Merino Wool vs Wool vs Alpaca: Difference and Comparison
Wool is not just wool. This is the unique thing about life. Even among the same tribes, the same societies, and the same fabric categories, there are differences. These differences make everything unique and interesting. Unfortunately, the cost is different as well.
One of the differences that should be well known by now is that merino wool comes from a specific breed of sheep, regular wool comes from a variety of sheep, and alpaca wool comes from a camel-like animal called alpaca. What they have in common is that these different wools keep you nice and warm.
To learn more about the differences between these styles of wool, just continue to read our article. It has the information you want to know about as wool is just not wool. It is a unique fabric with many great varieties.
Wool vs Alpaca 101
Wool vs Merino Wool
There are those people who have said that if you have seen one you have seen them all. It doesn’t matter the object. All they are saying is that everything is the same to them and they miss out on those differences which makes what may be the same object unique.
The same applies to wool. Some people will say that wool is wool but they would be missing out on what makes those different types of wool fabric unique. For example, merino wool is finer than regular sheep’s wool.
That characteristic means that merino wool will be of higher quality, smoother against the skin, and possibly warmer in the winter. In other words, people will miss out on those little extras that merino wool brings to their lives just because they think that all wool is just wool.
What is The Difference Between Lambswool And Merino Wool?
Believe it or not, there are some differences between wool and merino wool. If you do not have the time to read our article right now, you can see those differences in this handy quick comparison chart.
Then skim down to see our second quick comparison chart to make sure you get more differences between the wool types.
| Category | Wool | Merino Wool |
| Animal source | All types of sheep, rabbits and other animals | Merino sheep only |
| Texture | Rough at times | Soft and finer than regular wool |
| Feel | Can be very itchy | Not itchy at all |
| Weight | Can be heavyweight | Lightweight |
| Stretch | Maybe a little stretch | More than regular wool |
| Strength | Durable, strong | Maybe a little more durable and stronger than regular wool |
| Thickness | Fluffy | Smooth |
| Laundry care | May be washed carefully but not always | Needs dry cleaning |
| Base layer | Best for outer layers | Best for base layer |
Is Merino Wool Warmer Than Normal Wool?
This may be a difficult question to answer as both types of wool come with a lot of warmth factor built into the fibers. But if we had to say which one is warmer we would go with regular wool.
There are reasons for making that statement. First, regular wool is good as an outer layer because it has great insulation powers even when wet. Second, merino wool is recommended to be worn in the summer to keep the heat away.
Third, it breathes better than regular wool and makes for a great base layer whereas regular wool is not good as a base layer. Where merino wool tops regular wool in this category is that it dries quicker and wicks away moisture better.
Both are good qualities that keep you warm but do not match up to wool’s warmth ability. A combination of both in your layers would be ideal.
Is Alpaca Warmer Than Merino Wool?
One of the big differences between these two types of wool is that alpaca fibers are hollow and merino wool’s fibers are not. This difference allows the alpaca type of wool to repel water and retain heat.
That would make alpaca wool warmer than merino wool. Then with that ability to repel water, the alpaca version doesn't get as wet as the merino option. The cold air will have a tough time getting through that drier layer.
One thing about this feature is that merino wool will attract different odors over time through different means. Because it soaks up moisture, you can smell like a brewery, gas station, or have perspiration odor issues with merino wool.
Since alpaca wool resists those bad-smelling liquids, it remains fresher longer helping you to make a great impression. Then alpaca wool doesn’t wrinkle that much saving you from doing an additional chore.
Wool vs Alcapa
One of the biggest differences between regular wool and this newer version of wool material is that the latter type does not come with lanolin. Regular wool has lots of this natural ingredient and that is the main source for wool being so itchy.
It is also why regular wool is not considered to be hypoallergenic while alpaca wool is considered to be hypoallergenic. Some wool fabric makers try to do what is called superwash the regular wool to remove the lanolin and to make it more hypoallergenic.
But that superwash is done with synthetic chemicals that may be toxic and harmful to your health. They are certainly harmful to the environment. Then alpaca wool is a lot softer than regular wool making it a great fabric to have next to your skin.
You could say that alpaca wool is an upgrade over merino and regular wool
What is The Difference Between Alpaca And Wool?
Here is our second quick comparison chart to help you see that there really is a difference between the many wool types:
| Category | Alpaca wool | Regular wool |
| Animal | The Alpaca | Different sheep, goats, rabbits and other animals |
| Fibers | Hollow | Solid |
| Moisture absorption | Repels water | Can absorb up to 50% of its weight |
| Warmth factor | Very warm due to the hollow fibers | Only has air pockets so not as warm as alpaca |
| Strength | Stronger than wool | Strong but not as strong as alpaca fibers |
| Softness | Very soft, shouldn’t irritate your skin | Can be very rough and irritate some people’s skin |
| Itchy | Not itchy | Can be very itchy |
| Natural ingredients | Free of dander and lanolin which trigger allergic reactions | Contains both dander and lanolin |
| Laundry care | Doesn’t attract dust so easier to keep clean | A little harder to clean than alpaca |
Is Alpaca Warmer Than Wool?
Yes, alpaca is warmer than wool. It is said that alpaca wool can provide you with about a 50-degree comfort range when the temperature hits 0 degrees F. At the same temperature level, regular wool will provide you with only about a 30-degree comfort range.
That 20-degree makes a big difference when it is cold outside. The reason for this difference is in how the wool fibers are constructed. As you already know alpaca wool is made up of hollow fibers that help repel water and retain heat.
Regular wool comes with solid fibers that absorb moisture and only has air pockets to trap the heat and insulate you against the cold. While still good those air pockets do not cover the wool sweater as alpaca fibers can.
