At Authentic Kashmir, we believe in empowering our customers with knowledge about the products they invest in. When shopping for woolen items, understanding the difference between pure wool and polywool, along with the concept of wool count (64, 80, 100), can help you make informed decisions. Let’s explore these terms and how they relate to the quality of the fabric.
What is Pure Wool?
Pure wool refers to fabric made entirely from the fleece of sheep, without any synthetic fibers. It’s prized for its warmth, softness, and long-lasting durability. Pure wool is breathable, naturally odor-resistant, and helps regulate body temperature, making it ideal for colder climates. It’s an investment in both comfort and luxury, known for holding its shape and texture over many years.
Key Features of Pure Wool:
- 100% natural fiber
- Excellent warmth and insulation
- Highly durable and long-lasting
- Breathable and odor-resistant
What is Polywool?
Polywool is a blend of natural wool and synthetic fibers, such as polyester. By combining these materials, polywool provides some of the advantages of wool—such as warmth and durability—while incorporating the benefits of polyester, like increased wrinkle resistance and a more affordable price point. While polywool does not quite match the softness or breathability of pure wool, it is an excellent choice for those seeking budget-friendly options that are easy to care for.
Polywool fabrics also come in different counts, which refer to the fineness of the wool fibers within the blend. Like pure wool, a higher count in polywool means finer, softer fibers.
Key Features of Polywool:
- Blend of natural wool and synthetic fibers
- More affordable than pure wool
- Wrinkle-resistant and easy to maintain
- Available in different wool counts for varying softness and quality
Wool Count: Understanding the Quality Levels
The wool count refers to the fineness of the wool fibers used in a fabric. It indicates the number of hanks of yarn that can be spun from one pound of wool. A higher wool count signifies finer, softer fibers, while a lower count refers to thicker, more durable fibers.
Here’s how the wool counts generally rank:
- 64-count wool: Medium-grade wool, commonly used for everyday items. It offers a balance between softness and strength, making it suitable for regular use.
- 80-count wool: Finer and softer than 64-count, this wool is used in higher-quality garments that require more delicate and luxurious textures.
- 100-count wool: The finest and softest wool available, offering a superior feel and used in luxury products.
Wool Counts in Polywool
While polywool blends contain synthetic fibers, they also use wool counts to signify the quality of the wool component within the blend:
- 64-count polywool: Similar to its pure wool counterpart, this blend offers a good balance of durability and softness. It is a budget-friendly option for everyday wear.
- 80-count polywool: This blend has finer wool fibers, offering enhanced softness and a more premium feel. It’s perfect for those looking for an affordable option with a higher-quality touch.
- 100-count polywool: The highest quality of polywool, this blend contains the finest wool fibers, providing a soft and luxurious texture, closer to pure wool but at a more accessible price.
Ranking Wool and Polywool by Quality
In terms of overall quality, pure wool ranks higher due to its natural properties. However, both pure wool and polywool are ranked based on their wool count:
- 100-count Pure Wool: The best quality, offering superior softness, warmth, and luxury.
- 80-count Pure Wool: High-quality wool with a soft, premium feel and durability.
- 64-count Pure Wool: A practical option for everyday use, with a good balance of softness and durability.
- 100-count Polywool: The finest polywool blend, providing a soft and high-quality feel.
- 80-count Polywool: A step above basic polywool, offering more comfort and a refined texture.
- 64-count Polywool: Durable and affordable, suitable for regular wear and easy to maintain.
Choosing the Right Wool Product for You
At Authentic Kashmir, we offer a variety of products in both pure wool and polywool blends to suit your preferences and needs. Whether you’re looking for the unmatched softness and warmth of pure wool or a more affordable yet quality polywool blend, understanding these differences helps you select the perfect product.
Browse through our collections today and find the perfect woolen item to keep you warm, comfortable, and stylish!