Cashmere vs. Merino: The Wool Face-Off Worth Knowing

In the world of natural fibres, few rival the elegance, warmth, and comfort of wool. Yet within this realm, two standouts emerge: cashmere and merino. Both are celebrated for their softness and performance, but each offers unique characteristics that make them suited to different wardrobes, climates, and values. For the discerning New Zealand or Australian shopper, understanding these fibres isn't just a matter of luxury—it's a question of longevity, comfort, and conscious dressing.

Cashmere is sourced from the undercoat of cashmere goats, primarily raised in Mongolia, Nepal, and parts of China. These goats grow an ultra-fine, insulating underlayer to survive extreme winters. This rare and precious fibre is painstakingly combed by hand each spring, yielding a small amount per animal—hence its elevated price point.

Merino wool, by contrast, comes from the Merino sheep—a breed well-suited to the climate of Australia and New Zealand. These sheep produce a more abundant fleece that is typically shorn once or twice annually. Merino is widely celebrated for its adaptability, especially in active and outdoor wear.

Cashmere is synonymous with softness. Its fibres typically measure between 14-16.5 microns (a micron is one millionth of a metre), making it significantly finer than most merino wool. The result? A fabric so smooth and gentle that it's wearable even against the most sensitive skin.

Merino wool, though slightly coarser (usually 17-24 microns), is still remarkably soft—especially in fine-gauge knits. High-quality merino garments can comfortably be worn against bare skin, though they may have a slightly more structured hand feel compared to the cloud-like touch of cashmere.

Cashmere is known to be up to eight times warmer than traditional wool, thanks to its natural loft and insulating properties. It traps warmth close to the body, making it ideal for cooler climates or winter layering. Yet, due to its breathable nature, it remains comfortable indoors and doesn't cause overheating.

Merino, however, excels in temperature regulation. Its breathability and moisture-wicking abilities make it an excellent choice for changing conditions—perfect for New Zealand’s temperate and often unpredictable weather. Merino is also odour-resistant, a bonus for travel or all-day wear.

Cashmere is a luxury fibre that, when cared for properly, can last for decades. However, its delicate nature requires gentle handling—handwashing, flat drying, and careful storage are essential. Over time, it may show signs of wear, especially in high-friction areas.

Merino wool is generally more durable and lower-maintenance. It can often be machine washed (on a gentle cycle) and is less prone to pilling. This resilience makes it a smart choice for daily basics, workwear, or active apparel.

From a sustainability perspective, both fibres offer advantages over synthetics—they are renewable, biodegradable, and natural. That said, cashmere production has come under scrutiny due to overgrazing and land degradation in Mongolia. Responsible sourcing is key.

Merino, particularly from certified New Zealand and Australian farms, tends to have a shorter supply chain and stronger oversight around animal welfare. 

If your wardrobe leans toward elevated essentials—those timeless pieces you’ll wear on repeat for years to come—cashmere is your ally. Its softness, warmth, and quiet luxury make it a sartorial investment worth making.

If practicality, performance, and all-weather adaptability are priorities, merino delivers. It transitions effortlessly from office to outdoors, from city layering to weekend hikes.

For many, the ideal wardrobe contains both. A cashmere sweater for that dinner date or cosy reading night, and a merino base layer for the morning walk or workday grind.