Lambswool Explained
In brief: Lambswool is wool from the first shearing of a sheep, usually at six to seven months old. Also called virgin wool, this initial clip is the finest and softest fleece the sheep will ever yield, typically under 25 microns in diameter with staple lengths up to 50mm. Each sheep provides lambswool only once. It is naturally hypoallergenic, dust-mite resistant, moisture-wicking and elastic, holding its shape well through wear.
What is lambswool?
Lambswool is the wool taken from the very first shearing of a sheep, typically at six to seven months of age. It is also known as virgin wool because it is the animal's first clip. This initial fleece is the finest and softest the sheep will ever produce, with fibre diameter usually measuring under 25 microns and staple lengths up to 50mm. Because it can only be the first shearing, each sheep provides lambswool just once in its lifetime, which is part of what makes it special.
Why lambswool is softer than regular wool
First-shearing wool lacks the coarseness that develops as sheep age, which is why it suits sensitive skin. The fibre tips from a first shearing are naturally tapered and smooth. In later shearings, the cut ends create a blunter, pricklier fibre, which is the sensation people associate with itchy wool. Combined with natural crimp that creates insulating air pockets and good moisture-wicking, lambswool delivers a comfort that adult wool simply cannot match.
Performance and care
Lambswool is more than just soft. It is naturally hypoallergenic and dust-mite resistant, and it wicks moisture away from the skin. Its elasticity means it retains its shape well, helping garments keep their form through repeated wear. To get the best from it, hand washing is recommended, as this preserves the fibre's natural scales and softness rather than felting or roughening them.
Lambswool at OD's Designer Clothing
We stock lambswool knitwear from Gran Sasso and Barbour. The softness and quality of first-shearing wool is immediately apparent in the hand, and it is one of the simplest ways to feel the difference between a good knit and an ordinary one. Visit the store to compare lambswool against standard wool for yourself.