Cashmere vs Merino Wool: Which Is Better for Knitwear?

When shopping for quality knitwear, two fibres come up again and again: cashmere and merino wool. Both are natural, luxurious and beloved by fashion insiders — but they are not the same. Understanding the differences between cashmere and merino wool can help you choose the right piece for your lifestyle, your climate and your budget.

Here is an honest, side-by-side comparison of two of the finest fibres in knitwear.

Where They Come From

Cashmere is harvested from the soft undercoat of cashmere goats, primarily raised in Mongolia, China and parts of Central Asia. Each goat produces only about 150 grams of usable fibre per year, which is why cashmere is rare and commands a premium price.

Merino wool comes from merino sheep, originally bred in Spain but now raised primarily in Australia and New Zealand. Merino sheep produce significantly more fibre per animal, making it more abundant and accessible — though high-grade merino is still considered a luxury material.

Softness and Feel

This is where cashmere has traditionally held the crown. Cashmere fibres are extremely fine — typically 14 to 19 microns in diameter — giving them that unmistakable buttery softness against the skin. It is the fibre you reach for when comfort is the top priority.

Merino wool fibres range from about 17 to 24 microns. Superfine merino (under 18 microns) comes remarkably close to cashmere in softness, and some people genuinely cannot tell the difference in a blind touch test. Standard merino is slightly less silky but still far softer than regular wool.

Warmth and Insulation

Both fibres are excellent insulators, but they work differently:

• Cashmere is roughly three times more insulating than sheep's wool by weight. It traps air in its fine fibres, creating a lightweight layer of warmth. This makes it ideal for slim-fitting sweaters that keep you warm without bulk.
• Merino wool is also highly insulating and has the added advantage of being better at regulating temperature. Merino actively wicks moisture away from the body, so it keeps you warm in the cold and cool when temperatures rise. It is the more versatile choice for variable climates.

Durability and Longevity

This is where merino wool pulls ahead. Merino fibres are naturally more resilient and elastic than cashmere. They bounce back from stretching, resist wrinkles and hold their shape through repeated wear.

Cashmere, while exquisitely soft, is more delicate. It is more prone to pilling, especially in areas of friction like the underarms and sides. With careful maintenance — hand washing, proper storage and occasional de-pilling — a quality cashmere sweater can last for decades. But it does require more attention than merino.

Pilling

All natural fibres pill to some degree, but cashmere is particularly susceptible. The short, fine fibres that make cashmere so soft also make it more likely to form those small surface balls with wear. Higher-quality cashmere (longer staple fibres, tighter knit gauge) pills less, but it is rarely avoidable entirely.

Merino wool pills less than cashmere, especially when tightly knit. If low maintenance is important to you, merino is the more forgiving choice.

Weight and Versatility

Cashmere is lighter by volume, making it perfect for layering. A cashmere cardigan slips effortlessly under a coat without adding bulk. It also drapes beautifully, giving garments an elegant, fluid silhouette.

Merino wool is slightly heavier but more structurally versatile. It can be knitted into everything from fine-gauge dress sweaters to chunky cable knits, and it holds its shape better in structured designs. It is also more resistant to odour, which makes it a favourite for travel wardrobes.

Price

Cashmere is significantly more expensive than merino wool — typically two to four times the price for comparable garments. This premium reflects the scarcity of the fibre and the labour-intensive harvesting process.

Merino offers outstanding quality at a more accessible price point. For everyday luxury, it is arguably the better value.

Sustainability

Both fibres are natural, biodegradable and renewable. However, cashmere production has come under environmental scrutiny due to overgrazing by cashmere goats, which has contributed to desertification in parts of Mongolia and China.

Merino wool production generally has a lower environmental impact, particularly when sourced from farms with responsible land management practices. Both fibres last much longer than synthetic alternatives, reducing the need for frequent replacement.

So Which Should You Choose?

There is no single right answer — it depends on what matters most to you:

• Choose cashmere if you prioritise supreme softness, lightweight warmth and a luxurious feel for special occasions or indoor layering.
• Choose merino wool if you want durability, temperature regulation, easy care and versatility for everyday wear across seasons.
• Choose a blend if you want the best of both worlds. Cashmere-merino blends offer the softness of cashmere with the resilience of merino at a mid-range price.

Browse our sweater collection to explore pieces crafted from premium natural fibres — designed to feel as good on your tenth wear as your first.