Exploring Natural Wools Used in Sweaters

Each region has its own characteristics, but the chart below shows a reference comparison of natural wool prices currently used in sweaters. The chart below compares the price and warmth of different natural wools.

Among all natural wools, the most expensive and rare is Vicuña Wool. Vicuña wool comes from the high Andes (Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina) at altitudes of 3,200–4,800 meters. The vicuña is a wild South American camelid. Its body length is about 1.5 meters, with a shoulder height of around 90 cm, making it smaller and more delicate than llamas or alpacas. It has soft golden-brown fur, a slender long neck, and a small head.

In textiles, vicuña fiber is mainly used for luxury yarns. It is considered one of the finest and softest natural animal fibers in the world, often called the “Diamond of Fibers.” It is extremely lightweight and provides excellent warmth, making it ideal for high-end sweaters.

Additionally, Shetland Wool is unique in that it is named after a specific region in the UK. Produced from sheep raised in the Shetland Islands, this wool is tough and coarse, available in various natural colors, and traditionally used to make multi-colored sweaters.

Representative Types of Wool Used in Sweaters as follows

Merino Sweater Wool Merino Sheep Very soft and fine, excellent warmth and breathability Australia, New Zealand

Cashmere Sweater Wool Cashmere Goat Lightweight, warm, luxurious texture Kashmir (India), Mongolia, China

Alpaca Sweater Wool Alpaca Soft, durable, available in many colors Peru, Bolivia

Shetland Sweater Wool Shetland Sheep Strong and coarse, widely used in traditional knitwear Shetland Islands, UK

Mohair Sweater Wool Angora Goat Lustrous and durable South Africa, Turkey

Camel Sweater Wool Camel Excellent insulation, used for blankets and coats Mongolia, China

Yak Sweater Wool Yak Thick, warm, highly durable Tibet, Mongolia

Qiviut Sweater Wool Musk Ox Softer and warmer than cashmere, very rare Alaska, Canada

Wool in Human History

Throughout history, humans have used the hair and wool of various animals to survive cold climates. Depending on the region, environmental conditions shaped which animals were raised and which fibers were spun into yarn for clothing, especially sweaters.

Each type of wool differs in origin, animal characteristics, and fiber structure, resulting in variations in texture, warmth, durability, and price. Today, the rarer the wool, the higher its brand value and price, making it a preferred material for luxury knitwear and sweaters.

Finding the Right Natural Wool for Your Sweater

Sweater materials are not just about warmth—they vary greatly depending on origin, animal traits, and fiber quality.

Everyday sweaters: Merino, Alpaca

Luxury knitwear sweaters: Cashmere, Vicuña, Qiviut

The rarer the wool, the higher its prestige and price, ensuring that sweaters made from these fibers become premium fashion items.