibre diameter, measured in microns. The finer the fibre, the softer it feels against your skin. But as with many things in life, there is a trade-off: extreme softness often comes with higher maintenance requirements and lower durability. Let's dive into the fascinating world of sheep breeds and discover which wool is best suited for which purpose.
Ultra-fine luxury wool: the kings of softness (under 20 microns)
Merino – The undisputed champion
When we talk about the softest wool in the world, there is no getting around merino wool. With a fibre diameter of only 15–20 microns, this breed of sheep sets the gold standard for luxury wool. Centuries of selective breeding have turned the originally Spanish merino sheep into a true miracle fibre machine.
What makes merino wool so special? Its ultra-fine structure not only ensures an incomparably soft feel, but also outstanding functional properties. Merino wool is naturally temperature-regulating, breathable and odour-resistant.
The price for this perfection? Merino sheep breeds require significantly more care and are more susceptible to parasites. In addition, wool production per animal is lower than for coarse-wool breeds.
Fine wool: The golden mean (20-25 microns)
Rambouillet – French elegance meets robustness
The Rambouillet breed perfectly embodies the compromise between luxury and practicality. Bred as a French line of Merino, this wool achieves almost Merino-level softness, but offers slightly more durability.
Polwarth – The best of both worlds
Here's where it gets interesting: Polwarth sheep were created by deliberately crossing Merino and Lincoln sheep. The result? A silky, fine wool with longer fibres that is excellent for spinning and produces supple, durable fabrics.
Medium wool: The all-rounders (25-31 microns)
Corriedale – The versatile favourite
Corriedale wool is the Volkswagen of sheep's wool – reliable, versatile and suitable for almost any purpose. This cross between Merino and Lincoln produces a medium-soft wool that is ideal for jumpers, blankets and knitwear.
The big advantage: high wool yields per animal and excellent spinnability. The minor disadvantage: it can be a little scratchy for very sensitive skin.
Romney – Brilliant Strength
Romney wool impresses with its natural sheen and exceptional durability. The strong, long fibres are ideal for carpets, warm blankets and robust outerwear. Not the softest option, but practically indestructible.
Coarse wool: The powerhouses (32–40+ microns)
Scottish Blackface – As robust as the Scottish Highlands
This wool is the complete opposite of merino – and that's a good thing! Scottish Blackface sheep produce a very coarse, scratchy wool that is perfectly suited to the harsh Scottish climate. This wool is ideal for traditional tweed, hard-wearing rugs and felt products.
Karakul – The Specialists
Karakul sheep from dry climates produce coarse, often crimped wool with a character all of its own. Ideal for special applications such as carpet weaving and felting.
The world of sheep's wool is as diverse as it is fascinating. While merino wool dominates the luxury sector and is unbeatable for clothing and footwear worn next to the skin, coarser types of wool also have their place and advantages.
The rule of thumb is simple:
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Luxury and skin comfort: merino and fine wools
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Versatility: Medium wools such as Corriedale
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Durability: Coarse wools for robust applications
When choosing your next wool garment, remember: every fibre tells a story – from careful breeding and traditional craftsmanship to the final product.
Discover the difference for yourself: try out different wool qualities and feel how ultra-fine merino wool feels against your skin. For example, in high-quality running shoes such as our WOOL PEAK – for the perfect combination of comfort, functionality and natural temperature regulation.
Ready for your own merino experience? Discover our shoes and feel the difference that genuine quality makes.
