An Overview of Wool Types
An Overview of Wool Types
For centuries, wool has been a staple of fashion—as natural protection against the cold, as a reliable material, and as a stylish companion in everyday life. Hardly any other natural material combines so many qualities: it’s warm, breathable, versatile, and timeless all at once.
Generally speaking , wool is categorized into animal-based and non-animal-based types. In this article, we’re deliberately focusing on the animal-based wools you’ll find in the Bijou les Boutiques collection. We’ll show you what sets them apart and what they’re particularly well-suited for—from classic varieties like virgin wool to fine, luxurious fibers like cashmere. This will give you an overview to help you choose the right wool for your everyday life and your personal style.
An Overview of Wool Types at Bijou
Virgin wool
Virgin wool is the “classic” among wool types. If the label simply says “wool,” it is usually virgin wool. It comes from sheep and is harvested during the first shearing. Thanks to its natural crimp, it provides good insulation, retains its shape over time, and doesn’t lose its shape. You’ll typically find virgin wool in coats, knit sweaters, or blazers.
Warmth: good insulation → ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Temperature regulation: tends to be warming, not regulating → ⭐️⭐️
"Prone to snagging": noticeable → ⭐️⭐️
Price: good value for the money → ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Maintenance: can become matted if not cared for properly, otherwise durable →⭐️⭐️⭐️
Merino wool
Merino wool comes from Merino sheep and is one of the finest types of virgin wool—finer than human hair. It is soft and naturally regulates body temperature by wicking away moisture and retaining heat. Merino is also naturally odor-resistant. This makes it particularly popular not only for everyday wear but also for baby clothes. Ideal for layering, sweaters, (sports) shirts, and fine knits.
Warmth: balancing → ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Temperature regulation: very breathable → ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"Prone to snagging": barely noticeable on the skin → ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Price: mid-range → ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Care requirements: retains shape well , resists wrinkles → ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Cashmere
Cashmere is made from the fine undercoat of the cashmere goat and is considered one of the finest types of wool in the world. The fibers are exceptionally fine and lightweight, yet provide excellent warmth. Cashmere efficiently retains heat without feeling heavy and feels incredibly soft against the skin. It is typically used for sweaters, cardigans, scarves, and luxurious basics.
Warmth: extremely warm → ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Temperature regulation: slightly insulating → ⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Prone to snagging”: luxuriously soft → ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Price: high-priced → ⭐️
Care requirements: delicate , pills when rubbed → ⭐️
Alpaca & Baby Alpaca
Alpaca wool comes from the alpaca and is known for keeping you comfortably warm while remaining light as a feather. “Baby alpaca” refers to the finest fiber quality—not the animal’s age. The material is soft, temperature-regulating, and contains no lanolin (the natural wax found in sheep’s wool), making it well-suited for people with allergies. It is often used for high-quality knitwear, coats, cardigans, and accessories.
Warmth: very warm → ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Temperature regulation: naturally balancing → ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Skin feel: allergy-friendly → ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Price: high-end → ⭐️⭐️
Maintenance: warps in heat → ⭐️⭐️
Mohair
Mohair is made from the hair of the Angora goat and is characterized by its fluffy texture. The fiber is warm, airy, and gives garments volume as well as a subtle sheen. Despite its lightness, mohair provides good insulation but is less effective at regulating temperature. It is typically used for statement knits, oversized sweaters, cardigans, and fashion-forward pieces.
Warmth: light and warm → ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Temperature regulation: limited → ⭐️⭐️
Feel on the skin: fluffy , noticeable → ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Price: high-end segment → ⭐️⭐️
Care requirements: loses fluffiness if not cared for properly → ⭐️⭐️
Caring for Wool
How do I wash wool?
Wool is naturally low-maintenance and needs to be washed much less often than other materials. It’s often enough to air out your wool garment in the fresh air for 1–2 nights after wearing it. If washing is truly necessary, follow this rule: wash gently rather than frequently.
It’s best to wash wool inside out on the wool or hand-wash cycle at a low temperature using special wool detergents. These protect the fibers and prevent them from drying out. Avoid vigorous spinning, hot water, or friction, as these can cause wool to felt. You can also safely leave the fabric softener in the closet.
After washing, lay the garment flat to restore its shape. If you hang it up, you risk your favorite piece stretching out and losing its fit. You should definitely avoid using the dryer.
You can also find more care tips for different types of wool on our blog.
Tips & Tricks
My wool sweater is itchy—what can I do?
Whether your wool garment feels itchy depends on the fineness of the fibers, how it was made, and your skin sensitivity. Fortunately, there are simple solutions:
- Layering: Wearing a thin shirt made of cotton, modal, or silk under a wool garment prevents direct contact with the skin.
- Washing: Washing the item properly can help, as using a gentle wool detergent often makes the wool fibers softer.
- Note on wool: If you have particularly sensitive skin, opt for finer types of wool such as merino, baby alpaca, or cashmere.
Which type of wool is right for you?
Whether it’s light as a feather, temperature-regulating, or exceptionally soft: every type of wool has its own character. What matters isn’t which wool is “the best,” but which one suits you best.
At Bijou, you’ll find a carefully curated selection of wool types that vary in quality, comfort, and intended use. With the right knowledge about the material and how to care for it, wool becomes a true favorite that impresses season after season.
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