When it comes to regional origin, natural quality and true durability, we rely on the very best the Alps have to offer: wool from Austrian mountain sheep. It represents heritage, character and authenticity – shaped in the heart of the Alpine landscape, where wool has been part of everyday life and craftsmanship for centuries.

In this article, you will discover everything about the properties, benefits and applications of local Austrian mountain sheep wool – from its history to practical tips on proper care.

1. The Mountain Sheep

1.1 Definition & Origin

The wool of mountain sheep develops under the particular climatic conditions of the mountains. Temperature fluctuations, wind and precipitation influence the growth of the fleece and give the fibres their characteristic structure and resilience.

1.2 Sheep Breeds

The term “mountain sheep” refers to several robust sheep breeds that have been raised in the Alpine region for centuries. They are exceptionally well adapted to the harsh conditions of alpine pastures and high mountain grazing areas and form an important part of traditional sheep farming in the Alpine regions.

Among the best-known mountain sheep breeds in the Alps are:

• Tyrolean Mountain Sheep (the most common breed in the Ennstal region)
• Brown Mountain Sheep
• Tyrolean Stone Sheep
• Jura Sheep
• Valais Blacknose Sheep
• White Alpine Sheep

This diversity reflects the regional identity and cultural heritage of Alpine sheep farming – a living tradition that continues to be maintained and preserved to this day.

Further information about the individual mountain sheep breeds can be found at the Austrian Association for Sheep and Goats .

Some of the information used in this section is based on specialist content published there.

1.3 Breeding and Harvesting of Austrian Mountain Sheep Wool

The breeding of Austrian mountain sheep is primarily concentrated in the Alpine regions. The animals live in rhythm with the seasons – spending the summer on alpine pastures and the winter in the valleys. This natural and species-appropriate way of keeping sheep not only promotes animal welfare but also contributes to the characteristic robustness and durability of the fibres.

Methods of Wool Harvesting

• Shearing Wool: In Austria, wool is almost exclusively obtained by shearing living animals. This is considered the most valuable wool quality, as it is carefully shorn once or twice a year and meets the highest standards of hygiene, sustainability and fibre quality.
• Lamb’s Wool: The first fleece of young sheep, known for its particularly soft and fine fibres, is also used.
• Other Types of Wool: Skin wool, sweat wool, tannery wool or fallen wool may occasionally arise as by-products in Austria. However, they are not used for high-quality textiles and are instead directed to technical or agricultural applications such as insulation materials or fertiliser pellets.

Within a single fleece, fibre quality can vary: wool from the shoulders, neck and sides is generally finer and more uniform, while wool from the head, belly and legs tends to be coarser and less valuable.

Shearing usually takes place once a year, typically in spring or autumn. The fleece is removed in one piece, then sorted and evaluated according to fibre fineness, colour and purity. Wool from the back and sides is especially prized for its even and durable structure.

After shearing, the wool is gently washed to remove impurities. Depending on the level of soiling, the cleaning process reduces the raw weight of the fleece by around 30–50% before the wool is prepared for further processing.

Cleaning the Wool

Freshly shorn wool naturally contains residues such as wool grease (lanolin), sweat, dust, soil and plant matter. These components can account for around 40–50% of the raw weight. Through careful industrial washing, the wool is cleaned and prepared for further processing.

• Raw or Grease Wool: unwashed wool directly after shearing
• Mill-Washed Wool: industrially cleaned wool in which dirt, wool grease and plant residues have largely been removed. If necessary, remaining plant matter can additionally be eliminated through a special process known as carbonising.

2. What Makes Mountain Sheep Wool So Special?

Mountain sheep wool is characterised by a range of natural properties that make it a particularly durable and versatile natural material.

