Merino vs Lambswool: Understanding the Difference

Merino and lambswool are both types of sheep's wool, but they're often confused. Understanding the difference between them helps you choose the right yarn for your project and understand what you're paying for.

What Is Merino?

Merino refers to wool from Merino sheep — a specific breed originally from Spain, now primarily raised in Australia, New Zealand, and Tasmania. What makes merino special is the fineness of the fiber:

• Ultrafine merino: 11.5-15 microns — extraordinarily soft, suitable for next-to-skin wear
• Superfine merino: 15-18.5 microns — the sweet spot for most premium yarn
• Fine merino: 18.6-20 microns — still very soft, more affordable
• Medium merino: 20-23 microns — general purpose, slightly less soft

The key point: merino is defined by breed and fiber fineness. It's always from Merino sheep, and it's valued for its softness, elasticity, and moisture management.

Italian mills like Zegna Baruffa have elevated merino processing to an art form. Their Cashwool line processes superfine merino to achieve a hand feel that rivals cashmere.

What Is Lambswool?

Lambswool is the first shearing from any young sheep — typically taken at around 6-7 months of age. It can come from any sheep breed. The fiber is softer than subsequent shearings because the tips have never been cut (they retain the original tapered ends from birth).

Key characteristics: - Naturally soft due to uncut fiber tips - Can vary significantly in fineness depending on breed - Generally 20-28 microns (varies widely) - Often less expensive than merino of comparable softness

Lambswool from fine-wool breeds (like merino lambs) is exceptionally soft. Lambswool from coarser breeds can still be rougher than adult merino.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Softness

Superfine merino is consistently softer than generic lambswool. However, merino lambswool (the first shearing from merino sheep) is the softest wool available. The confusion arises because "lambswool" on a label doesn't specify the breed.

Rule of thumb: If softness is critical, choose merino with a specified micron count. "Lambswool" without breed specification is a gamble.

Consistency

Merino is more consistent batch to batch. Because it comes from a specific breed with documented fiber characteristics, you know what you're getting. Lambswool varies more — it's defined by the age of the sheep, not the breed.

Elasticity

Merino has excellent natural elasticity thanks to its fine, crimped structure. The yarn bounces back after stretching, making it ideal for fitted garments. Lambswool has moderate elasticity — better than many fibers but generally less springy than merino.

Pilling

Both fibers pill, but merino (especially high-twist merino) pills less than generic lambswool. Italian processing methods help — mills like Zegna Baruffa and Lana Gatto use techniques that align fibers and reduce surface friction.

Warmth

Both provide excellent warmth. Lambswool has a slight edge in some cases because its natural tapered tips create additional air pockets. But the difference is marginal — both are warm, insulating fibers.

Price

Lambswool is typically 20-40% less expensive than merino of comparable quality. For budget-conscious projects, lambswool offers good value. For premium projects where consistency and softness matter, merino is worth the investment.

Price Comparison

• Superfine merino yarn: EUR 15-30 per 100g at retail
• Lambswool yarn: EUR 10-20 per 100g at retail
• Merino lambswool: EUR 20-35 per 100g at retail

At IFP, our stock pricing means approximately 50% below these retail figures.

When to Choose Merino

• Next-to-skin garments (sweaters, base layers, baby clothes)
• Fitted garments where elasticity matters
• Projects requiring consistent quality across multiple batches
• Color work and stitch patterns needing clear definition
• Four-season garments (merino regulates temperature well)

When to Choose Lambswool

• Outerwear and accessories (scarves, hats, mittens)
• Blankets and home textiles
• Projects where budget matters
• Traditional knitting patterns with a classic wool character
• When a slightly rustic aesthetic is desired

The Italian Difference

Italian mills transform both fibers. The processing — washing, carding, combing, spinning, and finishing — makes an enormous difference in the final yarn. Italian-processed merino and lambswool feel noticeably different from yarn processed elsewhere, thanks to slower, gentler methods that preserve natural fiber qualities.

We stock both merino and lambswool from Italian mills. Browse our catalog to compare options, or contact our team for guidance on choosing between them for your specific project.