Can’t make up your mind on whether to choose a wool vs cotton sweater? Cotton sweaters are widely available, inexpensive and easy to clean, But is a cotton sweater the best choice for you?

We’ve provided this handy guide to explain their differences. When you’re finished, you’ll know the best use cases for both cotton and wool sweaters. And you’ll know that for the best protection against the worst weather, there’s no substitute for a good wool sweater. 

Aran Sweater Company makes the best 100% wool sweaters you can buy. Are Aran sweaters good quality? Let’s just say that an Aran wool sweater can last for generations with proper care. We are heirs to a long tradition of comfort, performance, and enduring style. See for yourself today!

“Excellent quality Irish made wool products at fair prices. Fast FedEx shipping to US. Highly recommend!” - Craig

“Great website, ease of ordering and quality product with fast International shipping. I love that products are pure wool and not synthetic cheap stuff like so much else these days. Healthy and Heritage, what's not to like ?!” - Kiley

“I really like your products; so very well made and beautiful! It’s amazing how quickly my orders have been processed, shipped and received. The softness of the wool, the care instructions and the certificate of authenticity are a bonus. I’ve ordered two sweaters.” - Alix

Benefits of Wool Sweaters

For generations, Aran fishermen and farmers have kept warm and dry in the worst weather conditions with knit wool sweaters. Wool’s insulating properties provide unbeatable protection against the elements. And merino wool, which we use for Aran sweaters, is the gold standard for wool.

Here are some of the benefits you can expect when you purchase a quality wool sweater.

Natural Insulation for Cold Weather

Every wool strand has tiny bends and crimps. Millions of microscopic air pockets form throughout your wool sweater. These pockets serve as powerful insulators that keep your body heat in and shut cold out.  

When you move into a heated room, those air pockets also shield you against excess heat. In the same situation a synthetic sweater would immediately feel stuffy and uncomfortable as it trapped sweat and heat against your skin.

Odor Resistance and Antibacterial Properties

Odor-causing bacteria thrive in damp clothing. But they find it hard to grow in wool because it’s so good at wicking sweat away and keeping your skin dry. You’ll find that you don’t need to wash your wool sweater nearly as often as garments made from cotton or synthetics.

Durability and Long-Term Wear

Wool fibers can bounce back to their original shape after being stretched up to 30% to 50% beyond their original length. They will also bend over 20,000 times without breaking. 

What does that mean for your Aran wool sweater?

 It means that it will resist sagging, stretching, and wrinkling. You can easily reblock your sweater if it appears stretched. Check out our guide on how to remove pilling from wool sweater to find out how you can safely make your older wool sweater look like new. 

Benefits of Cotton Sweaters

Cotton sweaters are a lightweight, comfortable, and inexpensive choice for everyday wear. Here are some situations where you might favor a cotton sweater.

Lightweight Comfort for Milder Weather

Cotton fabric is lighter and less bulky than wool. This makes cotton sweaters an excellent choice for cool spring mornings or summer evening strolls. They provide a little bit of warmth without additional bulk. 

But cotton fibers don’t provide the same insulation as wool. Cotton sweaters are best reserved for mild days when you simply need to ward off a slight chill.

Soft, Breathable Feel Against the Skin

Air circulates freely through your breathable cotton sweater. This means you stay comfortable even when you’re indoors or dealing with changing temperatures.

But cotton holds water where wool lets it evaporate away. A wet cotton sweater will soon become heavy and clammy and lose all its insulating abilities. Cotton sweaters are a poor choice for damp and rainy weather.

Easy to Wash and Care For

Ease of cleaning is one advantage of cotton vs. wool sweaters. While wool requires less frequent cleaning than cotton, it has specialized requirements.  

Many cotton sweaters can be cleaned in a standard washing machine and tumble dried on a low heat setting. But cotton is very prone to shrinking if it is washed or dried with high heat.

Affordability and Accessibility

Cotton sweaters are cheaper, but they're not as durable as wool. You will replace several cotton sweaters before you finally need to buy a new wool sweater. 

You'll have no trouble finding attractive and affordable cotton sweaters in a variety of shapes, colors, and sizes. But you'll find yourself shopping more often. A few heirloom wool sweaters will not only last longer, but they will also keep you warmer.

Cotton vs Wool Sweater: Key Differences to Consider

Understanding the differences between wool and cotton will help you decide which sweater to wear on any given day. Here are some factors to consider.

Warmth and Seasonal Suitability

Your choice between a merino wool vs cotton sweater generally comes down to the season. The crimp in wool fibers creates millions of tiny air pockets that act as insulators. Wool sweaters provide a deep consistent warmth that cotton simply can’t match in cold weather. 

Because cotton fibers are smoother and less dense, they are much lighter and provide less insulation. They’re good as a layer or on a cool spring day or breezy autumn evening. But when the thermometer drops, cotton won’t provide the protection you need.  

Texture and Feel

Cotton is known for being smooth and non-irritating. Lower grades of wool can have a scratchy texture so that’s why the best wool sweaters use high-quality merino wool. 

We often get asked, are merino wool sweaters itchy? Not at all! Our Aran merino wool sweaters are exceptionally soft and comfortable, with a luxurious feel that makes you feel cozy and protected in the worst weather.

Care Requirements and Durability

When it comes to caring for cotton vs wool sweaters, cotton wins for ease and convenience. But when you measure merino wool vs cotton sweaters for durability, wool takes the trophy. A good wool sweater will hold its shape for years or even decades.

Moisture Management and Breathability

Wool wicks sweat away from your skin so it can evaporate. This keeps you dry even on damp, windy days. It also prevents you from overheating when you come in out of the cold.

Cotton is also highly absorbent, but it has no wicking properties. Cotton sweaters soak up the moisture and then hold it against your skin. The sweater soon becomes damp and clammy if it gets damp or if you break a sweat.

Style, Structure, and Weight

Wool sweaters have excellent structure and a beautiful drape. Good wool lets knitters produce the crisp, defined stitch patterns you find on an Aran sweater. Wool is the best choice if you want a beautiful and comfortable sweater.

Cotton sweaters have a lighter structure and a more relaxed drape. Cotton sweaters don’t hold complex knitting patterns well and can look limp or saggy when compared to a high quality wool sweater. For more information about knit patterns, check out our crochet vs knit sweater guide.

Cost and Value Over Time

Cotton sweaters seem more budget-friendly when you compare the prices of merino wool vs cotton sweaters. But you have to consider value along with price. 

A single wool sweater will not only provide you with better protection against the cold. It can outlast multiple cotton sweaters, so a wool sweater might be both the warmest and most economical choice over the long run.

Experience the Difference Firsthand With Wool Sweaters From Aran Sweater Market!

Aran Sweater Market is proud to bring you the best Irish wool sweaters. All our wool sweaters for men and wool sweaters for women are knit with care using traditional patterns, and each garment comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.  

When you compare merino wool vs cotton sweaters, the choice is obvious. A merino wool sweater looks better, lasts longer, and keeps you warmer than even the finest cotton sweater. 

Aran sweaters can keep you warm on the coldest and bleakest days. Don’t settle for a cheap disposable sweater; buy an heirloom at Aran.

Wrapping Up Our Wool vs Cotton Sweater Comparison

When you’re trying to decide between a merino wool vs cotton sweater, make the smart decision – choose an Aran Irish knit sweater! 

The Aran Islands are the birthplace of the fisherman’s sweater. Our authentic sweaters will keep you comfortable on the dampest, windiest days. If you want the finest and warmest sweater you can buy, shop at Aran today!