Wool, a natural fibre known for its warmth, softness and versatility, has been an integral part of various industries for centuries. From cozy sweaters and blankets to luxurious carpets and upholstery, wool products have long been cherished for their exceptional qualities. When it comes to wool, two terms often come up in discussions, pure wool and New Zealand wool. Understanding the difference between these two types of wool is crucial for making informed decisions about the products we purchase and use.
In the following sections, we will delve deeper into the variations in fibre properties, production processes, applications, environmental considerations and cost factors associated with pure wool and pure New Zealand wool. By exploring these aspects, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the differences between these two remarkable types of wool.
What is Pure Wool?
Pure wool refers to wool that is obtained directly from sheep or other animals known for their wool-producing abilities. It is a natural giver known for its excellent insulating properties, softness and breathability. Pure wool can be sourced from different animal breeds, with some of the most common ones being merino, cashmere and alpaca.
Sources of Pure Wool
Merino Wool
Merino wool comes from Merino sheep, known for their fine and soft fleece. It is highly prized for its exceptional warmth: moisture-wicking abilities, and breathability. Merino wool is often used in high-quality garments, outdoor clothing, and performance wear.
Cashmere
Cashmere wool comes from the soft undercoat of cashmere goats. It is renowned for its luxurious feel, lightweight nature, and excellent insulation. Cashmere wool is commonly used in premium sweaters, scarves and accessories.
Alpaca
Alpaca wool is derived from the fleece of alpacas, which are native to the Andes Mountains. Alpaca wool is known for its exceptional warmth, silky texture, and hypoallergenic properties. It is commonly used in high-quality garments.
Also Read: What is a good quality rug?
Benefits of Pure Wool Rugs
Warmth
Pure wool provides excellent warmth due to its natural insulating properties. Due to its heat regulating properties, pure wool rugs provide warmth and comfort especially in the cooler months or in cooler rooms.
Soft
Pure wool rug is prized for its softness. It provides a luxurious feel and a gentle touch.
Breathability
Wool rug fibers have natural breathability, allowing air circulation and moisture-wicking. This helps overheating and keeps the wearer dry and comfortable.
Moisture Absorption
Pure wool can absorb moisture while still maintaining its insulating properties. It can absorb up to 30% of its weight in moisture without feeling damp, making it ideal for various climates and activities.
Natural filter
Pure wool rugs is also a natural filter and helps to trap dust, dirt, and allergens.
These properties of pure wool such as warmth, softness, insulator, natural filter make it a great choice for making rugs compared to other materials.
What is New Zealand Wool?
New Zealand wool stands out as a distinct type of wool renowned for its exceptional quality and unique characteristics. Sourced from sheep raised in the picturesque landscapes of New Zealand, this wool has gained recognition and popularity in various industries. It refers to wool produced by sheep breeds found in New Zealand.
Unique Features and Qualities of New Zealand Wool
New Zealand wool boasts several notable features and qualities that make it highly desirable for various applications. These include:
Soft and Comfort
New Zealand wool has long fibers without impurities and hence is renowned for its luxurious softness, providing exceptional comfort when used in garments, bedding and textiles and rugs. New Zealand wool rugs are the softest wool rugs, having a luxurious sheen. They are also commonly preferred wool in long shag carpets due to their long natural fiber.
Natural Insulation
The crimped structure of New Zealand wool - creates millions of tiny air pockets, which enchants its natural insulation properties. New Zealand Wool rugs are thus warm and cozy.
Moisture Management
New Zealand wool has the remarkable ability to absorb and release moisture vapour, making it highly breathable. This feature contributes to the wool’s ability to keep the body dry and comfortable by wicking away moisture.
Durability and Resilience
The strong and resilient nature of New Zealand wool ensures long/lasting performance. Its fibres are not only long but also strong making the rugs made with New Zealand wool durable and withstand wear and tear. Having long and strong fibre also makes the New Zealand wool rugs susceptible to less shedding compared to other commonly used woolen rugs.
These properties of yarn made from New Zealand wool such as long length, strong fibres, sheen, less or no impurities, natural whiteness make New Zealand wool an ideal choice for premium rugs.
Also Read: How do you calculate rug size?
Variations in Fibre Properties
Pure wool and New Zealand wool are both types of wool fibres commonly used in textile manufacturing. While they share some similarities, there are notable differences in their fibre properties, including diameter, crimp and strength. Let's explore these differences:
Fibre Diameter
- Pure Wool: Wool fibres can vary in diameter depending on the breed of sheep.
