MERINO WOOL
Merino wool takes its name from the Merinos tribe, a Berber people who settled in medieval Spain.
In the 14th century, Spain controlled the trade of this precious wool with very strict laws: exporting a Merino sheep was punishable by death.
It was only in the 18th century that the first flocks were exported to Australia and New Zealand, where even finer varieties developed thanks to the climate and genetic selection.
Today, extra-fine Merino is the gold standard for high-end knitwear, thanks to its fineness and versatility.
Fun fact: Merino sheep never stop producing wool — if they are not sheared regularly, they risk serious health problems, which is why constant human intervention ensures a higher standard of living for the animal.
Characteristics:
- Fineness: 15–21 microns (extrafine < 19.5)
- Hand: soft, silky
- Natural thermoregulation
- Excellent elasticity and comfort
- Washable if treated with “superwash” or similar processes
SHETLAND WOOL
Originating from the Shetland Islands, off the coast of Scotland, this wool has endured through the centuries as the fiber of the Nordic people.
It was spun and woven directly in the islanders' homes, in cold and damp environments, and used to create the famous Fair Isle sweaters, multicoloured garments with geometric patterns, which were also made iconic by King Edward VIII in the 1920s.
The Shetland breed produces a durable, natural fiber, often in undyed colors, thanks to the chromatic variety of the fleece.
Fun fact: there are over 11 natural shades in Shetland wool, often used without any dyeing.
Characteristics:
- Fineness: 23–30 microns
- Hand: coarse, dry
- Matte, full-bodied appearance
- Warm and durable
ALPACA
The alpaca is a sacred animal in Incan culture, raised for over 5,000 years on the Andean plateaus of Peru, Bolivia, and Chile.
Considered the "fiber of the gods," alpaca was reserved for noble castes and emperors.
There are two main varieties:
- Huacaya: fluffy fleece, fuller hand
- Suri: silky, lustrous, and rare fleece
Fun fact: each alpaca produces about 2–3 kg of fiber per year and must be shorn regularly for its well-being..
Characteristics:
- Smooth and lustrous hand
- High thermal insulation, lightweight
- Low elasticity
The fiber is hypoallergenic, free of lanolin, and 5 times warmer than traditional wool.
MOHAIR
Mohair is the fiber of the Angora goat, which originated in the Ankara region (Turkey) but was introduced extensively in South Africa in the 19th century, a country that is now the world's leading producer.
Known as "diamond fiber" for its natural luster, it is used almost exclusively in blends to create airy, soft, and decorative garments.
Fun fact: Angora goats are sheared twice a year. The finest mohair is from the first year, known as "kid mohair."
Characteristics:
- Long, shiny fiber
- Fluffy and hairy appearance
- Lightweight, very warm
WHY DO MANY KNITTED SWEATERS INCLUDE SYNTHETIC FIBERS?
Some garments feature blends with polyamide, polyester, or elastane. This is not always a "low-cost" choice: sometimes it is a design decision intended to increase the garment's functionality or stability.
The main reasons are:
- Greater resistance to washing
- Need for a different fit and shape retention
- Aesthetic appearance or special effects, mainly on the collar, hem, or cuffs.
CONCLUSION
Knowing wools means deciphering the true quality of a garment.
Behind the word "wool" hide different worlds: some finer, others more durable, some lustrous, others matte, some perfect for direct contact, others for layering.
At DianaStudio, we choose every fiber not for fashion, but for consistency with its function, its value, and its longevity.
It is the yarn, before color or shape, that tells the difference.