Difference Between Silk and Wool

Key Difference – Silk vs Wool

Silk and wool are two types of fibers that are obtained from animal sources. Silk is manufactured from the cocoons of silkworms whereas wool is manufactured from the fur of furry animals like goats. There are many similarities as well as differences between silk and wool. The key difference between silk and wool is wools ability to retain warmth.Although fabrics made from both silk and wool are able to retain warmth, wool is a better insulator of heat than silk.

什么是丝绸？

丝是从动物来源获得的天然纤维。它取自蚕的茧。某些形式的丝绸可以编织成衣服。有几种可以产生丝绸的昆虫，但是只有蛾毛毛虫生产的丝绸用于纺织品生产。最流行的丝绸形式是从Mulberry蚕bombyx Mori的茧中获得的。雪纺，Charmeuse，Crepe de Chine，Taffeta，Habutai和Tussah等织物通常是用丝绸制成的。

The fiber in silk mainly consists of fibroin and it is one of the strongest natural fibers. However, it loses about 20% of its strength when it is wet. It also has a moderate to poor elasticity; it remains stretched even if a small force is applied. Silk has a smooth very soft texture, but it is not slippery like many artificial fibers. The shiny nature of silk is due to the triangular prism-like structure of the silk fiber. Fabrics made from silk fiber are light but it can keep its wearers warm. Silk textiles may be weakened if it is exposed to too much sunlight.

Silk is often used for clothing such as formal dresses, shirts, blouses, ties, lining, pajamas, dress suits, lingerie, high fashion clothing and Eastern traditional costumes. Silk’s shine also makes it suitable for decorations and furniture. It is used for wall coverings, beddings, upholstery, etc.

What is Wool?

Wool is a textile fiber that is obtained from furry animals like sheep. Wool is made from the fur of these animals. There are different types of wool; for example, cashmere and mohair are obtained from goats, angora is produced from the fur of rabbits.

Wool is used to make clothing, especially winter clothing. Knitted clothing is typically made from wool. In addition, it is also used for applications such as blankets, rugs, carpets, saddle clothes, and upholstery.

Wool is a good insulator of heat – it has natural air pockets that help to keep the heat produced by the body inside and help to stay warm during the winter. This is why winter clothes such as sweaters are made from wool.

Wool fiber is durable and stretchable; it is soft and absorbs water. The fiber doesn’t wrinkle easily and springs back to shape. When the fiber or fabric is rubbed, it produces static electricity. The quality of wool is decided by the yield, fiber diameter, color, crimp, and staple strength. The diameter of the fiber is one of the important factors in deciding the quality as well as the price of wool.

What is the difference between Silk and Wool?

Origin:

Silk:丝来自蚕的茧。

羊毛：Wool is produced from fur of animals.

Fabrics:

Silk:Fabrics such as taffeta, chiffon, charmeuse and crepe de chine are made from silk.

羊毛：Flannel, challis, jersey, etc. are made from wool.

Luster:

Silk:丝绸具有光泽，闪烁的外观。

羊毛：Wool doesn’t have a shine.

Insulating Properties:

Silk:Silk is not as good as wool in retaining warmth.

羊毛：Wool has good insulating properties.

Special Uses:

Silk:Silk is often used for formal dresses.

羊毛：羊毛专门用于冬季服装。

Image Courtesy:

“Green wool texture” By M0tty – Own work(CC BY-SA 3.0)viaCommons Wikimedia

“white silk 5” ByJ E Theriot（CC由2.0）viaFlickr