Merino Wool vs Cashmere: Which Knitwear Is Worth It?
Compare merino wool and cashmere on softness, warmth, durability, pilling, care and price, and learn how to choose the right knitwear for your needs.
Key takeaways
- Cashmere is softer, lighter and very warm for its weight, but it is less durable and pills more.
- Merino is tougher, stretchier, easier to care for and usually cheaper.
- For everyday and active wear choose merino. For a soft, luxurious layer choose cashmere.
Merino wool and cashmere are both animal fibres used for premium knitwear, and shoppers often have to choose between them. They share a soft feel and good warmth, but they come from different animals and behave differently over time.
Where each fibre comes from
Merino wool comes from the fleece of merino sheep, a breed known for fine, soft wool. Cashmere comes from the soft undercoat of cashmere goats, which grow it to keep warm in cold climates. Each goat produces only a small amount of usable undercoat each year, which is one reason cashmere costs more.
Fibre fineness
Fibre thickness is measured in microns, which are millionths of a metre. Finer fibres feel softer and less prickly. Cashmere is generally finer, usually in the range of about 14 to 19 microns. Fine merino commonly falls between about 15 and 24 microns, so the best merino can approach cashmere in softness.
Side by side
| Property | Merino wool | Cashmere |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Merino sheep fleece | Cashmere goat undercoat |
| Softness | Soft, especially fine grades | Very soft |
| Warmth for weight | High | Very high |
| Durability | Good, with natural elasticity | Lower, as fibres are fine and delicate |
| Pilling | Moderate | Tends to pill more |
| Moisture and odour | Manages moisture and resists odour | Similar, but less often used next to skin for sport |
| Care | Easier, some are machine washable | Gentle hand wash or careful cycle |
| Price | Moderate | Higher |
When to choose merino
- Base layers, socks and activewear, where moisture management and durability matter.
- Everyday sweaters that you will wear and wash often.
- When you want warm clothing at a lower price.
When to choose cashmere
- A soft, lightweight sweater, scarf or wrap for dressier use.
- Layering under a coat, where weight and bulk matter.
- When you will care for the garment gently and wear it occasionally.
How to buy better knitwear
- Read the fibre content. A label that says cashmere blend may contain only a small share of cashmere.
- Look for a dense, even knit. Thin, loose knits wear out faster.
- Check that the fabric springs back when you gently stretch it.
- Choose longer fibres where stated, because they pill less.
Care for both
Both fibres felt and shrink when exposed to heat, water and rubbing together. Wash them gently in cool water, press out the water and dry them flat. Our step-by-step guide on how to wash wool and cashmere covers the process, and our natural fabrics comparison explains how wool differs from cotton and linen.
