Over view

Almost all wool fabrics that you can buy are made from sheep's wool, but the term "wool" on a garment's label can also refer to fibers obtained from the fleece of Angora or cashmere goats and to fibers drawn from the coats of the camel, alpaca and llama.

Wool fibers are the warmest of all natural fibers. They can absorb a great amount of moisture without feeling damp and are naturally water repellant.

General Characteristics

Soft but durable

Abrasion Resistance

Good

Absorbency

Excellent

Colorfastness

Poor to Excellent (depending on the dye and dyeing process)

Elasticity

Excellent

Shrinkage Resistance

Poor (unless treated)

Wrinkle Resistance

Excellent

Other

Mildews readily if left damp; vulnerable to strong acids (i.e., perspiration); some washable wools have been treated to be moth-resistant