Know Your Wool

Understanding wool terms shouldn’t be complicated. Our glossary is here to help you cut through the jargon, with simple explanations that give you clarity and confidence, whether you’re a grower, processor or brand.

The Wool Glossary

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

A

AuctionTraditional wool selling method where brokers offer lots to buyers at weekly sales. read more
Auction CatalogueSale list showing all wool lots and their test data. read more
AWEXAustralian body that sets wool classing and sale standards. read more
AWEX IDWool lot code showing type, breed, and quality. read more
AWIIndustry body for wool research, marketing, and innovation. read more

B

Bale BrandingMarkings on each bale showing property and classing details. read more
Bale Core SampleWool sample taken from bale for lab testing. read more
Bale NumberUnique ID for tracking wool bales through the supply chain. read more
Bale PressMachine used to compress wool into transport-ready bales. read more
Bale PressingPacking wool into standard bales for storage and transport. read more
Bale StencilLabel on the bale with traceability info like farm and classer ID. read more
Bale WeightThe weight of a wool bale, usually 110–204kg. read more
BelliesLower-value wool from a sheep’s belly. read more
BiosecurityFarm hygiene practices that protect wool quality and flock health. read more
Breed CodeLetter codes that show the sheep breed used for each wool lot. read more
BrightnessHow white and clean wool looks; affects dyeing and fabric appearance. read more
BrockleFleece with inconsistent colour or fibre type. read more
Broker’s ReserveMinimum price set by the broker for auction if no grower reserve. read more
BurrSticky seed pods or VM in wool; costly to remove during processing. read more

C

Carbon Neutral WoolWool where emissions are reduced or offset to meet carbon goals. read more
CarbonisingCleaning process for wool with lots of plant matter. read more
CardingBrushing wool to clean and align fibres before spinning. read more
Ceased MulesingFrom farms that used to mules but have now stopped the practice. read more
ClasserExpert who sorts wool by quality to create uniform lines. read more
Classer’s LineGroup of similar fleeces made by a classer to ensure consistency. read more
ClassingSorting wool into lines based on quality. read more
Clean YieldPercentage of clean wool after washing. read more
ClipAll wool shorn from a flock in one season. read more
Colour GradeVisual score for wool colour; white wool dyes and sells better. read more
Colour StainDiscolouration from urine, rain, or disease that lowers wool value. read more
CombingAligns wool fibres and removes short ones to improve yarn quality. read more
Combing LengthFibre length suitable for combing processes. read more
Comfort FactorSoftness of wool; higher means less itch. read more
ContaminationForeign material in wool that may lead to rejection or discounts. read more
Core LineMain fleece line with the best wool in the clip. read more
Core TestingLab test results from bale samples that show quality data like micron and yield. read more
CottsMatted wool fibres that are hard to process and lower in value. read more
CrimpNatural wave in wool fibre; finer wool has more. read more
CrutchingCleaning wool from rear areas to prevent flystrike. read more
CurvatureLab measure of fibre crimp; relates to fineness and softness. read more
CV of DiameterShows fibre thickness consistency; lower = better for even fabric. read more
CV of LengthConsistency of fibre length; helps ensure smoother spinning. read more

D

DagsSoiled wool around the rear of the sheep; removed before classing. read more
David MahilrajFounder of Lana Trading, known for his commitment to reshaping the wool supply chain through transparency, sustainability, and long-term partnerships. read more
Direct SaleSelling wool privately rather than through auction. read more
Double SkirtingExtra fleece trimming to improve quality and remove flaws. read more
Draft WoolWool from young sheep before their first full fleece. read more
DraftingSorting sheep before shearing to help class wool lines. read more
Drought Affected WoolWool grown in dry times; often weaker or dirtier than normal. read more
Dry Sheep Equivalent (DSE)Unit showing how much feed a sheep eats; used for grazing plans. read more
Dust PenetrationHow far dust gets into wool; affects scouring and brightness. read more

E

Early ShornWool shorn before 12 months; shorter but finer and cleaner. read more
ElasticityWool’s ability to stretch and return to shape; helps garments hold form. read more
End UseFinal product made from wool; affects buyer interest and price. read more
Environmental CredentialsSustainability measures tied to how the wool was grown and managed. read more
EpidermisThe outer skin layer where wool fibres grow from. read more
ESGA framework used by brands and investors to evaluate sustainability, ethical practices, and responsible decision-making. read more
Ewe FleeceWool shorn from a female sheep; usually finer than a ram’s fleece. read more
ExporterCompany that buys and ships wool to mills overseas. read more

