We often get asked what the difference is between Cashmere and Merino, so here are your questions answered. 

 

Will cashmere ever make me feel itchy?
Put simply, no. Cashmere is 100% hypoallergenic. Unlike other wools, like Merino, it has no lanolin which is what can cause an itchy reaction. 

 

What's warmer, cashmere or merino?
Cashmere is the superior material when it comes to keeping you warm and cool simultaneously. In fact, it can be up to seven times warmer. This is because of the insulating qualities from the cashmere goats. They're built to withstand the most extreme of temperatures; the bitter cold and blistering heat. 

Is there a difference in softness?
Yes. Cashmere is much softer and more luxurious against the skin because it's made of a higher loft than Merino. A single fibre of cashmere is six times finer than human hair, so it creates a soft and super delicate feel.

 

Why is cashmere considered more luxurious than Merino? 

Cashmere can only be harvested once a season, so the supply is much more limited. Hence, it's an exclusive, more sought after material. 

 

Is the process of extracting the wool the same for Cashmere and Merino? 

No, it's quite different. Merino is shaved from the Merino sheep, whereas Cashmere is combed off the bellies of Cashmere goats. The fibres shed each season anyway, so the farmers will capture them with their speciality combs at just the right time.