Here's what you need to know about every type of wool so you can learn what works best for you:

Merino

Merino is the wool most people imagine: soft, luxurious, and gentle on sensitive skin. It’s commonly used for base layers, but don’t sleep on it for sweaters or jackets. Anything labeled “wool” is definitely Merino. The rest – cashmere, alpaca, mohair – get the fancy name treatment, but they’re still part of the wool family.

Wool has a bit of a bad rep; it’s been called itchy, high-maintenance, and generally “difficult.” But here’s the secret: it’s usually cheap, low-quality wool that’s the problem. You know what they say: “You get what you pay for.” Cheap wool not only itches and pills, but it’s often tied to unethical sourcing practices. 

Invest in quality wool, and suddenly it’s a whole different story:

It’s a breathable material, and its makeup helps wool absorb moisture easily. It’s considered an “active fiber,” so depending on body temperature and humidity, it naturally reacts and changes. Which means it keeps it cool when it’s hot and warm when it’s not.

What's also to love is wool's antimicrobial property that makes it naturally odor-resistant. This property essentially traps any odor-causing bacteria from growing on the fabric by holding them in and freeing them upon washing, hence making it odor-resistant.

Interestingly enough, wool is a naturally moisture-wicking material. So, where toxic chemical finishes are often required to make a fabric water resistant, wool has a natural wax coating that does it naturally. It gets wet on the surface but does not absorb. 

And that’s just scratching the surface of why we love wool. 

So how do you know what's high-quality and ethically sourced wool? Look for branded wool: NATIVA, Woolmark, Shaniko Wool, ZQ Wool, and Wooltrace are a few examples.

A wool-silk blend is luxury quality, but a wool-poly blend? It's cheap, itchy, short-lived, and full of plastic. Cheap wool often comes with low quality and questionable ethics. Something to remember: if a brand isn’t transparent about sourcing, do some digging. Some brands may still be ethical, but don’t advertise it. Typically, a lack of transparency is a red flag that they have no clue or don’t care.

Alpaca

While alpaca and Merino are both animal-derived wool fibers, due to labeling laws, only sheep’s wool gets to be labeled simply as “wool.” Fabrics from other animals have to go by their given name, so alpaca is, well… alpaca.

One experience with alpaca wool and you'll be hooked. Alpaca fibers are incredibly fine, which gives it it's silky-soft, and luxurious feel. Alpaca's structure traps heat efficiently which makes it warmer and more durable than Merino, without being bulky or stiff. Bonus: It typically has a longer lifespan as it doesn't require frequent washing. Alpaca is also fully biodegradable, so when its life cycle is over, it does not sit in the landfill releasing microplastic toxins. It naturally becomes a part of the soil.

Although the moisture-wicking property of merino wool is nice, it contains lanolin, which can be an allergen to sensitive skin. Alpaca, on the other hand, is hypoallergenic; it lacks lanolin and is a great alternative to Merino wool for sensitive skin. Just like anything else worth wearing for years, quality matters. And if wool has ever made you itchy, alpaca might be your redemption arc. 

Cashmere

Cashmere is having a fashion moment and for good reason. We all love it for its soft, luxurious feel. However, one of its most impressive qualities is its impossibly lightweight feel while still delivering serious warmth. 

Like Alpaca, its ultra-fine fibers trap body heat efficiently, keeping you warm without the added weight. Another amazing alternative to Merino wool for sensitive skin, it too is naturally hypoallergenic and lanolin-free. While often labeled “delicate,” well-made cashmere is incredibly durable, and doesn't need frequent washing. It's also naturally odor-resistant thanks to its breathability and antibacterial properties.

Mohair

One of the oldest textile fibers, mohair has long been treasured for its silky sheen, durability, and luxurious feel. It’s surprisingly resilient, naturally wrinkle-resistant, and also offers water-repellent properties similar to Merino wool. And because mohair absorbs dye so easily, it doesn’t require the harsh chemical dye processes commonly used on synthetic sweaters like acrylic.

As with all animal fibers, how it’s sourced matters. When shopping for Mohair styles, take a moment to look into the brand’s sourcing practices. You want to confirm the Mohair is responsibly shorn.

Silk

Oh, how we love silk! With its amazing benefits and the elegant way it drapes, there’s truly nothing like it. No matter how hard it may try, synthetic satin will never quite achieve the same luxury. Silk is naturally hypoallergenic thanks to its antibacterial and breathable properties, making it amazingly gentle on the skin. When silk is dyed responsibly, it’s also a great non-toxic choice. Look for silk that offers OEKO-TEX or GOTS certifications as that’s a great way to know whether it is responsibly dyed or not.

Hemp

People tend to misunderstand hemp, but in fashion, it’s quietly impressive. Like linen, it’s one of the most sustainable and clean fibers on the market. Hemp shares many of linen’s best qualities and is sometimes even used as a replacement for flax in linen fabrics. It grows with minimal resources, no pesticides or synthetic chemicals, making it a clean choice from farm to finish. Hemp is another durable, versatile, and hypoallergenic fabric that mimics the feel and structure of cotton or linen.

The downside: because of its unfortunate reputation and past regulations, hemp can be hard to find and expensive, but the investment is worth it for a fiber that’s as kind to your skin as it is to the planet.

Regenerated Cellulose Fibers

Cellulose fibers are made from wood pulp, so you can imagine it would take a special process to turn them into a soft fabric. So, while you may think fabrics like bamboo or viscose are natural and clean, they are actually semi-synthetic and go through an extensive chemical process in their creation. Check out these clean fabric alternatives. 

TENCEL™ (Lyocell)

While TENCEL™ fabrics are also made from wood pulp, they are a clean upgrade to traditional cellulose fabrics like bamboo and viscose. What sets TENCEL™ apart is its closed-loop production process, where the solvents are captured, reused, and never released into the environment. 

Certified OEKO-TEX®, TENCEL™ fibers are free from harsh substances and produced with significantly lower environmental impact. TENCEL™ produces fabrics like Lyocell and Modal. While alternatives exist, selecting the TENCEL™ brand is important as it ensures the clean, closed-loop process behind the fabric.

Natural fibers should always come first, except when performance matters, like in activewear. Then, fabrics such as the semi-synthetic options available, like TENCEL™, are the cleanest options.

I get it, you’re probably thinking, “Great, one more thing to worry about.” I felt the same when I first learned all this. But good news, your health isn’t the only thing that benefits when you avoid synthetic fabrics and choose natural ones. You’ll be investing in heirloom pieces; ones that last, feel intentional, and live beautifully in your wardrobe.

At Isla & Saige, we design with care for the woman who wears our pieces and the life she lives. Every piece is crafted to be timeless and thoughtful, so your choices today become part of a legacy you can cherish. 

Save this guide to reference when you're shopping, and explore our collection categories to find pieces that align with your values: fewer, better, cleaner, and made to last.