Acrylic vs wool
Acrylic is cheap, machine-washable and won't felt, but pills and feels sweaty. Wool breathes, stays warm when damp and lasts longer.
Choose acrylic
A cheap, often-washed knit
Choose wool
Warmth and longevity
Acrylic
- Cheap, light and warm
- Machine-washable, won't felt like wool
- Pills a lot
- Static and sweaty
Wool
- Stays warm even when damp
- Naturally resists odour and creases
- Felts and shrinks with heat and friction
- Can itch on sensitive skin
| Acrylic | Wool | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Synthetic | Natural animal fibre |
| Made from | Petroleum (polyacrylonitrile). | Sheep's fleece. |
| Feel | Warm, fluffy and wool-like. | Warm and springy, can feel a little scratchy. |
| Shrinks? | No – acrylic hardly shrinks, unless washed or ironed very hot. | Yes, for good: heat, temperature shocks and friction don't just shrink wool – they felt it. Cool water, a gentle cycle and drying flat only. |
| Used for | Sweaters, hats, scarves. | Coats, suits, knitwear, scarves. |
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Questions and answers
Frequently asked
01Which is better, acrylic or wool?
Acrylic is cheap, machine-washable and won't felt, but pills and feels sweaty. Wool breathes, stays warm when damp and lasts longer.
02Which is more breathable?
Wool breathes better.
03Which creases less?
About the same.