Wool Products

Wool is the fibre that grows on the bodies of sheep.

Wool is a natural fibre. Since ancient times people have used wool to make their lives more comfortable, in shelter, in clothing, floorcoverings and decoration.

The wool fibre, when woven into fabric is soft, lightweight, easy to wear and to care for. It's everything you'd expect from a modern fabric. The fact that it's been around for such a long time just means that we've had longer to refine it - and to enjoy it.

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Wool characteristics

We uses a combination of wool measurements and characteristics to price wool.

Each of these are described in more detail, including price trends for each characteristic and tips to assist you .

Measurements include:

• Diameter (micron)
• Length
• Strength
• Position of break
• Vegetable matter
• Colour

Education information - facts

about the Australian wool industry

• Wool facts

  Facts and figures about Australia’s wool industry, including wool production and export levels.

• Wool fibre

  The natural qualities and properties of wool give it unique advantages when compared with other fibres. Durability, versatility and the value of spun wool is directly related to the characteristics inherent in the wool fibre.

• Sheep breeds in Australia

  Of the approximately 100 million sheep in Australia, over 80% are pure Merino – a breed that produces heavy fleece and fine wool. The strains of Merino, and other breeds, vary dependent on their location and the end-use for the wool.

• Wool Production

  Australian sheep are responsible for the production of a quarter of the world’s wool, a figure of over 450 million kilograms. Factors that influence production levels include: methods of harvesting wool, sheep husbandry and the health of the land.

• Wool processing

  The vast majority of Australian wool is transformed into yarn via the Worsted processing system. AWI’s dedication to research and development keeps Australian wool competitive in the changing manufacturing market.

• Wool Marketing

  The high quality of Australian wool means that the dominant share of produce is directed to the world’s clothing markets. Market prices, consumer preferences, competitive fibres and predictions for the global garment industry are factors that all influence the future of Australian wool.

• Careers with wool

  From the wide-open spaces of the outback to the narrow runways of the world’s premier fashion events, a career in wool is as diverse and rewarding as any industry.