Natural animal fibers: Why nature gives us the best materials

Imagine relaxing on the terrace on a warm summer evening – and your feet still feel pleasantly cool and dry in your favourite slippers. Or you wear your wool sneakers all day long and never feel like your feet are sweating, despite the heat. That's the magic of natural animal fibres – they work perfectly all year round.

People have relied on these natural wonders for thousands of years. And for good reason: no synthetic fibre, no matter how sophisticated, can truly replicate the unique properties of wool, cashmere or alpaca. But what makes these materials so special? And why should you consciously choose natural fibres for your next purchase?

Dive with us into the fascinating world of animal fibres – a journey that will change your understanding of quality and comfort forever.

Merino wool: the all-rounder among natural fibres

If there is an MVP among natural fibres, it is merino wool. This exceptional fibre comes from merino sheep and is so much more than “just” wool.

Why Merino is so special
Merino wool has ultra-fine fibres measuring just 13–26 micrometres in diameter – that's about four times thinner than a human hair! This fineness makes it incredibly soft and skin-friendly. But that's just the beginning:

• The superpower of temperature regulation: Merino wool acts like natural air conditioning. It warms when it's cold and cools when it's warm. How does it do that? The unique fibre structure can absorb up to 30% of its own weight in moisture without feeling wet.
  
• Natural odour protection: Have you ever noticed that wool garments need to be washed much less frequently? This is due to the natural antibacterial properties of keratin, the main component of wool.
  
• Perfect for everyday wear: At GIESSWEIN, we only use high-quality merino wool for our slippers and sneakers. Why? Because your feet deserve it! Whether you're working from home, relaxing on the sofa or popping out to the bakery, merino wool makes every moment more comfortable.
  

Learn more about Merino wool

Alpaca: The ‘fleece of the gods’ from the Andes

They live in the high regions of the Andes: alpacas, these charming animals with large eyes and the most valuable fur in the world. It was not without reason that the Incas called alpaca wool the ‘fleece of the gods’.

What makes alpaca so luxurious
Alpaca fibres are naturally:

• Hypoallergenic: Perfect for sensitive skin
  
• Water repellent: Natural protection against moisture
  
• Incredibly light: Despite outstanding thermal performance
  
• Silky shine: Gives textiles a luxurious look
  

Alpacas are true environmentalists: they only eat the tips of grasses (instead of pulling them out by the roots), have soft feet that protect the ground, and require much less water than other farm animals. Sustainability has never been so luxurious!

Cashmere: The king of fine fibres

Imagine the mountains of Mongolia: freezing winters, harsh winds, extreme conditions. This is where the cashmere goats live, which give us one of the most precious fibres in the world.

Why cashmere is so exclusive
Cashmere comes from the super-fine undercoat of goats, which they grow to protect themselves from harsh winters. These precious hairs are collected during the natural moulting process, which only happens once a year and is really time-consuming.

The result?
A fibre that:

• Eight times warmer than sheep's wool
  
• Remains light as a feather
  
• Possesses unparalleled softness
  
• Retains its quality for decades
  

From fibre to favourite piece

The journey from raw natural fibre to finished product is an art in itself, combining centuries-old craftsmanship with state-of-the-art technology. Each fibre presents its own challenges: raw wool, for example, must be cleaned gently to preserve its natural properties – if it is treated too hot or too aggressively, it loses its superpowers. The same applies to processing: merino wool, alpaca and cashmere each require their own special treatment, and experienced experts know exactly how to process each fibre optimally.

High-quality natural fibres are classified according to the strictest criteria, because fineness, origin and processing ultimately determine whether a fibre makes it into premium products. The origin of each individual fibre is just as important as the perfect balance between traditional methods and modern precision.

Find out more about our materials at GIESSWEIN