- Pure fibres can vary in diameter depending on the breed of sheep. It generally ranges from 20 to 40 micrometres, with finer wools having a smaller diameter and coarser wools having a larger diameter.
- New Zealand Wool: New Zealand wool is primarily derived from the Merino sheep breed, which produces fibres with a finer diameter. It typically falls within the range of 17 to 25 microns.
Strength
- Pure Wool: The strength of pure wool rug fibres depends on various factors, including the breed and quality of the wool. Generally, pure wool has good tensile strength, which makes it suitable for durable products.
- New Zealand Wool: New Zealand wool, especially from Merino sheep, is known for its high strength. Despite its finer diameter, Merino wool fibres are strong and resilient.
How these differences affect wool products?
- Comfort and softness: the finer diameter and high crimp of New Zealand wool, particularly Merino wool, contribute to its softness and luxurious feel.
- Products made from New Zealand wool can offer enhanced comfort.
- Invitation and Breathability: The crimp in both pure wool and New Zealand wool creates air pockets within the fabric, resulting in excellent insulation properties. The air pockets trap warm air, providing insulation in cold weather.
Additionally, the natural breathability of wool allows moisture vapour to escape, keeping the rug dry and comfortable.
Durability
The strength of wool fibres, particularly in New Zealand wool, ensures the durability of wool products. Pure Wool garments, rugs and textiles made from stronger fibres are less prone to tearing or breaking, increasing their longevity.
Pilling Resistance
Pilling refers to the formation of small balls of fibres on the fabric's surface. Wool rugs products with finer fibres, such as New Zealand wool, are generally less prone to pilling. The tight crimp and high stench of New Zealand wool carpet contribute to its resistance against pilling, ensuring a smoother and longer-lasting appearance.
Fineness and Versatility
The finer diameter of New Zealand wool makes it suitable for producing lightweight and fine fabrics, such as high-quality suiting materials.
Cost and Availability
The cost implications of pure wool carpet and New Zealand wool are influenced by several factors, including rarity, demand, production volume, and market dynamics.
Pure Wool
Pure wool, known for its superior quality, craftsmanship, and versatility, can be associated with a higher price point. The rarity of certain wool breeds, such as Merino, contributes to the cost, as these fibres are highly sought after for their exceptional softness and fineness.
New Zealand Wool
New Zealand wool carpet, renowned for its exceptional attributes, including strength, resilience, and natural whiteness, often prices competitively in the market. The availability of New Zealand wool is influenced by the country's sheep population and wool production. Factors such as favourable farming practices, sustainable agriculture, and advanced processing technologies contribute to the quality and cost-effectiveness of New Zealand wool.
Availability in Different Regions and Markets
Pure wool is available in various regions and markets worldwide. Pure wool production is carried out in different countries, including Australia, Scotland, and Italy, among others, each with its unique wool characteristics. Availability can vary depending on the local sheep farming industry, climate conditions, and traditional wool manufacturing expertise. New Zealand wool; as the name suggests, is predominantly sourced from New Zealand but it is exported to global markets, making it accessible to consumers worldwide.
Conclusion
In conclusion, pure wool and New Zealand wool are both high-quality wools that offer a variety of benefits. However, there are some key differences between both of them like their qualities, properties, availability and more. Ultimately the best type of wool for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you are looking for durable and affordable wool then pure wool may be a good option for you. And if you are looking for luxurious wool, then New Zealand wool might be the one for you.
FAQs related to Pure Wool vs Pure New Zealand Wool
1. What is the difference between wool and New Zealand wool?
Wool is a natural fiber that comes from sheep and New Zealand wool is produced in New Zealand. New Zealand wool fibers are generally finer than other types of wool. Wool is known for its warmth and versatility. Whereas New Zealand wool is known for its durability and comfort.
2. Is New Zealand wool better?
New Zealand wool is generally considered better than other types of wool because it is soft, durable and has better ability to regulate temperatures. But before going for New Zealand wool you should consider all the personal factors as well.
3. What is the highest quality wool?
The highest quality of wool is Merino wool. It is produced by Merino sheep, which are a breed of sheep that produces soft and fine wool. Merino wool is known for its softness, durability and temperature regulation.
Written by Shivangi Singh