It's all wool - The differences and similarities between Lambswool and Super Geelong.

What is the difference between Geelong wool and Lambswool?

Let's get something straight, right from the start, Lambswool and Super Geelong come from the same breed of sheep, specially reared in Geelong, Australia. The climate there is mild resulting in a soft, quality wool. The only difference between the two is that Super Geelong is the first clip of the Australian sheep. Super Geelong (also known as virgin wool) is a finer micron than the second and future clips (lambswool) and therefore can be spun into a finer yarn, which can then be knitted into 1 ply knits. Lambswool is any raw material clipped from the sheep after their first clip. It is not as fine, and is more rugged in feel and appearance. Lambswool knits start at 2ply, double the weight of their 1 ply Super Geelong family member.

Confusing matters further - we now call Lambswool "Geelong Lambswool".

To distinguish between the quality lambswool product we offer from William Lockie and other lambswool products on the market, William Lockie now call their classic lambswool sweaters "Geelong Lambswool." Emphasising that the lambswool used in their sweaters only comes from the superior, pedigree sheep, specially bred in Geelong, Australia.

True Geelong is always Super...always.

Want to know you have 100% virgin wool, geelong wool? It's always called SUPER GEELONG. The Super Geelong label guarantees that you have that fine micron, first clip, extra fine lambswool you are looking for...because at the end of the day it is lambswool, just a little super.

Similar - in more ways than one.

The main similarity between Geelong Lambswool and Super Geelong is of course that it comes from the same breed of sheep. Other similarities between the Super Geelong and Geelong Lambswool we offer from William Lockie is that it is spun from its raw material form into top quality yarn from the world's best British Spinners, Hinchcliffe in Yorkshire and Todd and Duncan in Scotland. They are both sublimely manufactured by William Lockie, on their traditional knitting frames, producing an unsurpassed quality of sweater and both promise uncompromised warmth and style, to get you through those transitional and winter months.

Lambswool vs Merino

A common question in your pursuit for the perfect sweater. What is merino? Merino comes from an entirely different breed of sheep and is thinner and softer than regular wool with different properties offered. Instead of being intensely warm, merino regulates body temperature by wicking away a sweat and excess heat. It is light and easy to layer as well as being super fine and soft. You wouldn't necessarily choose a merino wool sweater on a cold winters day when you need to warm up and stay warm, but you might choose to pack one for an active day in the countryside when you run the risk of feeling cold and clammy.