Cotton vs. Wool – Which one is more comfortable?

Last updated on January 24th, 2026 at 12:06 pm

We live in a modern era, and so our taste and style are changing very rapidly. Style is changing, but a comfortless product is not desirable. So, style will be changed, but the product should be comfortable and easy to wear.

Different types of fibres like cotton, wool, silk, nylon, polyester, etc. are used to make textile products like underwear, outerwear, casualwear, swimwear, beachwear, etc. But we can’t use all types of fibres to make all types of products because of their comfortability and application. For example, we can’t use 100% cotton yarn to make swimwear, or we can’t use 100% wool for underwear. And so sometimes we use blends to make the product more comfortable.

Generally, we use wool to make blankets, horse rugs, carpeting, insulation and upholstery and cotton to make t-shirts, underwear and denim. So here comes the question: which one is more comfortable, cotton or wool? It is very tough to find the answer, but, in this article, we will try to dig out the answer. Before that we will know about cotton, wool and their differences.

Definition of Cotton

Cotton is a natural cellulosic staple fibre harvested from white, soft and fluffy balls around cotton seeds of cotton plants. It is one of the most cultivated profitable non-food crops on earth. It is known for its versatile end uses and natural comfort. Approximately 50% of the total textile products are made from cotton.

At first, cotton fibres are separated from their seeds by the ginning method. Then processed through a blow room to mix and blend. Then it goes through carding to reduce the entangled mass of fibres and make it a filmy web of cotton. Lastly, it is processed through combing to remove short fibres, neps and impurities. Finally, it is processed through a roving frame to prepare the sliver fit for the ring frame to make yarn.

Yarns are then used to make fabrics by knitting or weaving processes. Cotton products are coloured by using different types dyeing methods like yarn dyeing, fabric dyeing, garment dyeing, etc.

Definition of Wool

Wool is a protein fibre obtained from sheep and other animals like goats (cashmere and mohair). Wool grows on the bodies of the sheep. It is harvested by shearing and trimming the living animals, and so raw wool feels greasy. It also comes in a variety of natural qualities. During growing and harvesting wool, animals can be hurt, so farmers should be professional and trained.

After shearing, wool is processed through scouring treatment to remove oil, grease and impurities. Then the fibres are carded to make them parallel and ready to spin. Dyeing is done before carding in the case of coloured products. After that, finally, spinning is done to make woollen yarn.

Comparison between Cotton and Wool

We will show you a comparison between cotton and wool before saying that which textile product is more comfortable…

From the above comparison we can come to the conclusion that, when you have sensitive skin, then cotton products are suitable for you. During the winter season woollen products will perform well, as they can insulate your body even though they are wet. And obviously during the summer season it is better to wear cotton products, as they are breathable. When you are looking for a handkerchief or bras, then cotton products will be incomparable, and when you are looking for a winter jacket, then a woollen insulated jacket is incomparable. Using and taking care of cotton products is much easier than woollen products, as cotton products are lighter and easy to wash, and woollen products are heavier and need to be dry-cleaned.

So, I hope that you got your answer, and you also like Manufacturing Flowchart of Woolen Yarn