F

Farm AssuredWool that’s backed by documents showing good farming practices. read more
FeltingWhen wool fibres bind tightly, creating dense fabric; used or avoided depending on product. read more
Fibre DiameterWool thickness in microns. Finer means softer and more valuable. read more
Fibre FinenessFineness = fibre diameter in microns. read more
FleeceA fleece is the full wool coat from one sheep, removed in a single shearing. read more
Fleece ThrowThrowing the fleece open on the table for skirting and classing. read more
FlystrikeInfection caused by blowflies laying eggs in dirty wool. read more
Forward ContractAn agreement to sell wool at a set price before shearing. read more

G

GradingSorting wool into quality levels based on visual or test data. read more
Grass SeedType of VM that embeds in fleece and is hard to remove. read more
Grease RecoveryCollecting lanolin from wool during scouring for resale. read more
Greasy WeightWool weight before washing; used to calculate clean yield. read more
Greasy WoolRaw wool before cleaning; contains grease and dirt. read more
Grower LotSale lot from a single grower; ensures uniformity and traceability. read more

H

Hairy WoolWool with coarse fibres; often used outside of clothing. read more
HandleHow the wool feels to the touch. Its softness, smoothness or harshness. read more
HauteurThe average fibre length after combing; used in worsted spinning. read more
Heat StressStress from heat that causes weaker wool growth or breakage. read more
Holding PaddockPaddock used before shearing to maintain fleece cleanliness. read more
Humidity DamageWool damage from high humidity; leads to yellowing or spoilage. read more

I

Industry LevyFee from sales used to support research and marketing. read more
InterpillarShorter, coarser fibres between staples. read more

K

KempCoarse, brittle fibres that resist dye and lower wool quality. read more
Kemp FibreCoarse fibres that resist dye and lower wool quality. read more
KeratinProtein that forms wool fibre; gives wool strength and stretch. read more
Knitwear WoolSoft wool for garments; often Merino with high comfort factor. read more
Knuckle CrimpSharp, well-defined crimp; sign of finer wool quality. read more
KtexUnit used in wool tests; helps measure fibre strength (N/ktex). read more

L

LanolinNatural oil from sheep wool; removed during scouring and used in skincare. read more
Light StainMild yellowing in wool from urine or weather; affects value slightly. read more
LocksShort, matted clumps of wool often separated out during classing. read more
Long StapleWool with longer fibre bundles; ideal for strong, smooth yarns. read more
LustreWool's natural sheen or brightness. read more

M

Medullated FibreHollow-core fibres that don’t dye well and lower garment quality. read more
MicronMicron is the main way we measure wool fibre thickness. The lower the micron, the higher the price. read more
MulesedWool from sheep that have undergone the surgical removal of skin folds to help prevent flystrike read more
MulesingA surgical procedure to remove skin folds from sheep, reducing the risk of flystrike. read more

N

NoilsShort fibres removed during combing, often reused in woollen products. read more

O

Off-type WoolWool that doesn’t match the rest of the lot in type or quality. read more
Organic WoolWool grown without chemicals, usually certified for organic claims. read more
Overcrimped WoolWool with too many crimp waves; may affect processing smoothness. read more
Overlength WoolWool that’s too long for standard spinning processes. read more
Overlong WoolWool that exceeds optimal length. read more
Overweight BaleWool bale heavier than industry standard; may attract handling costs. read more

P

Packaging ComplianceCorrect bale packing and labelling for sale and transport. read more
Pain Relief DeclarationShows pain relief was used during mulesing to support welfare claims. read more
Pass-InA wool lot not sold at auction because bids didn’t reach the reserve price. read more
PiecesWool from fleece edges; classed separately due to shorter fibres or stain. read more
PillingTiny balls of fibre that form on garments due to wear. read more
Point of BreakThe spot where wool is likely to break. read more
Position of BreakWhere wool tends to break; mid-breaks can signal stress or illness. read more
Preparation CodeAWEX code describing how wool was classed and prepared. read more
Presale TestingLab testing of wool before sale to give objective quality data. read more
Property Identification CodeFarm ID code used to track wool origin and maintain traceability. read more
Pygmy FibreVery fine fibres, not always useful. read more

