Natural Fibers

Wool & Cashmere

Natural warmth that breathes.

Wool, merino, alpaca and cashmere all work the same way: fine natural fibers that trap air to keep you warm while letting moisture escape. Browse every wool piece we carry, from throws and outdoor blankets to winter comforters, then compare the fibers below.

Breathable warmthMoisture-bufferingNaturally resilientCompare the fibers ↓
Wool & Cashmere
Raw wool fiber held in two hands
The Science

Why wool keeps you warm without the clammy feeling

Synthetic fills mostly insulate by trapping dead air. Wool does more: the natural crimp of each fiber builds loft and air pockets, while its keratin protein absorbs moisture vapor into the fiber core. The result is warmth that stays drier and steadier through the night. Every fiber in this family works on the same principle.

1
Crimped air pockets The natural wave of the fiber holds still air. It insulates when the room is cold and lets excess heat escape when you warm up.
2
Moisture buffering Wool can absorb up to about 30% of its own weight in moisture vapor before it feels damp, so the surface stays drier to the touch.
3
Resilient and flame resistant by nature Wool fibers spring back after compression, and wool chars rather than melting the way polyester does.
Inside The Family

Five fibers, five characters

They share the same warmth logic, but each one feels different and suits a different use. The badge on every product tells you which fiber it is made from.

Soft classic warmth

Lamb Wool

Wool from a lamb's early shearings: finer and softer than standard sheep wool, with a gentle drape. It is the everyday workhorse of the family, woven into blankets and throws that breathe well across the seasons.

  • Softer hand feel than standard wool
  • Breathable four-season warmth
  • Weave and wool content vary by product
Best for
Bed and sofa blankets, everyday layering
Care
Hand wash gently or dry clean. Lay flat to dry, away from high heat.
The fine, non-itch wool

Merino Wool

Merino fibers measure about 15–20 microns, compared with 25–40 for standard wool. Fibers this fine bend against the skin instead of prickling, which is why merino can be worn or used next to the skin.

  • Fine 15–20 micron fiber
  • Manages moisture without feeling wet
  • Naturally odor and flame resistant
Best for
Next-to-skin throws, travel and outdoor blankets
Care
Depends on the piece: some merino is dry clean only, some blends are machine washable. Check the product page.
Lofty wool filling

Australian Wool

Used as a filling inside comforters. The crimped fibers build loft without heavy bulk and buffer humidity under the duvet, which is why a wool comforter feels warm but less stuffy than a polyester one.

  • Natural loft that recovers after compression
  • Buffers humidity under the duvet
  • Warm in cold rooms, less overheating
Best for
Winter comforters and duvets
Care
Professional dry cleaning recommended. Air regularly and store dry.
The softest of the family

Cashmere

The fine undercoat fiber of the cashmere goat, commonly around 15–19 microns. Finer fibers flex more easily against the skin, which is where the well-known softness comes from. Cashmere is often blended with other fibers for durability, so check each product for its exact composition.

  • Very soft hand feel and refined drape
  • Light warmth without bulk
  • Often used in blends
Best for
Lightweight throws for beds, sofas and lounging
Care
Wash cold on a gentle cycle or by hand. Avoid bleach and high heat.
Light Andean warmth

Alpaca

Alpaca fiber has a smooth surface and a semi-hollow core that traps warm air, so it feels light for the warmth it gives. It contains little to no lanolin, and many people find it less prickly than sheep wool.

  • Semi-hollow fiber: strong warmth for its weight
  • Little to no lanolin
  • Often blended with wool for structure and durability
Best for
Chunky throws and wearable layers such as ponchos
Care
Hand wash cold with mild detergent, reshape while wet and lay flat to dry.
Compare

The five fibers side by side

A quick way to see which one fits what you are looking for.

FiberFeelWarmthBest forCare
Lamb WoolSoft, classic wool handBreathable, four-seasonBed and sofa blanketsHand wash or dry clean
Merino WoolFine and non-itchAdapts to changing temperaturesThrows, travel, outdoorVaries by blend
Australian WoolLofty filling inside a comforterHigh, for cold nightsWinter comfortersDry clean, air regularly
CashmereThe softest, refined drapeLight warmth, low bulkLounge and bed throwsGentle cold wash
AlpacaSilky, low-prickleVery warm for its weightChunky throws, ponchosHand wash cold, dry flat
Common Questions

What people ask before choosing wool

Which fiber should I choose?
For an everyday bed or sofa blanket, lamb wool is the classic choice. If wool usually feels itchy to you, look at merino, cashmere or alpaca. For a winter duvet, Australian wool filling gives warmth that still breathes. For a light, soft throw, cashmere; for a chunky statement throw or a wearable layer, alpaca.
Why does some wool itch while merino does not?
Itching comes from fiber diameter. Coarse fibers are stiff enough to press into the skin, while fine fibers bend on contact. Merino fibers measure about 15–20 microns, much finer than standard wool, so they bend instead of prickling.
Is wool bedding too hot?
Wool is warm, but it is also breathable. It traps insulating air in cold conditions while letting moisture vapor and excess warmth move through, so it regulates rather than just insulates.
Why does wool feel less clammy than polyester?
Wool's keratin structure absorbs moisture vapor into the fiber core before the surface feels wet. Polyester does not absorb moisture, so the moisture tends to stay close to the body and can feel damp.
Is alpaca warmer than regular wool?
Alpaca is valued for its warmth-to-weight performance: the semi-hollow fibers trap insulating air, so an alpaca piece feels light for how warm it is. It is also typically smoother and lower in lanolin than sheep wool.
Why are some pieces blends rather than 100% one fiber?
Blending can improve structure, durability, weave stability and shape retention, and in some cases makes a piece machine washable. The exact composition is always listed on the product page.
How should I care for wool?
It depends on the piece, so follow the care instructions on the product page. As a general rule: gentle hand washing or dry cleaning, no bleach, no high heat, and lay flat to dry.

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