• Robust and durable – The strong fibre structure makes mountain sheep wool especially hard-wearing. It is therefore ideal for loden fabrics and textiles that retain their shape and stability for many years.
• Warming and temperature-regulating – Air trapped within the wool fibre provides excellent insulation and supports a balanced natural climate.
• Naturally dirt- and water-repellent – The natural wool grease (lanolin) protects the fibres. Dirt adheres less easily and can often simply be brushed away.
• Shape-retaining and resilient – Even with intensive use, the fabric remains stable and retains its volume and characteristic handle.
• Distinctive texture – The structured fibre gives fabrics made from mountain sheep wool a natural and authentic feel.

These qualities make mountain sheep wool particularly valuable for durable textiles and traditional fabrics such as loden. Its natural resilience, thermal performance and ease of care have made it a trusted material in the Alpine region for generations – both for clothing and interior textiles.

2.1 Regional Origin & Responsibility

Choosing a product made from locally sourced mountain sheep wool means choosing more than just a textile. It is a conscious decision in favour of regional raw materials, responsible production and respectful treatment of nature and animals. Wool sourced locally means short transport routes, transparent origins and value creation that remains within the region.

At Steiner1888, we place great importance on this connection between origin, craftsmanship and quality. Short transport routes and careful processing ensure that the natural character of the wool is preserved – as well as the artisanal knowledge that has been passed down through generations.

Local wool therefore also represents a deliberate counterpoint to the fast pace of modern fashion. It stands for durable materials, timeless products and production designed for longevity. Choosing such products means choosing quality, provenance and a respectful approach to a valuable natural material.

3. Key Characteristics & Benefits

Fineness

Fineness (1–8 dtex) varies significantly, as does the length of the wool fiber (approx. 12–70 mm). In general, the shorter a wool fiber is, the finer it tends to be. For example, the fiber diameter of merino wool ranges from 16–24 µm, crossbred wool from 25–37 µm and above, and Cheviot wool from 32–40 µm. The diameter may vary considerably from root to tip, a characteristic known as “uneven wool.” The more uniform the fineness (“evenness”) of individual wool fibers, the more consistent and tensile-strength-resistant the resulting yarn will be.

Crimp

The crimp of wool fibers is usually three-dimensional. Fine wools almost always exhibit a higher degree of crimp than coarser wools. This is due to the proportion and distribution of the ortho- and paracortex within the fiber structure. Depending on the type and number of crimp waves, wool is generally classified as having low, medium, or high crimp.

In addition to the elasticity of the wool fiber, crimp is a key factor in determining the bulkiness of fibers, yarns, and textile surfaces. The higher the crimp, the greater the amount of air trapped between the fibers, increasing fullness (volume) and resulting in excellent thermal insulation. However, excessively high crimp can cause difficulties during spinning. In such cases, the fibers are often partially decrimped by stretching under the influence of steam.

4. Applications of Mountain Sheep Wool

Mountain sheep wool is a versatile natural raw material and forms an important foundation for a variety of product categories at Steiner1888. Its robust fibre structure, natural volume and distinctive handle give textiles exceptional durability and authenticity.

5. Care of Mountain Sheep Wool

Mountain sheep wool is considered particularly robust and easy to care for. Thanks to its natural fibre structure and the presence of wool grease (lanolin), dirt usually only adheres to the surface and can often be removed simply by gentle brushing.

Regular airing is often sufficient to refresh the wool, as it does not easily retain odours.

If heavier soiling does occur, it can usually be treated gently with cold water and a mild wool detergent. Due to its strong fibre structure, mountain sheep wool is sensitive to excessive heat, strong friction or vigorous wringing. For this reason, textiles made from mountain sheep wool should always be dried flat.

This helps preserve the shape, handle and natural quality of the wool over time.

On our care page you will find further practical advice on cleaning and stain removal – from everyday marks to specific cases such as red wine or grease. This will help you preserve the natural beauty of your mountain sheep wool product for many years to come.

