| By :
Mark Etinger
While there are other methods of producing soft fiber, sheep have long been the most dominant. That was largely the reason they were domesticated more than ten thousand years ago. Different breeds produce sheepskin slippers, sheepskin gloves, and sheepskin rugs. Fine wool and longwool are the major categories of sheep's wool. These are some of the softest fibers in the world. Alpaca is not a sheep, it is a highland llama. Huacaya is one variety. The less prized of two types, its hair is shorter and less lustrous. Suri alapaca's hair is longer and sleeker. Both, however, are extraordinarily soft. Angora wool comes from rabbits. This silky hair is often blended with sheep's wool to give it elasticity. Pure angora often costs between $10-16 per ounce, but because its fibers are hollow, it is difficult to use alone. Bamboo: This fiber is made by breaking down the bamboo and making the cellulose into polymeric fibers. The result is very soft. Cashmere: This is a goat fiber. It is one of the most luxurious, but as such, it isn't very durable. Cheviot: These sheep are an old breed, originally from Spain, but long established in England. This wool has a spiral crimp and is very bouncy. The softest specimens are used for socks and undergarments, while harder Cheviot is used for outerwear. Exmoor Horn: This rare English breed of sheep lives in a small region of the country, and yields a fine and durable wool. It is shiny and lustrous and makes for great sheepskin mittens, socks, and sweaters. Merino: This fine wool isn't very durable, but it is one of the softest wools on this list. Although originally bred in Spain, today, Merino sheep are just as prevalent in Australia and New Zealand. Romney: Mildly soft, and thus perfect for sheepskin mittens and sheepskin hats, this longwool has good wear and luster. Softer Romneys are perfect for next-to-skin wear. Shetland: This ancient sheep live on the rugged hill of the Scottish Highlands. The wool is middling lustrous, has a good memory (won't crease easily) and is softer than most. Tussah Silk: Comparable to the silk of the mulberry moth, this silk is shiny, strong and delicate. Although it's often called 'wild silk' the process of raising the moths is the same as mulberry silk. These are the softest and most prominent kinds of wool and fibers. Now that you know what's what, it's time to start shopping.
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