Difference Between Merino Wool & Mohair & Alpaca

Merino wool comes from sheep. Alpaca wool comes from alpacas, and mohair comes from Angora goats. Merino wool is soft and itch-free, and is great at being absorbent and being breathable. Mohair is more durable, and has a natural sheen and luster. Alpaca wool is a natural fiber that is known for being soft, warm, and strong, with microscopic pockets in the fiber that trap heat, making it warmer than sheep's wool.

Merino wool and mohair are both are excellent for warmth, merino is often better for base layers due to its moisture management, and mohair is known for its strength and smooth, non-prickly texture with a shiny appearance. Alpaca is highly valued for its warmth, softness, and lightweight properties, and is often considered more sustainable than other animal fibers due to its hypoallergenic qualities and lack of lanolin.

All three fabrics from merino wool, to mohair to alpaca all are great options for the winter months as it gets colder from December and especially even colder in January, February and March in the northern hemisphere. With these fabrics you won't need to layer as much because for the most part these fabrics are quite warm.

Since the winter season is a few days away, starting on Sunday December 21, 2025 through March 20, 2026 in the northern hemisphere now would be a great time to bring out all of your merino wool, mohair and alpaca sweaters and trousers. Also don't forget your Heattech to layer under your merino wool, mohair and alpaca pieces for extra warmth if needed. You can also find a variety of merino- wool blends, mohair blends, and alpaca- blend clothing which is also just as warm.

You might already have some merino wool, mohair or alpaca pieces. So there is no need to go out and buy more of these pieces. You can just bring out your merino wool, mohair and alpaca from previous seasons and just re-wear them this winter and winter seasons to come. But if you don't have any merino wool, mohair or alpaca pieces then you've come to the right place. Below are some merino wool, mohair and alpaca pieces worth checking out. To learn more about the pieces below you can click on each link below each picture which will take you to the retailer selling the look.

Patou Sailor cable-knit merino wool sweater $636;

& Other Stories Mohair-blend Puff Sleeve Jumper $139;

COS Flecked Chunky Wool-Alpaca Cardigan $199;

COS Mohair-Wool Crew-Neck Sweater $229;

The Frankie Shop Elland brushed alpaca-blend cardigan $450;

Banana Republic Italian Merino-Blend Turtleneck Sweater $230;