Overview

Wool is the fiber obtained from the coat of certain mammals and has been used for clothing and insulation for millennia. Most commercial wool originates from sheep, but related fibers come from goats, rabbits and members of the camelid family. Wool is prized for its combination of crimp, elasticity and thermal performance: it traps air, resists heat loss when wet, and absorbs moisture without feeling damp. These characteristics make it a versatile textile raw material for garments, blankets, industrial felts and specialty fabrics.

Primary animal sources include sheep and goats, while other important contributors are camels, llamas and specially bred rabbits that produce angora. Fine luxury fibres include cashmere and mohair from goats, and rare fibres such as qiviut from musk oxen. Many of these names are used in trade to indicate fibre origin and typical hand or fineness.

Structure and fibre characteristics

Wool grows from follicles in the skin. These follicles develop in the epidermis and extend into the dermis as the fibre forms. Follicles are classed as primary or secondary: primary follicles can yield coarse fibres such as kemp, medullated fibres and finer true wool fibres, while secondary follicles mainly produce true wool. Kemp is a brittle, coarse fibre that tends to shed; medullated fibres resemble hair, being long and lacking crimp; true wool fibres are typically crimped and elastic, giving yarn loft and resilience.

Processing and yarn types

After harvest by shearing or combing, wool is scoured to remove grease and contaminants, then carded or combed to align fibres. Carding produces a soft, short-staple woolen yarn; combing yields worsted yarns that are smoother and stronger. Spinning converts fibres into yarn; those yarns are then woven or knitted into fabrics. Felt is produced by subjecting wool to heat, moisture and agitation so that scales on the fibres interlock, creating a non‑woven material useful for hats, insulation and industrial pads.

  • Rag: sturdy wool yarn for hard‑wearing items such as gloves and rugs (felt and rugs).
  • Worsted: long‑staple combed yarn, firm surface, used for suiting (yarn).
  • Woolen: short‑staple carded yarn, soft and lofty, common for knitwear (jumpers).

Uses and significance

Wool is widely used for outer garments, sweaters, socks and blankets because it insulates and retains warmth when damp. It is also employed in technical applications such as acoustic panels, insulation and filtration. Specialty wools — angora, cashmere, mohair, alpaca and vicuña — are sought for their fineness and luxury hand. In many regions, wool production remains an important agricultural activity: Australia is a leading raw wool producer, while global output has fallen from mid‑20th century peaks as synthetic fibres gained market share.

History, care and distinctions

Sheep were domesticated in southwestern Asia about eleven thousand years ago and selectively bred for fibre traits; today domestic sheep populations are widespread. Wool requires particular care: hot agitation can cause felting and shrinkage, and some varieties are vulnerable to insect damage. The term "wool" is often distinguished from ordinary hair or fur by the presence of crimp and a scaly fibre surface, which underpin its felting and insulating qualities. Understanding these differences informs selection for garments and industrial uses.

For further reading about fibre origins and processing steps, see materials and livestock sources such as hair and fibre, general mammal guides at mammals overview, and species‑specific resources for camelids and spinning. Other practical notes address weaving, specialised felting techniques (boiling and agitation) and product applications (cold‑weather clothing). Trade and fibre classification information is available through industry briefs on llama and alpaca, angora rabbit, camel and musk ox products.

Wool remains valued for its natural performance qualities and its role in traditional and modern textiles; choices about fibre type, processing and care determine the final fabric's appearance, durability and thermal behaviour.