Geelong Wool Explained

In brief: Geelong wool, often marketed as Super Geelong lambswool, is ultra-fine Merino wool measuring 15 to 19.5 microns in diameter, comparable to cashmere's 15 to 18.5 micron range. Named after the Geelong region of southern Australia, it comes exclusively from the first shearing of large-frame Merino lambs at around seven months of age. It offers cashmere-level luxury with better durability, stronger pilling resistance and more accessible pricing.

What is Geelong wool?

Geelong wool is an ultra-fine grade of Merino wool named after the Geelong region of southern Australia. It is frequently sold as Super Geelong lambswool. What sets it apart is fibre fineness: it measures between 15 and 19.5 microns in diameter, which places it directly in the same bracket as cashmere, usually quoted at 15 to 18.5 microns. The fibre comes exclusively from the first shearing of large-frame Merino lambs at approximately seven months of age, so each lamb provides Geelong wool only once. That scarcity, combined with the fineness, is why it sits at the luxury end of knitwear.

Geelong versus cashmere

The natural comparison is cashmere, and on softness the two are close. Where Geelong pulls ahead is in practicality. According to specialist wool merchants, Geelong offers cashmere-level luxury with greater durability. It resists pilling better than cashmere while keeping the same hypoallergenic qualities suited to sensitive skin. If cashmere is the silky luxury choice, Geelong is the practical luxury choice: the same indulgent hand feel, but a fabric that holds up better to regular wear.

Why the crimp matters

Geelong has a pronounced natural crimp, the waviness of the individual fibres. When the wool is woollen-spun, that stronger crimp traps more insulating air than standard Merino, delivering warmth without bulk. The result is a knit that feels light in the hand yet holds heat well. Natural lanolin content in the fibre adds softness and a degree of water resistance, while the crimp also helps garments spring back into shape after wear.

Geelong Wool at OD's Designer Clothing

Gran Sasso uses Geelong and other premium wools in its Italian-made knitwear collection. The quality of the fibre is immediately apparent in the hand feel, and it is one of the clearest examples of how raw material choice shapes the finished piece. Visit the St Helens store to feel the difference between Geelong and ordinary Merino in person.