6. Structure of the Wool Fibre

The composition of a wool fibre depends on the breed and origin of the sheep, but one principle always applies: the main component of all animal fibres is protein, particularly keratin. This unique protein forms an extremely elastic and resilient fibre due to its spiral molecular structure. The degree of polymerisation (DP value) of wool is around 100, making it one of the most complex natural fibres. The fibre body itself is divided into several layers:

Scale Layer (Cuticle)

The cuticle forms the outer layer of the wool fibre and consists of overlapping scale cells. It protects the fibre and is responsible for characteristic properties such as felting ability and dirt resistance. Three layers can be distinguished:

• Epicuticle (outer membrane): water-repellent to liquid droplets but permeable to water vapour – ideal for moisture management.
• Exocuticle: hardened and scale-like; it protects the fibre from abrasion and gives wool its felting capability.
• Endocuticle: serves as structural support and separates the cuticle from the inner fibre.

Cortex (Spindle Cell Layer)

The cortex forms the main part of the fibre. It consists of millions of spindle-shaped cells, which are divided into two areas:

• Orthocortex: chemically less stable, more extensible and highly absorbent.
• Paracortex: more stable, less absorbent and less extensible.

Medulla (Core Layer)

The medulla is a central cellular layer that is particularly pronounced in coarser types of wool. It can reduce the softness of the fibre. Finer wool types, especially merino, contain only very small medullary islands or are almost medulla-free – which explains their exceptional softness.

The interaction of these two layers creates the natural crimp of the wool fibre – a key characteristic responsible for its thermal insulation and elasticity. The cells are held together by a natural binding substance, lanolin (wool grease). It keeps the fibre supple and provides natural water- and dirt-repellent properties.

7. History, Economic Importance and Current Challenges

With industrialisation and the increasing use of finer imported wools – especially from Australia and New Zealand – locally produced mountain sheep wool gradually lost some of its economic importance. Due to their fineness, these wools were particularly suitable for soft clothing textiles and were therefore in high international demand.

Nevertheless, mountain sheep wool has retained its unique significance. Its stronger fibre structure, natural volume and exceptional durability give it properties that other wool types cannot offer in the same way. The key lies in using the strengths of each fibre where they perform best. Wherever stability, structure and longevity are required, mountain sheep wool remains a valuable and distinctive raw material of Alpine textile tradition.

7.2 Economic Importance and Current Challenges

Today, locally sourced mountain sheep wool represents sustainability, regional value creation and the principles of slow fashion – yet its use remains economically demanding.

At Steiner1888, we source our mountain sheep wool primarily from the Ennstal and the surrounding regions. After shearing, the wool is carefully washed and prepared before it can be processed into yarn or fabric. This process is labour-intensive but essential to ensure the natural purity and quality of the fibre.

Although we would welcome a broader use of this wool, reality also shows clear limitations: due to its coarser fibre structure, local mountain sheep wool is not suitable for every product. It excels in durability and resilience but is less soft than merino or alpaca. As market demand often favours finer qualities, sales remain limited – despite available raw wool and well-stocked warehouses.

For this reason, we are currently unable to accept additional wool, although we hope to expand its use again in the long term. Our hope lies in raising awareness: a growing understanding that regional wool is a valuable and sustainable natural material that strengthens local value chains and preserves traditional craftsmanship.

Steiner1888 therefore uses locally sourced mountain sheep wool specifically in areas where its strengths can be fully appreciated:

• in interior textiles,
• in the traditional Schladminger Janker,
• in hunting and outdoor clothing,
• and in our innovative sleeping blanket, which contains 50 % locally sourced mountain sheep wool and makes optimal use of its temperature-balancing properties.

In addition, mountain sheep wool is highly suitable for felt products:

• Slippers & house shoes: mountain sheep wool felt is used for the sole because it is shape-retaining, insulating and durable. The upper is usually made from a softer merino or merino/alpaca blend to ensure greater comfort.
• Seat cushions: as a felt base, mountain sheep wool provides stability, durability and a pleasant temperature balance – even with intensive use.

Through the conscious development of selected products, such as our sleeping blanket, we aim to process more wool from the region in the future and thereby sustainably support sheep farmers in the Ennstal and beyond.