Since our days as hunter-gatherers, the use of wool has been ingrained in human culture. The domestication of animals for their wool can be traced to the early stages of human civilization when people began to practise animal husbandry and agriculture. To this day, animals are still being selectively bred for their remarkable wool-producing abilities. From your winter merino wool socks to your brand-new cashmere cardigan, investing in high-quality, natural-fibre knitwear guarantees long-lasting durability and comfort. Let’s take a look at just some of the extraordinary wool-producing species.
Sheep
Sheep truly are beneficial beasts. The humble sheep stands as the most prevalent wool-producing animal worldwide and a widely recognised origin of wool fibre. The average sheep is capable of producing around 4.5 kg of wool per year, the equivalent of 10+ metres of fabric - that’s enough wool to make six sweaters, three suit and trouser combinations, or the fabric to cover one large sofa. Additionally, different breeds of sheep offer an impressive array of wool types, each with unique attributes and varying textures. From the luxurious softness and remarkable insulation capabilities of merino wool to the hardiness and durability of wool produced by heritage breeds, this versatile fibre is a timeless staple.
Alpacas And Llamas
Alpacas and llamas are both domesticated South American camelids, known collectively as lamoids. Evidence suggests that alpacas have been domesticated and used for their wool for over 5,000 years. Alpaca wool is exceptionally soft and lacks the scratchiness sometimes associated with sheep's wool. Llamas, on the other hand, were primarily bred as beasts of burden, and although their fur is far more coarse, llama fibre has a hollow core, providing superior insulating qualities. Although llamas and alpacas were traditionally found in the highlands of South American countries such as Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Chile, they are now commonly kept as companion animals and bred for their wool worldwide.
Yak
Yaks, indigenous to the Himalayan region, are commonly kept as suppliers of milk, meat, leather, hair and wool. This remarkable fibre has been used by nomadic communities for thousands of years due to its exceptional insulating properties. In fact, yak’s wool is said to be up to 30% warmer than wool, making it particularly sought-after for crafting garments tailored to cold-weather conditions. This highly resilient and sustainable material provides a connection to the unique mountainous landscapes where yaks thrive, offering comfort and unparalleled protection against the elements.
Goats
Some of the world’s most sought-after fibres are produced by goats - cashmere, derived from cashmere goats, as the name would suggest, and mohair, derived from angora goats.
Cashmere Goats: Cashmere is not a breed of goat, but rather the name given to a type that comes from the pashmina goat, found in the Kashmir and Ladakh regions of India. These days, cashmere goats are found throughout Central and Southeast Asia, with China being the largest producer of this luxury fibre. Cashmere is obtained from the downy undercoat of the goats, which grows to help them cope with temperatures as low as -30 degrees. Due to its extraordinary insulation and exquisite softness, this fibre is highly coveted and used to make cashmere loungewear, sweaters, scarves, homeware and more.
Angora Goats: Hailing from the ancient region of Angora, northwestern Turkey, now known as the capital city of Ankara, Angora goats produce mohair, a fibre characterised by its luxury and similarity to silk. Mohair is composed mostly of keratin and is distinguishable by its long, silky hairs that give garments a unique, fluffy texture. Mohair's exceptional durability, combined with its ability to retain vibrant dyes, makes it a favoured choice for professional designers and hobbyists alike.
Bison
Bison wool comes from the downy undercoat of American bison, also known as American buffalo. However, bison wool isn't technically wool similar to that produced by sheep; it's more accurately referred to as bison fibre or bison down. Like yak’s wool, bison down is valued for its excellent insulating properties, providing wool without excess weight. Additionally, the fine and silky texture of Bison fibre means it is often compared to cashmere. Another similarity between Bison fibre and cashmere is that both fibres are collected during the natural shedding process, reducing the need for shearing and making it a sustainable and ethical choice for fibre production.