Merino and cashmere both feel soft, but they are different fibres. Merino comes from the merino sheep; cashmere is obtained from the soft undercoat of cashmere goats. How warm, strong or supple a sweater ultimately is depends not only on the fibre, but also on yarn, thickness and knit structure. The best choice therefore depends mainly on the specific garment and how you want to wear it.
Two fibres, two characters
Merino wool generally consists of relatively fine wool fibres and is therefore often experienced as softer than coarser wool. Cashmere fibres are very fine and give a different, often softer feel. Pilling, shape retention and wear, however, depend strongly on fibre length, yarn construction, knit density and use. So you cannot predict from the fibre name alone how long a garment will stay beautiful.
The comparison in one table
| Property | Merino wool | Cashmere |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Merino sheep | Cashmere goat |
| Feel | Soft and supple, hardly itchy | Very soft and fine |
| Warmth | Warmth depends on thickness and knit structure | Can feel very warm at low weight |
| Durability | Often resilient, but quality differs per yarn | Can be more sensitive to friction; quality differs per yarn |
| Care | Always follow the label | Always follow the label |
| Price | Price varies by quality and product | Often priced higher, but differs per product |
| Suits | Suitable for many different moments | Suitable for many different moments |
Woollen knitwear does not need to be washed after every wear if it is still clean and fresh. Let it air first and, when washing and storing, follow the care label of the specific garment.
When do you choose merino?
The Trenton in black is a merino polo with a relaxed-fit shape. The current product advice indicates that the style falls generously and that you can choose one size smaller than usual. That makes Trenton a good example of why fibre and fit are two separate things: merino says something about the material, not about how tight or roomy the garment falls. You can read more on our page about merino wool.
When do you choose cashmere?
If you want to combine the feel of cashmere with wool, Augusta in cream is an example of an open-knit wool and cashmere polo. So it is not a pure cashmere product, but a blend. The open-knit structure also has a lot of influence on how light and airy the garment feels. Read more on our page about cashmere.
A blend is often the sensible middle way
A wool and cashmere blend can give a different feel and structure than 100% wool or 100% cashmere. How soft or durable the blend is depends on the percentages and on the yarn and knit used.
A wool cardigan as a third layer
Wool does not always have to be a sweater. Maximilian in beige is a regular-fit wool cardigan with extra-fine merino wool. Thanks to the cardigan construction, it works well as an extra layer over a shirt. That is a different use than Trenton, which is worn as a polo.
An alternative without wool
If you would rather not have woollen knit, a fibre such as lyocell is another option. Veronique in light grey is a fine-knit cardigan with a slim-fit shape. It feels and drapes differently from wool or cashmere and therefore really belongs in a different material category. You can read more on our page about lyocell.
How to care for wool and cashmere
- Air first. Do not automatically wash after every wear if the garment is still clean and fresh.
- Check the label. Each product has its own temperature, programme and drying instructions.
- Use a suitable detergent. For wool, a wool detergent is generally advised.
- Do not wring. Remove excess water gently if the care advice asks for it.
- Dry as indicated. Much woollen knitwear is dried flat to limit stretching.
- Store according to the product advice. Many knits keep their shape better when stored folded.
How to recognise quality in the shop
Always look at the label first. That states the percentage of fibres, and that tells you more than a product name. A sweater called 'wool' may consist largely of other fibres. Then feel the fabric: it should be resilient and spring back into shape after being squeezed. Gently pull on a piece of knit and see whether it springs back. Finally, look at the seams at the shoulders and the ribbing at neck and cuffs. With neatly finished knitwear they lie flat and even.
How do you choose based on your wardrobe?
First look at what you are missing: a polo, a cardigan or a sweater. Only then compare material, fit and care. Merino is not automatically the everyday choice and cashmere is not automatically only for special moments. The specific style ultimately determines much more. For more choice, see knitwear for Men.
Shop the look
Trenton: open merino wool polo, black
Augusta: open-knit wool and cashmere polo, cream
Maximilian: wool cardigan with business cut, beige
Veronique: fine-knit lyocell cardigan, light grey
Frequently asked questions
Is merino or cashmere warmer?
That cannot be deduced from the fibre alone. Thickness, yarn and knit structure determine how much warmth a garment holds.
Which of the two is less itchy?
Cashmere and fine merino can both feel soft. Sensitivity differs per person and per yarn.
Does cashmere pill faster than merino?
Cashmere can pill, but how quickly that happens depends on fibre length, yarn, knit structure and friction. Merino can pill too.
Can I return a sweater that does not fit?
Yes. See the current conditions on our returns page.