R

Raddle WoolLower-quality wool from specific body parts. read more
RebatePayment returned to grower as discount or loyalty bonus. read more
Regenerative WoolWool from farms using land practices that restore soil and ecosystems. read more
Reserve PriceMinimum price set by the grower to protect value at auction. read more
RWSCertification that guarantees high standards for animal welfare, land management, and traceability. read more
RWS CertificationResponsible Wool Standard certification for ethical wool farming. read more

S

ScouringWashing greasy wool to remove dirt, grease, and VM. read more
Scouring YieldClean yield after scouring process. read more
SeedPlant seeds caught in wool; reduce quality and increase cleaning time. read more
Selling CentreAuction location where wool is sold to buyers. read more
ShearingRemoving the wool from sheep, usually once a year. read more
Sheep BreedSheep type influences wool fineness and end use. read more
ShiveSmall wood or straw bits in wool; a form of vegetable matter. read more
ShrinkageThe weight lost during scouring; lower shrinkage means higher clean yield. read more
Single-Origin WoolWool from one farm only; supports brand storytelling and consistency. read more
SkirtingTrimming the fleece to remove dirty or lower-quality edges. read more
SliverLoose, aligned wool fibres formed before spinning yarn. read more
SoundnessWool strength and break resistance. read more
Staple LengthLength of wool fibre bundles; longer staples are better for spinning. read more
Staple StrengthHow strong the wool fibre is before it breaks. read more
Staple TipFibre end most exposed to the elements. read more
SuperwashTreated wool that resists shrinkage and felting in the wash. read more
SweatingHeat damage from packing wool that’s still damp after shearing. read more

T

Tender BreakWeak part of fibre that breaks easily; reduces yarn quality. read more
Tender WoolWool that breaks easily, often due to stress or illness. read more
Test CertificateOfficial lab report showing wool quality test results. read more
TopmakingCombing wool to make it ready for spinning. read more
TraceabilityWool that can be tracked from farm to product for transparency. read more

U

Urine StainStaining from urine that reduces fleece value. read more

V

Vegetable MatterPlant debris in fleece that lowers value and adds processing cost. read more
Virgin WoolWool taken directly from sheep, not recycled or reused. read more
Visual AssessmentJudging wool by eye for colour, crimp and consistency. read more
Visual Wool ClassingSorting wool by hand based on visual traits and consistency. read more
VM (Vegetable Matter)Plant bits in the fleece. read more
VM%The percentage of plant material in a fleece; lower is better. read more

W

Wool BrokerHelps growers prepare and sell wool through auction or direct sale. read more
Wool CharacterCombined visual and tactile traits of wool. read more
Wool ClassingSorting wool into quality categories after shearing. read more
Wool CrimpNatural wave in wool fibres; linked to softness and quality. read more
Wool HandlingAll post-shearing steps to prepare wool for sale. read more
Wool MillFactory where wool is turned into yarn or fabric. read more
Wool PacksLarge, strong bags used to store and press wool into bales. read more
Wool PlatformArea in the shed for skirting and classing wool. read more
Wool Spec FinderA simple way for processors and brands to receive a personalised wool spec based on their values and sourcing needs. read more
Wool Specification SheetForm with key info about each wool line in the clip. read more
Wool StoreStorage centre for wool bales before sale or export. read more
Wool StyleA visual score based on brightness, crimp, and overall fleece appeal. read more
Wool Test CertificateOfficial lab report showing key measurements for a wool lot. read more
Wool Yield CertificateShows overall clean yield from a grower’s full wool clip. read more
Woollen vs WorstedWoollen = soft & fuzzy; Worsted = smooth & strong yarn. read more
Woollen YarnSoft yarn made from short fibres; warm and good for knits. read more
Worsted YarnYarn made from long combed fibres; smooth and used in fine fabrics. read more

Y

YardingGathering sheep into pens for shearing or treatment. read more
Yarn CountMeasures yarn thickness; higher counts = finer yarns. read more
Yellow StainYellow discolouration from urine or sweat; reduces wool quality. read more
Yellow WoolWool that’s turned yellow from exposure. read more
YieldHow much clean wool remains after washing out grease and dirt. read more
YolkNatural grease in fleece; washed out during scouring. read more

Z

Z TwistThe twist direction in yarn; Z twist is common in machine-spun yarns. read more
Zero ContaminationWool free of plastic, coloured fibres or other foreign objects. read more
Zinc SupplementationZinc in sheep diets may improve wool growth and skin condition. read more
ZoningSorting wool by regional origin for traceability or logistics. read more
ZQ WoolWool certification focused on ethics, environment, and animal welfare. read more

Know Your Wool

The Wool Glossary

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