That coverage makes all the difference when you want to go out into the cold air.
Is Alpaca Itchy Like Wool?
No, alpaca is not itchy like wool. Those hollow fibers are not like regular sheep’s wool which may have loose fibers or barbs sticking into your skin. Plus, the lack of lanolin makes alpaca wool softer to the touch than regular wool would be.
The only factor that would change all of that would be how many microns thick the alpaca fibers would be. A micron is how fibers are measured and it applies to their diameter, not their length.
To understand what a micron is, it is equal to one-millionth of a meter. The smaller the micron measurement the finer the wool fiber and the less itchy it will be. For superfine alpaca wool, the micron measurement is 20.
If it is at 18 then you have upgraded to an even finer version of alpaca wool. To cut down on the itch of regular wool, try to buy it in smaller micron widths.
Is Alpaca Softer Than Wool?
Yes, alpaca is softer than wool and again it is due to the differences between the width of the fibers as well as the hollow construction of those fibers. Then some of the difference in softness comes from how smooth those fibers are in comparison to sheep’s wool.
It is said that alpaca wool can be almost as soft as cashmere but not as soft as merino wool. But the level of softness depends on the width of the fibers. In other words, if the regular or merino wool varieties measure between 20 and 30 microns and the alpaca measures only 18, then the alpaca wool will be softer.
The reverse is true as well. If you want softness in any type of wool, you have to buy the version that comes with the smallest micron width. Some merino wool products do measure lower than 18.
Alpaca vs Wool Yarn
One aspect that makes alpaca yarn better than regular wool yarn is its strength. The former option is stronger and said to have higher tensile strength than regular wool. But that is not the only difference that makes alpaca yarn better than regular wool yarn.
The alpaca wicks away moisture better, is lighter and it does not come with that prickle factor regular wool is known for. Also, the alpaca yarn should breathe better, be more hypoallergenic as well as more antimicrobial defenses.
Then the alpaca yarn should repel water and not absorb it like regular wool can. Both yarns should be flame resistant helping to ease your mind when you get close to open flames.
There is nothing really wrong with using regular wool yarn for your knitting or other fabric projects. It is just that alpaca wool is better and an upgrade over regular wool. Sort of like Windows 7 being an upgrade over Windows 98.
Alpaca vs Wool Blanket
The same properties that make alpaca wool better in other comparisons will be seen in this one. Alpaca wool is simply a better version of regular wool making your nights warmer, drier, and less itchy.
You can get a superwash regular wool blanket which removes those ingredients that cause the itchiness but then you are trading natural material for toxic chemical treated material. You may get rid of the itch and the barbs found in regular wool but the trade-off is not always better.
Then you may spend a little more on alpaca wool but your peace of mind is worth that extra cost. With both types of blankets being flame retardant, you can use either on your next camping trip.
You will just be warmer with alpaca wool over your body than regular wool. You should be a lot drier throughout the night as well.
Alpaca vs Wool Pillow
Wool pillows are great, they are strong, and they are very durable. Plus, they can be quite comfortable especially if you use a cashmere pillow over regular wool. Also, wool does not like dust mites and repels those little creatures so you can sleep peacefully.
But with alpaca wool, you get those same qualities, a little more hypoallergenic protection as well as a softer pillow next to your head. Sometimes these pillows are blended with regular wool but that only makes the alpaca version a lot better.
That blend is usually 70 - 30 in alpaca wool’s favor so you do not lose any of the softness that comes with alpaca materials. The key is softness as you do not need any barbs or itchiness disturbing your sleep when you have important things to do the next day.
Alpaca pillows are durable as well and should last you as wool pillows do.
Alpaca vs Wool Quilt
If it has not been super washed, then the wool fabric may be itchier than the alpaca quilt. That is due to the barbs, the dander, and the lanolin found in regular wool. The wool quilt is not a bad fabric to be under, it just doe snot have the same qualities as other wool versions.
Again, alpaca wool quilts will be softer, stronger, and better next to the skin than a regular wool quilt. The reason for this is that it just comes with better properties than regular wool.
While wool does absorb moisture, it does have its limits. Once that limit has been reached you may feel wetter than you would if you made your quilt out of alpaca fabrics. With alpaca’s ability to insulate better than regular wool you should be warmer on a cold night than if you used regular wool for your quilt.
Alpaca vs Wool Socks
Both types of socks will be flame resistant so your feet are protected just in case your clothing catches on fire. Then your feet should feel better as alpaca wool is hypoallergenic, wicks away moisture, and does not let odors stick around.
That last property is due to the higher breathability factor found in alpaca wool over regular wool. But the differences do not stop there as alpaca wool is better when it comes to antimicrobial properties, warmth, and insulation as well as being stronger than wool.
Your feet and socks should not smell, stay drier while the socks last longer. Then expect to feel less itching and irritation when wearing alpaca socks over regular wool ones. While wool is warm, strong, and nice against the feet, the difference between the two styles is like the difference between night and day.
Which Type of Wool is The Warmest?
First off, if you are looking to stay warm stick with 100% wool clothing items. If the wool is blended with other materials it loses some of its warmth and insulation abilities. Pure wool is the best way to stay warm this winter.
There are a lot of different wool varieties out there and each version has its own good and bad points. Shetland, Merino, and lambswool are only 3 of the options and they are all said to be very warm and soft against your skin.
Cashmere comes from the Kashmir goat and it is said to be a very warm version of wool. But alpaca may be the warmest of all wool types and that is up for debate.
Some Final Words
When it comes to wool, all wools are not the same. There are differences, and no matter how small those differences are wool you will benefit in some way. If you can afford it, go with the higher quality wools as that is where you will get the best treatment and warmth.
