Natural Fibre Knitwear: A Decision Guide

The Differences Between Fibres

Each natural fibre brings its own qualities to knitwear, from softness and warmth to durability and care needs. Here’s how they differ:

• Merino: The wool from Merino sheep is known for being especially soft, breathable and comfortable against the skin.
• Lambswool: Collected at a lamb’s first shearing.
• Cashmere–merino: This beautiful blend combines the characteristics of both fibres in one yarn.
• Cashmere: Comes from the fine undercoat of cashmere goats, rather than sheep. It’s valued for its softness and warmth relative to its weight.

This is a general guide but the feel and care of knitwear can vary widely depending on weight, construction and the specific garment.

What Makes Each Feel So Different?

Fibre diameter, fibre length and construction are all key factors in how a garment feels.

Fibre diameter is measured in microns, one-thousandth of a millimetre. Finer fibres generally bend more easily against the skin, contributing to a softer feel. This helps us to understand whether a jumper is likely to feel itchy and how smooth it will feel against your skin.

Fibre length influences how fibres are spun into yarn. Longer fibres can help create stronger yarns, but pilling and durability also depend on yarn construction, finishing and wear. Length and diameter are separate characteristics: longer fibres aren’t necessarily thicker.

How a garment is constructed can make two jumpers made from the same material feel completely different. A fine, closely knitted fabric may feel smoother, while a chunky knit can have a fuller, more textured feel.

Thickness alone doesn’t establish durability, and an open knit isn’t automatically itchier. The diameter of the fibre ends touching your skin, along with the yarn and finishing, influences comfort.

If comfort against the skin is a concern:

• Try a jumper with a finer, smoother knit.
• Choose a jumper made from finer fibres, such as those found in fine cashmere or Merino.
• Consider a lightweight layer underneath, like a T-shirt.

One important note: skin sensitivity varies dramatically. Neither cashmere nor merino wool guarantees they will not itch but finer fibres are a useful starting point.

For more guidance, read our jumpers that don’t itch article. 

Choosing The Right Fibre For Every Occasion

Cashmere

Cashmere is used for jumpers that feel soft against the skin, from fine, lightweight layers to substantial knits. It’s valued for its warmth relative to weight and supple drape. Cashmere can pill, but this depends on fibre selection, yarn construction and wear, rather than an assumption that its fibres are short. It needs gentle care and can suit both layering and everyday wear.

Wool

Wool is the more traditional fibre, found in everything from chunky winter jumpers to everyday knits. Wool is naturally springy and bouncy, helping jumpers keep their shape and stay warm. Durability, comfort and care needs vary with the fibres and construction. Coarser fibres can feel prickly against the skin.

When comparing wool and cashmere, look at garments of a similar weight and construction. A chunky wool jumper may be warmer than a lightweight cashmere knit, but that doesn’t establish which fibre is warmer in every garment.

Our Women’s Finest Midweight Cashmere Crew Neck Jumper uses 100% A-grade Mongolian cashmere, while the Women’s Wool High Neck Jumper uses 100% lambswool. Their different necklines and shapes matter alongside the materials.

Merino Wool

Merino is a type of wool whose fine fibres can suit soft, smooth, and lightweight knits. It’s popular for base layers, fitted pullovers, and smart-casual styles that need to be comfortable against bare skin. Merino can absorb and release moisture vapour, contributing to comfort across changing conditions. Although fine Merino is generally finer than coarser sheep’s wool, individual yarns can still contain coarser fibres, so if you have sensitive skin, check the details before you buy.

Read more in our Merino wool material guide.

Lambswool

Lambswool is often spun into fuller, fluffier yarns, giving jumpers a cushioned feel. These knits can be soft and warm, with a relaxed, slightly textured look similar to conventional wool. Lambswool jumpers work well in chunkier styles that feel substantial but stay comfortable, making them a favourite for cold weather.

A Blend of Fibres

Blending fibres lets us combine their different qualities into a single fabric. When we blend cashmere with merino wool, cashmere adds softness and drape, while merino adds elasticity that helps knitwear retain its shape.

Our Women’s Cashmere Merino High Neck Jumper combines 70% Merino wool with 30% Mongolian cashmere in a chunky knit with folded cuffs.

The Men’s Cashmere Merino Stand Neck Jumper uses the same proportions, with a structured stand collar and ribbed trims. Composition helps explain the material; the cut determines how you’ll wear it.

Why Do We Wear Wool in Winter?

Wool, lambswool, merino wool, and cashmere can all provide useful warmth during the winter.

Insulation is what keeps you warm. Think of it as the jumper’s ability to trap air and slow heat loss. Breathability, on the other hand, allows moisture vapour to pass through the fabric. These fibres can also absorb and release moisture vapour, which is different from wicking liquid sweat away from the skin.

Our guide to moisture-wicking and breathability explains the difference.

Warmth depends on the knit’s weight, how it’s constructed, the fit, and what you layer underneath or over it. If you’re moving between chilly streets and heated spaces, choose layers you can add or remove easily rather than one large thick coat or jumper.

Natural fibres like wool, cashmere, and merino are great at balancing warmth and breathability, but synthetics have their place too. Some synthetic knits dry much faster or feel lighter. The best choice depends on what you need for your day.

How To Care For Your Knitwear

Caring for knitwear doesn’t have to be difficult, but you should treat each garment differently. We suggest following the care label on each garment.

For example, our Men’s Fine Merino 1/4 Zip permits a wool cycle, while the lambswool high-neck specifies cool hand washing.

Air knitwear between wears when it isn’t dirty. When washing is permitted:

1. Use wool detergent and avoid rubbing or wringing.
2. Support the wet garment, reshape it and dry flat so it doesn’t stretch.
3. Store your knitwear folded using an anti-moth bag to help guard against moths.
4. Remove pills carefully with a suitable tool such as a cashmere comb, rather than pulling them away.

See our Merino care guide and cashmere care guide for more details.

What Should You Choose?

If you’re looking for a soft winter jumper, start with fine Merino for smooth layering or lambswool for fuller winter shapes. Consider cashmere for softness and warmth relative to its weight and cashmere–Merino for a blend of both.

That’s where the choice becomes yours.

For women, our Cashmere-Merino High Neck Jumper is a soft, substantial option for everyday wear. Made from 70% Merino wool and 30% Mongolian cashmere, it has a relaxed fit, dropped shoulders and folded cuffs.

For men, try our Fine Merino 1/4 Zip Jumper. Its 100% Merino wool knit has a regular fit with ribbed trims, while the zip neckline lets you wear it open or fastened.