Wool Quality Assessment Checklist
Identify High-Quality Wool Before You Buy
What This Tool Does
Don’t get fooled by low-quality wool! This interactive checklist helps you evaluate wool quality when shopping, covering micron count, fiber length, construction, labeling, and pricing. Get a quality score from 1-10 and learn to spot red flags.
How It Works
Check off quality indicators as you inspect wool items. Each factor is weighted by importance. Get an instant quality score and rating, plus see red flags to avoid.
Benefits
Shop with confidence. Avoid wasting money on poor quality wool. Learn what separates premium from budget wool. Negotiate better prices with knowledge of true quality.
1. Fiber Quality (30 points)
Fine Micron Count
Merino under 20 microns, or cashmere under 19 microns, or baby alpaca under 23 microns. Feels very soft to touch.
+10 pts
Long Fiber Length
Fibers 50mm+ in length. Indicates stronger fabric that pills less. Check product specs or ask retailer.
+8 pts
Consistent Fiber Diameter
Feel the fabric – should be uniformly soft throughout with no scratchy or rough patches.
+7 pts
Natural Crimp Visible
Quality wool shows natural waviness in the fibers. This creates better insulation and resilience.
+5 pts
2. Construction & Craftsmanship (25 points)
Multi-Ply Yarn (2-ply or 3-ply)
Multiple strands twisted together create stronger, more durable fabric. Check label or examine closely.
+10 pts
Tight, Even Weave/Knit
Hold up to light – minimal light shows through. Stitches or weave are uniform with no irregularities.
+7 pts
Quality Seams & Finishing
Seams are straight, secure, and finished properly. No loose threads or puckering.
+5 pts
Reinforced Stress Points
Extra stitching at shoulders, underarms, or high-wear areas shows attention to durability.
+3 pts
3. Labeling & Certification (20 points)
100% Virgin/New Wool Label
States “100% Virgin Wool” or “100% Pure New Wool” – not recycled or blended with inferior fibers.
+8 pts
Woolmark Certification
Official Woolmark logo present – guarantees quality standards and fiber content.
+6 pts
RWS or GOTS Certification
Responsible Wool Standard or Global Organic Textile Standard certification present.
+4 pts
Country of Origin Listed
Clear indication of where wool was sourced (Australia, New Zealand, Peru, etc.).
+2 pts
4. Feel & Performance (15 points)
Soft Against Skin (No Itch)
Rub against sensitive skin (inner wrist, neck). Should feel soft and pleasant, not scratchy or irritating.
+6 pts
Good Recovery/Elasticity
Gently stretch a section – should spring back to original shape immediately without staying stretched.
+5 pts
Minimal Pilling Visible
For used/sample items: Check for pills (little balls). Quality wool pills less. For new items, rub fabric gently.
+4 pts
5. Price & Value (10 points)
Price Matches Quality Indicators
Merino $80-250+, Cashmere $200-800+, Lambswool $60-200. Very cheap prices suggest low quality.
+5 pts
Reputable Brand/Retailer
From known wool specialists (Icebreaker, Smartwool, Woolrich, etc.) or established luxury brands.
+3 pts
Warranty or Guarantee Offered
Quality brands stand behind their wool with warranties or satisfaction guarantees.
+2 pts
Your Quality Score
0/100
🚩 Red Flags to Avoid
Suspiciously Low Price
Quality wool isn’t cheap. If a “cashmere” sweater costs $30, it’s likely not real cashmere or heavily blended.
No Fiber Content Label
By law, textiles must list fiber content. No label = avoid. Vague terms like “wool blend” without percentages are suspicious.
Feels Scratchy or Rough
Quality wool (especially merino and cashmere) should feel soft. Scratchy wool is coarse fiber, poor quality, or synthetic blend.
Uneven Texture or Color
Blotchy coloring, thick and thin spots, or inconsistent texture indicates poor processing or fiber quality.
Chemical Smell
Quality wool has a natural, mild smell (or none). Strong chemical odors suggest harsh processing or synthetic fibers.
Pills Immediately
If display/sample items show heavy pilling or if rubbing fabric produces pills instantly, fiber length is too short.
Poor Construction
Loose threads, uneven seams, gaps in weave/knit, or poorly finished edges indicate rushed, low-quality manufacturing.
Won’t Provide Details
Retailer can’t or won’t tell you micron count, fiber source, or other quality indicators when asked.