Wool is a natural fiber derived from the protective coverings of various animals. It is highly valued for its warmth, softness, and durability. This unique fiber has been utilized by humans for thousands of years to create textiles, clothing, and other useful products. Wool’s insulating properties stem from its crimped, wavy structure, which traps air, providing effective thermal regulation.
Sheep: The Primary Source
Sheep are the predominant source of wool globally, with their fiber primarily composed of keratin, a protein also found in human hair.
Different breeds of sheep yield various types of wool. For instance, Merino sheep are renowned for producing fine, soft wool, often used for comfortable apparel. In contrast, coarser wools are frequently used in products like carpets due to their durability. The crimp, or natural wave, in wool fibers allows them to interlock, which makes the fiber easier to spin into yarn and contributes to its elasticity and heat retention.
Other Animals That Produce Wool
Beyond sheep, several other animals provide wool-like fibers. Alpacas, native to South America, produce a fiber known for its softness, lightness, and warmth, often considered hypoallergenic due to its lack of lanolin. Llama fiber is soft, durable, and warmer than sheep wool, with a hollow core that wicks away moisture and is naturally fire-resistant.
Cashmere, from Cashmere goats, is prized for its extreme softness and fine texture. Mohair, from Angora goats, is known for its luster, strength, and ability to take dye vibrantly, making it suitable for various textiles.
- Angora fiber, from Angora rabbits, is exceptionally soft, thin, and lightweight, often blended with other fibers for elasticity and warmth.
- Camel wool, particularly from Bactrian camels, is a fine, soft undercoat that is insulating and lightweight, with natural colors ranging from light to dark browns.
- Yak wool, sourced from yaks in high-altitude regions, is soft, warm, and breathable, often compared to cashmere for its feel.
- Vicuña wool, from the vicuña, a South American camelid, is considered one of the finest and most expensive natural fibers globally, known for its exceptional softness, fineness, and warmth.
How Wool is Obtained
The primary method for obtaining wool from most animals is shearing. This involves removing the animal’s fleece using specialized clippers. The process is routinely performed and is generally harmless to the animal, comparable to a haircut.
For sheep, shearing is often done annually, which helps prevent overheating and allows the fleece to regrow before colder weather. Though shearing is primary for sheep, other animals naturally shed their undercoats, which can then be collected. After collection, the raw wool, often called “greasy wool,” undergoes cleaning to remove impurities before further processing.