If you’re interested in fashion, you’ll undoubtedly want to do more research about the quality of fabrics so you’re making the right clothing decisions.
Cashmere and Merino are both popular types of wool fibre each with its own unique properties - but which is best?
Image source: Unsplash
In terms of which you’d rather choose in the modern world, we find ourselves consistently partial to merino for its affordability, durability, and quality.
So you know exactly what comes into deciding Merino as the winning fabric, we’ll be comparing these fibres in terms of quality, sustainability, ethics, and temperature regulation so you’re informed when purchasing wool products.
Quality of the yarn
Cashmere is known for its softness and luxury feel. It is also a rarer fibre compared to Merino, making it more expensive.
However, cashmere is also more delicate and can break more easily than Merino. Also, cashmere has begun to lose its traditional perception of being the more luxurious fabric.
Merino, on the other hand, is a hardier fibre that is less prone to breaking and pilling, it has a longer lifespan due to its durable fibres
Sustainability
Merino wool is considered to be more sustainable than cashmere which is a major advantage in our current climate.
According to research from CommonObjective.co, cashmere production is increasingly putting pressure on the grasslands on which it depends.
As cashmere becomes more widely used in casual, affordable garments, demand for raw materials is increasing. This has led to herd expansion in countries like China and Mongolia, which is putting a strain on natural grasslands, leading to overgrazing. When looking to add cashmere items to your wardrobe, it's worth considering supporting smaller, independent brands who put a strong focus on using top-notch and ethically sourced yarns.
Merino Sheep are raised on natural pastures. Additionally, merino wool is often farmed in rangelands where the harsh climate makes grazing the only practical and economically viable use of the land.
Merino wool is not only an economical option but also an environmentally friendly one. According to Harper's Bazaar, you would need four times more goats and land from Cashmere to produce the same yield as Merino as the only part of the goat which can be shorn is the cashmere undercoat.
Due to its temperature regulating properties, Merino Wool can be worn for longer periods of time without needing to be washed as frequently, making it last longer.
The good news is, both fibres receive points for being biodegradable and easily recyclable!
For Merino products you can feel good in and about, shop Elin Manon.
These ethically sourced wool-knitted mittens are ultra-soft and will keep you fashionably snug.
Ethics
Merino wool is generally considered to be more ethical than cashmere. Why?
Well, Merino sheep are shorn annually, which is a humane practice, whereas cashmere goats are often sheared too early or too late, which can cause harm.
Also, Merino wool is often sourced from small, family-run farms, whereas cashmere is often sourced from large-scale industrial operations.
All Elin Manon merino products have this certification, meaning the welfare of the sheep and the land they graze on meets animal welfare, land management, and social requirement standards.
Temperature regulation
Both cashmere and Merino have excellent temperature-regulating properties.
Cashmere will keep you warm in cold weather, while Merino will help you stay cool in warm weather.
Merino fibres are also smaller than cashmere fibres, which allows them to wick away moisture more efficiently, keeping you dry and comfortable.
You’d be crazy to know about this and not instantly want to wrap up in a cozy Marino scarf.
Both fashionable and ethical, Elinmanon is doing Merino like no other.
In conclusion, while cashmere is a luxurious and soft fibre, it is important to consider the environmental and ethical impact of its production.
At our company, we believe in the sustainability and ethics of Merino wool and offer a wide range of artisan handmade Merino wool products for our customers.
We believe that by choosing Merino wool products, customers can enjoy the luxury and warmth of wool while also making a more responsible purchase.
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Written by Tino Makuyana