Lambswool vs Merino Wool: What's the Difference?

Ask two knitwear brands what wool to buy and you'll often get two very different — and equally confident — answers. Lambswool and merino are both excellent natural fibres, but they're not interchangeable, and each does a genuinely different job in a wardrobe. Here's a straightforward breakdown of what actually separates them, so you can choose the right one for what you actually need.

Where Each Wool Comes From

Lambswool comes from a sheep's very first shearing, usually at around seven months old. That first fleece is naturally finer and more elastic than wool taken from later shearings, giving it a distinct softness and resilience. Once a sheep is shorn again, subsequent fleeces are simply classed as wool — lambswool is a one-time-only designation per animal.

View our Fine Lambswool range here.

Merino wool refers to a specific breed of sheep — the Merino — prized for producing exceptionally fine, soft fibres regardless of which shearing it comes from. Originally from Spain and now farmed extensively in Australia and New Zealand, Merino sheep are bred specifically for their wool quality, which is why "merino" is a breed name, while "lambswool" describes an age of fleece rather than a breed. Find Merino wool used in the Easton Merino Sweater.

Softness and Handle

This is where people expect a clear winner, and the honest answer is: it depends on the grade.

Merino wool's fibres are typically finer in diameter than standard lambswool, which is why merino has built its reputation as one of the softest wools available — fine merino can rival cashmere in softness against the skin. Extra-fine or superfine lambswool, however, closes that gap considerably, and many people find a well-made lambswool jumper just as comfortable as a merino one.

If you're someone who finds most wool itchy, superfine merino is generally the safer first choice. If you've tried decent-quality lambswool before and got on fine with it, the difference in everyday comfort is often smaller than marketing suggests.

Warmth and Structure

Lambswool tends to have slightly more bulk and structure than merino of a comparable weight. That structure is what gives classic crew neck and v-neck jumpers their shape and body — lambswool holds its form well and doesn't cling.

Merino, being a finer fibre, is often knitted into lighter, closer-fitting garments. It's excellent for layering — base layers, fine gauge jumpers worn under a jacket — because it insulates well without adding bulk. Merino also has genuinely impressive temperature-regulating properties, which is why it's so popular in performance and outdoor clothing as well as knitwear.

In short: lambswool for structured, classic knitwear you wear as an outer layer. Merino for finer, closer-fitting pieces designed to layer well.

Durability

Both wools are hard-wearing when properly made and cared for, but they behave slightly differently over time.

Lambswool's added bulk and elasticity make it naturally resistant to stretching out of shape, which is part of why traditional Shetland Border mills have relied on it for generations of classic knitwear. Merino, being finer, can be marginally more prone to pilling on high-friction areas (underarms, where a bag strap sits) simply because the fibres are thinner — though a quality merino garment, properly cared for, will still last for years.

Which Should You Choose?

• Choose lambswool if: you want a classic, structured crew neck or v-neck jumper with real body to it — something that holds its shape as an outer layer, worn on its own or with a shirt underneath.
• Choose merino if: you want something finer and lighter, ideal for layering under a jacket or coat, or if you find standard wool a little itchy and want the extra softness merino is known for.
• Honestly, many wardrobes benefit from both — lambswool for your go-to weekend and office jumpers, merino for the pieces you layer on the coldest days.

Caring for Both

Lambswool and merino are cared for in almost exactly the same way: cool hand wash with a wool-specific detergent, dry flat away from direct heat, and store folded rather than hung. (Full guide: [How to Care for a Wool Jumper])

The Bottom Line

Neither wool is objectively "better" — they're suited to different jobs. Lambswool gives you structure, durability, and that classic jumper silhouette that's defined British knitwear for generations. Merino gives you fineness, softness, and superb layering performance. Knowing the difference means you can actually choose the right jumper for how you'll wear it, rather than just going on price or marketing claims.