For more than 240 years, AW Hainsworth has been weaving some of the world’s finest woollen fabrics. But creating exceptional textiles doesn’t begin on the loom – it begins with choosing the right fibre.
Every wool fibre has its own unique characteristics. Some offer exceptional resilience, others outstanding softness, while others excel in technical performance. That’s why, when designing a new fabric, we don’t ask, “Which wool should we use?” We ask, “Which wool is best suited to this application?”
For many of our premium fabrics, the answer is Merino wool.
Wool isn’t a single material. It’s a family of natural fibres, each with different properties depending on the breed of sheep, climate and environment in which it’s produced.
Merino sheep produce some of the world’s finest wool fibres, renowned for their softness, consistency and performance. The exceptionally fine fibres create fabrics with a smooth handle, refined appearance and outstanding comfort, making them a natural choice for luxury textiles.
It’s these qualities that make Merino one of the most sought-after fibres in the textile industry.
This is a question we’re often asked.
The answer isn’t that Merino is better than British wool, it simply offers different characteristics.
British wool is renowned for its strength, resilience and durability. These qualities make it an excellent choice for applications where structure, robustness and longevity are essential, and it’s a fibre that remains an important part of Britain’s textile heritage.
Merino, on the other hand, is significantly finer. That finer fibre produces fabrics with greater softness, a smoother handle and a more luxurious finish.
For AW Hainsworth, it’s about matching the fibre to the fabric. If we’re weaving a fabric where durability and structure are paramount, another wool may be the ideal choice. If we’re creating a fabric where softness, elegance and comfort are the priority, Merino offers the characteristics we’re looking for.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution, only the right fibre for the right purpose.
At AW Hainsworth, every fabric begins with thoughtful fibre selection.
Our textile expertise has been built over generations, combining traditional craftsmanship with a deep understanding of wool and its remarkable natural properties. Whether we’re weaving luxury interior fabrics, premium apparel cloth or beautifully crafted home textiles, every decision, from fibre selection through to finishing, is made with performance, quality and longevity in mind.
Because exceptional fabrics don’t happen by chance. They begin with choosing the right wool.