| Characteristic | Sheep Wool | Cashmere |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Sheep (various breeds) | Cashmere goats (undercoat) |
| Fiber Diameter | 15–40 microns (Merino ~18) | 14–19 microns (finer than human hair) |
| Texture | Crimpy, elastic; can be coarse or soft | Exceptionally soft, silky, luxurious |
| Warmth/Weight | Good insulation; can be bulky | Superior warmth-to-weight; lightweight |
| Durability | High; resists wear | Delicate; pills more easily |
| Price | Affordable, widely available | Premium; limited supply, labor-intensive |
| Care | Hand-wash or dry clean | Hand-wash or dry clean (more delicate) |
Choose sheep wool for everyday durability; cashmere for luxury lightness.