Wool vs Merino Wool
What’s the Real Difference?
When people say “wool,” they often mean many different things.
Some imagine something warm and comforting.
Others think of something itchy, heavy, or difficult to care for.
In reality, wool is not a single material — it’s a category.
And within it, merino wool stands out as something quite different.
Understanding the difference doesn’t require technical knowledge.
It simply helps you choose materials that feel right for how you want to make — and how you want to live with what you make.
What Is Wool?
Wool is a natural fiber that comes from the fleece of sheep.
It has been used for centuries because of its unique properties:
- warmth without heaviness
- breathability
- elasticity and resilience
- natural temperature regulation
Wool keeps you warm in winter, but it also releases heat and moisture, which is why it doesn’t feel suffocating when worn or worked with.
However, not all wool feels the same.
The texture, softness, and comfort of wool depend on:
- the breed of sheep
- how fine the fibers are
- how the wool is processed
This is where merino wool comes in.
What Makes Merino Wool Different?
Merino wool comes from Merino sheep, a breed known for producing exceptionally fine fibers.
The key difference lies in fiber thickness.
- Standard wool fibers are thicker
- Merino wool fibers are much finer and more flexible
Because of this, merino wool:
- feels softer against the skin
- bends more easily, causing less irritation
- is often suitable for people who think they “can’t wear wool”
This is why merino is commonly used for:
- garments worn close to the skin
- scarves, hats, and sweaters
- projects where comfort matters as much as warmth
Merino wool keeps all the benefits of wool, but with a gentler touch.
Comfort Is Not Just Softness
Softness is important — but comfort is more than that.
Merino wool is also:
- highly breathable
- good at regulating body temperature
- naturally odor resistant
This means items made with merino often feel comfortable for longer periods of time, and across a wider range of conditions.
For makers, this translates to:
- a pleasant knitting or stitching experience
- fabric that drapes more smoothly
- finished pieces that people reach for again and again
What About Care?
Traditionally, wool requires gentle handling.
But modern processing has expanded what wool can be.
Some merino yarns, such as Superwash Merino, are treated to be machine washable while maintaining softness and elasticity.
At Itoma, this balance is something we value deeply.
For example, we carry carefully produced merino yarns from Daruma, where attention is paid not only to fiber quality, but to how the yarn will actually be used and cared for in daily life.
Good materials respect the reality of how people live.
Which One Should You Choose?
There is no “better” choice — only a more suitable one.
Choose wool if you want:
- structure and durability
- classic texture
- projects like outerwear, bags, or sturdy accessories
Choose merino wool if you want:
- softness against the skin
- garments or accessories worn daily
- a gentler knitting experience
Sometimes, the decision isn’t about skill level.
It’s about how you want the finished piece to feel in your life.
Choosing with Intention
At Itoma, we don’t see materials as interchangeable.
Each fiber carries a different rhythm, a different experience, and a different relationship with time.
Understanding these differences allows you to choose more intentionally — and to make things you’ll want to keep, care for, and return to.
When you know what you’re working with,
the act of making becomes quieter, easier, and more enjoyable.
And that, to us, is where good craft begins.
