Merino Wool vs Lambswool: What’s the Difference and Which Is Better?

Merino wool comes from Merino sheep, a breed prized for producing some of the finest and softest wool in the world.

Unlike traditional wool, merino fibres are much finer, which makes them exceptionally soft against the skin and far less itchy.

Key Benefits of Merino Wool

• Ultra-soft and gentle on sensitive skin
• Excellent temperature regulation (keeps you warm in winter, cool in summer)
• Naturally breathable and moisture-wicking
• Odour-resistant and antibacterial
• Lightweight yet highly insulating

Because of these properties, merino wool is commonly used in:

• Clothing (base layers, knitwear)
• Blankets and throws
• Luxury home textiles 

Lambswool refers to wool that is taken from a sheep’s first shearing, typically when the sheep is around seven months old.

This initial fleece is softer than regular wool, but still slightly coarser than merino.

Key Benefits of Lambswool

• Soft, but more structured than merino
• Naturally warm and insulating
• Durable and resilient
• Slightly more affordable than merino wool

Lambswool is often used for:

• Knitwear (jumpers, scarves)
• Blankets and throws
• Upholstery and homewares

1. Softness and Comfort

Merino wool fibres are significantly finer than lambswool, giving them a noticeably softer, smoother feel.

While lambswool is soft, it can still have a slightly textured finish, especially over time.

Why it matters: For blankets and throws used daily, softness plays a big role in overall comfort - particularly for sensitive skin.

Best for comfort: Merino wool

2. Warmth Without Weight

Both fibres provide warmth, but merino wool stands out for its ability to regulate temperature rather than simply trap heat.

This means it keeps you warm without overheating, making it more versatile across seasons.

Lambswool tends to feel heavier and can hold heat more directly.

3. Breathability and Everyday Use

Merino wool is naturally breathable and moisture-wicking, allowing it to adapt to different environments - whether you’re layering in winter or using it on cooler summer evenings.

Lambswool offers warmth but is less adaptive in fluctuating conditions.

Best for year-round use: Merino wool

4. Durability and Longevity

This is where context matters.

Lambswool fibres are slightly thicker, which can give them a perception of durability. However, high-quality merino wool, when properly spun and woven, is designed to maintain its softness and structure over time.

For homewares like throws, durability isn’t just about fibre thickness, but how the material performs with regular use.

5. Overall Feel and Finish

Merino wool typically offers a more refined, premium finish, making it well suited to modern interiors and everyday living.

Lambswool has a slightly more traditional, textured look and feel.

When it comes to blankets and throws, the choice between merino wool and lambswool becomes clearer. For pieces designed to be used daily - draped over a sofa, layered on a bed, or wrapped around you on cooler evenings - comfort, breathability, and lasting softness become key. This is where merino wool stands out. 

Herringbone Merino Wool Throw in Eclipse

A well-crafted merino wool throw offers warmth without bulk, softness without irritation, and durability that holds up over time - making it a practical and considered choice for everyday living. This balance is reflected in Waverley Mills’ range of merino wool throws - crafted to be soft, breathable, and made to last for years.

Durability isn’t just about fibre thickness - it’s about how a material performs over years of use.

While lambswool is often considered sturdy, premium merino wool products are engineered to balance softness with strength, allowing them to retain their shape, feel, and performance with proper care.

For long-term home use, this balance is what makes merino wool a reliable investment.

Both merino wool and lambswool have their place, but for homewares that prioritise comfort, versatility, and long-term use, merino wool offers a more balanced and refined solution.

Its ability to regulate temperature, remain soft over time, and integrate seamlessly into everyday living makes it particularly well suited to pieces designed to be used and enjoyed for years.