![Wool vs. Cotton vs. Linen [Expanded 2023]](http://www.asterlark.com/cdn/shop/articles/contact_background_sq.jpg?v=1600383213&width=1100)
So you know that you prefer natural fibers and textiles made without plastics, but are you unsure about the differences between wool, cotton, and linen? We've laid out a comparison here:
Merino Wool |
Cotton |
Linen |
|
| Source | Fleece of sheep, obtained by shearing | Vegetable fiber; exterior seed hair of Gossypium species | Bast (plant body) of flax; linum usitatissimum |
| Composition | Keratin; fibers have a hollow core | Cellulose | Cellulose |
| In Use Since | Wool - 10,000 BCE; Merino - 14th century | 5000 BCE | 28,000 BCE |
| Diameter | 13 - 23 microns | 11 - 22 microns | 8 - 32 microns |
| Warmth | Warm, but wicking allows for good temperature regulation | Cool to wear | Fresh and cool to wear |
| Absorbency | Slow, can absorb 1/3 of its weight in water and not feel wet. Slow drying. | Highly absorbent, slow drying. | Highly absorbent, fast drying. |
| Breathability | High | High | Very High |
| Known For | Blankets, warmth, heirloom durability/resiliency | Mid temperature apparel, bath towels. Very comfortable unless wet. | Bed sheets, sauna robes, hot weather apparel. Stronger than cotton. |
| Durability | Very High | High | Moderate |
| Damaged By | Boiling water, bleach | - | Bleach |
| Flame Exposure | Will char, does not continue to burn after flame removed (self-extinguishing) | Burns quickly, flame is easily extinguished | Burns quickly, flame is easily extinguished |
| Cost | Moderate - Expensive | Low | Expensive |
In short, the most common decision point between wool, cotton, and linen, usually comes down warmth needs and cost. In hot temperatures, linen is best. Cotton and wool are good for mid-temperature. And wool is better for colder temperatures.