Merino, cashmere, mohair and alpaca are the four most prized natural fibres in knitting — but each has a completely different personality. One is versatile and easy to care for, another is a delicate luxury, another creates an airy halo, and the last is warm and kind to sensitive skin. In this guide we compare them on the criteria that really matter when choosing yarn for your next project: softness, warmth, durability, price, care and suitability for sensitive skin.
Comparison table: merino vs cashmere vs mohair vs alpaca
| Criterion | Merino wool | Cashmere | Mohair | Alpaca |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fineness (microns) | 16–24 µ | 14–19 µ (the finest) | 23–35 µ (kid mohair finer) | 18–28 µ |
| Softness | High | Exceptional | Medium–high (kid mohair soft, adult mohair coarser) | High |
| Warmth relative to weight | Good | Very high | Very high (light and airy) | Very high (warmer than sheep’s wool) |
| Durability | High | Low–medium (may pill) | High | Medium (low elasticity, may stretch) |
| Care | Easy (many variants washable at 30°) | Delicate (hand wash / wool cycle) | Delicate | Delicate |
| Sensitive skin / babies | Yes (extra-fine merino) | Yes, but expensive | Better combined with silk | Yes (lanolin-free, hypoallergenic) |
| Price | Affordable–medium | Premium | Medium–premium | Medium |
| Best for | Everyday garments, socks, babies | Luxury pieces, fine scarves, elegant sweaters | Airy sweaters, halo effect, held double | Very warm pieces, accessories, wool-allergy sufferers |
Below we look at each fibre in detail, then answer the most common comparisons (“merino or cashmere?”, “mohair or alpaca?”).
Merino wool — the ultimate versatility
Merino wool comes from the merino sheep and measures between 16 and 24 microns — the lower the number, the finer and less prickly the yarn. Extra-fine merino (under 19.5 µ) is gentle enough even for babies’ skin. It is elastic, temperature-regulating (keeps you warm in winter and cool in summer), absorbs moisture and naturally resists odours.
It is the most versatile and easiest to care for of the four: many merino yarns are treated for washing at 30°. Ideal for everyday garments, socks (combined with nylon) and children’s pieces.
👉 See merino in our collection of knitting yarns, for example Fine Merino by Majo Garn.
Cashmere — absolute luxury
Cashmere is obtained from the undercoat of the cashmere goat and is the finest fibre in this comparison (14–19 µ). The result: softness that is hard to match and remarkable warmth relative to weight, in a surprisingly light yarn.
On the other hand, it is less durable than merino or mohair and may pill if not cared for properly — gentle hand washing or a wool cycle, and drying flat. It is the premium investment, perfect for scarves, fine sweaters and pieces worn close to the skin.
👉 Discover Cardiff cashmere in the Cardiff Cashmere collection, for example the Classic yarn.
Mohair — the magic of the delicate halo
Mohair comes from the Angora goat and is recognisable by its characteristic sheen and fluffy, airy halo. Although very light, it is surprisingly warm and, contrary to expectations, quite durable. Kid mohair (from young goats) is considerably softer than adult mohair.
Most often, mohair is combined with silk — the so-called silk mohair — for a silky yarn with beautiful drape and no harshness. It knits up beautifully on its own, for airy pieces, or held double with another yarn, to add a warm halo.
👉 Try Tynn Silk Mohair (kid mohair + silk) or the Pearl Mohair range.
Alpaca — warmth without allergies
Alpaca fibre contains no lanolin, which makes it hypoallergenic and an excellent choice for those who find wool prickly. It is warmer than sheep’s wool and has a heavy, elegant drape.
Its weak point: low elasticity — 100% alpaca pieces may stretch over time, which is why alpaca often appears in blends (with merino or cotton) that add structure.
👉 See Alpakka by Sandnes Garn or the blend Puno Fine (baby alpaca, merino and cotton).
Merino or cashmere: which is better?
It depends on your goal. Cashmere is finer, softer and warmer relative to weight — the luxury choice for special pieces. Merino is more durable, easier to care for and far more affordable — the practical choice for garments worn often. For a luxury gift or a delicate scarf, go for cashmere; for an everyday sweater that lasts years, go for merino.
Mohair or alpaca: which for warmth?
Both are very warm. Mohair offers warmth with an airy, light look and a decorative halo — perfect for pieces with visual volume. Alpaca gives a “denser” warmth, with heavy drape, and is kind to sensitive skin (lanolin-free). Want texture and lightness? Mohair. Want maximum warmth and hypoallergenic? Alpaca.
Cashmere vs mohair: which is softer?
Cashmere is generally softer and more uniform to the touch. Mohair has a halo texture: kid mohair combined with silk approaches the softness of cashmere, but pure adult mohair can be slightly prickly. For pure softness next to the skin, cashmere wins; for a fluffy, airy effect, mohair is irreplaceable.
Which fibre is best for sensitive skin and babies?
The safest choices are extra-fine merino and alpaca (which contains no lanolin). Cashmere is gentle, but costly for children’s items that wear out quickly. Pure mohair can be prickly — if you choose it, opt for kid mohair combined with silk.
How to choose by project
- Everyday sweater: merino or a merino-alpaca blend.
- Scarf or luxury piece: cashmere.
- Airy sweater with volume: mohair, alone or held double.
- Baby clothes / sensitive skin: extra-fine merino or alpaca.
- Maximum warmth: alpaca or cashmere.
Not sure how each fibre feels? You can order free samples and touch them before you buy.
Frequently asked questions
Which fibre is the warmest?
Relative to weight, cashmere, mohair and alpaca are the warmest. Alpaca offers the “densest” warmth, while mohair warms while staying very light and airy.
What is silk mohair?
It is a yarn in which kid mohair is combined with silk, for a silky texture, beautiful drape and no harshness. It is one of the most loved combinations for fine, airy sweaters.
Which fibre pills the least?
Merino and mohair are the most pilling-resistant. Cashmere, being very fine, is the most prone and needs delicate care.
Can I knit with alpaca for a sweater that keeps its shape?
100% alpaca has low elasticity and may stretch. For structured pieces, choose a blend of alpaca with merino or cotton.
Which fibre should I choose if I am allergic to wool?
Alpaca is hypoallergenic because it contains no lanolin — the main trigger of irritation from sheep’s wool. It is usually the best choice for sensitive skin.
How do I care for premium natural yarns?
Gentle hand washing or a wool cycle at a maximum of 30°C, without rubbing, and drying flat to keep the shape. Many merino yarns are treated for easier machine washing — check the label.
At Nara Knits you will find all these fibres, carefully selected from brands such as Sandnes Garn, Majo Garn, Cardiff and Pascuali. Order free samples and feel the difference before you choose.
