Cashmere vs wool
Cashmere is softer, lighter and warmer for its weight, but more fragile and costly. Wool is tougher and cheaper.
Choose cashmere
Next-to-skin knits, scarves
Choose wool
Coats, suits, everyday knits
Cashmere
- Warmest for its weight
- Exceptionally soft
- Expensive
- Prone to pilling
- Needs gentle care
Wool
- Stays warm even when damp
- Naturally resists odour and creases
- Felts and shrinks with heat and friction
- Can itch on sensitive skin
| Cashmere | Wool | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Natural animal fibre | Natural animal fibre |
| Made from | The soft undercoat of cashmere goats. | Sheep's fleece. |
| Feel | Very soft, light and warm. | Warm and springy, can feel a little scratchy. |
| Shrinks? | Yes – cashmere shrinks in hot water and the dryer, especially as a knit. Wash at 30 °C and dry without heat. | 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, scarves, coats. | Coats, suits, knitwear, scarves. |
More comparisons
Questions and answers
Frequently asked
01Which is better, cashmere or wool?
Cashmere is softer, lighter and warmer for its weight, but more fragile and costly. Wool is tougher and cheaper.
02Which is more breathable?
About the same.
03Which creases less?
Wool creases less.