Cashmere vs Lambswool; The Difference Explained

When it comes to luxury fabrics, few names evoke comfort and craftsmanship like cashmere and lambswool. At Lona Scott, we’re often asked what truly sets them apart. Both are soft, natural, and enduring, but their stories, origins, and qualities make them distinct.

 

 

Cashmere - The Art of Refinement

Cashmere is drawn from the soft undercoat of the cashmere goat, found in Mongolia and Central Asia. Each goat yields only a small amount each year, making pure cashmere one of the world’s rarest fibres, less than 1% of global wool production. The fibres, incredibly fine (around 14–19 microns), are hand-combed rather than sheared, creating that signature featherlight warmth and unmatched softness. At Lona Scott, we favour Mongolian cashmere, prized for its purity, strength, and elegance that deepens over time.

 

 

 

Lambswool - The Everyday Luxury

Lambswool comes from a sheep’s first shearing, giving it a supple, smooth texture. It’s naturally insulating, moisture-repellent, and beautifully soft—an ideal choice for lambswool scarves, blankets, and everyday comfort. Slightly hardier than cashmere, it balances warmth and resilience, making it perfect for frequent wear.

 

 

 

 

Key Differences at a Glance

• Softness: Cashmere feels lighter and silkier; lambswool is soft yet more robust.
• Warmth: Cashmere is up to three times more insulating while remaining weightless.
• Durability: Lambswool is easier to care for; cashmere rewards gentle handling with age.
• Price: Cashmere's rarity makes it a long-term investment; lambswool offers attainable luxury.

 

 

 

Softness and Feel

Both Cashmere are natural fibres and their properties offer a soft and warm insulation. However, while Cashmere is extremely soft, Lambswool is slightly more coarse.  Both have moisture-repelling and antibacterial properties, making them practical for everyday wear. For many people, Lambswool offers the perfect balance: it's genuinely soft enough for sensitive skin with a more affordable price range.

 

 

 

 

Which Is Right for You; Cashmere or Lambswool?

Choose cashmere for quiet luxury, effortless warmth, and timeless refinement, an heirloom to treasure. Choose lambswool for softness, practicality, and enduring comfort—perfect for every day. Whichever you prefer, Lona Scott pieces embody the same philosophy: quality over haste, heritage over trend. From Mongolian cashmere jumpers to lambswool scarves, each is crafted to last—designed for those who understand that true luxury never rushes.

 

 

 

 

Caring for Your Pieces

Both fibres respond best to thoughtful care. Hand wash in cool water with a gentle detergent, reshape while damp, and dry flat away from sunlight. Store folded in breathable cotton, using cedar or lavender to protect against moths.

Cashmere care:

• Wash by hand in lukewarm water (under 20°C).
• Use a gentle detergent made for delicates 
• Soak for 5-10 minutes max.
• Don't wring or twist - just gently squeeze out the water.
• Lay it flat to dry on a clean towel or breathable drying rack
• Store it folded in a breathable Cotton Storage Bag
• Use cedarwood or lavender to keep moths away 
• If it gets pilly, gently comb it out with a cashmere comb.

Lambswool care:

• Hand washing is best, but some lambswool items can handle a gentle machine wash
• Use a gentle detergent made for delicates 
• Rinse and dry similar to cashmere
• Lambswool is a bit more flexible with temperature and handling
• It still does well when dried flat and stored carefully
• Use cedarwood or lavender to keep moths away 

 

 

The main difference? Cashmere is less forgiving of mistakes, whilst lambswool has a bit more resilience. At Lona Scott, our pure cashmere pieces are investments meant for you to cherish for years. Our lambswool scarves and accessories are great for everyday luxury. Choosing between cashmere and lambswool isn't about what's "better" but more about what works best for you. Both are great natural fibres that offer the real deal when it comes to warmth and lasting a long time. If you want to treat yourself to something luxurious, you'll love wearing our Pure Cashmere Scarves. For a nice mix of quality and durability, our lambswool scarf collections and accessories offer true luxury with a more attainable price range.

 

 

 

FAQs

What's the difference between cashmere and wool?

Cashmere is a higher-end wool. It comes from Mongolian Goats only and needs more work and time to be collected and spun into knitwear, whereas Lambswool is more accessible in both production and price range.

Does cashmere last longer than lambswool?

Good care can really make a difference in how long your both natural fibres last. And the best part is, it just gets better with age. Due to both being natural fibres from nature / animals, which specific care they both can last 5 to 10 years ( or even longer). Their durability truly depends on the care of the wearer. If well looked after, both cashmere and wool can last exactly the same.

Can I machine-wash cashmere?

Hand washing only or taking it to the Dry Cleaners, is the way to go for cashmere. Machine washing can be too rough and ruin the natural fibres. Lambswool can sometimes tolerate a gentle machine wash if your modern washing machine has a built-in setting for this, but it's best to wash it by hand, too. Cashmere needs special care: lukewarm water and mild detergent are a must if you want to keep it soft.