Wool vs Cashmere vs Acrylic
The three most common knit fibres, side by side. Each wins at something — the trick is matching fibre to the job and the price point.
There's no single “best” fibre — only the best fit for a given piece and budget. Here's how merino wool, cashmere and acrylic actually compare.
| Factor | Merino Wool | Cashmere | Acrylic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Softness | High (finer = softer) | Highest | Moderate |
| Warmth-to-weight | Excellent | Exceptional | Good |
| Breathability | Excellent | Excellent | Low |
| Durability / pilling | Good | Lower (pills more) | High (resists pilling) |
| Care | Gentle wash | Delicate | Easy / machine |
| Price | Mid–premium | Premium | Accessible |
| Best for | Everyday & trans-seasonal | Luxury hero pieces | Accessible, easy-care |
How to choose
- Merino — the all-rounder. Soft, breathable, trans-seasonal; the safe premium default. See merino guide.
- Cashmere — the luxury statement. Unmatched softness and warmth-to-weight, at a price and with more care. See cashmere grades.
- Acrylic — the accessible workhorse. Durable, washable, colour-fast; ideal for price-sensitive, easy-care pieces. Often blended to lift the hand.
The pro move: use different fibres across a range — cashmere for the hero, merino for the core, blends for accessible price points — rather than one fibre everywhere.
Tell us the piece and the price point and we'll recommend the fibre (or blend) that fits — request a quote.
Ready to make it?
Send a tech pack, a reference garment or a brief. We respond within one business day with a capacity check, indicative pricing and a sample timeline — direct with the founder.