Yarn vs. Characteristics |
Wool |
Acrylic |
Polycotton |
Stretch Nylon |
Textured Polyester |
Cotton |
Warm when wet |
Yes |
Ok |
No |
No |
No |
No |
Elastic Recovery |
Medium good |
Some |
Poor |
Best |
Good |
Poor |
Washable |
Not unless shrink proofed |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Dry Clean Recommended |
Yes |
Ok |
Ok |
Ok |
Ok |
Ok |
Yarn Strength |
Medium |
High |
Medium |
High |
High |
Lowest |
Spun Yarn |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
No |
Yes |
Filament Yarn |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
Drys Fast |
Medium |
Fast |
Slow |
Medium fast |
Fast |
Slow |
Moisture Management |
Damp, but warm |
Damp |
Wet, clammy |
Damp |
Damp |
Wet, clammy |
Blend with Spandex |
Not normally needed |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Fire Retardant |
Best of non treated |
No |
No |
No |
No |
No |
Multiple Weight |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Hand Soft |
Only Merino |
Yes |
Medium |
Yes |
Poor |
Medium good |
Cost |
$$$$ |
$ |
$$$ |
$$ |
$ |
$$ |
Value |
Wool |
Acrylic |
Polycotton |
Stretch Nylon |
Textured Polyester |
Cotton |