Longwool

Longwool is a term used in sheep husbandry and textile arts to describe a group of breeds whose fleece consists of long, lustrous fibers with a long staple length. The wool from longwool breeds is typically strong and has good length, making it suitable for heavy fabrics, carpets, and blending into yarns to add body and yarn‑span. Fiber diameter varies by breed, but longwool wools generally range from mid to coarse in fineness and tend to have relatively low crimp compared with some shortwool types.

Historically, longwool breeds were highly valued in Britain and parts of Europe for their substantial, durable fleece. They contributed to the development of early commercial textiles and were often kept by large flocks on rural estates. In modern times, production of longwool is more specialized, with many flocks maintained by heritage breeders, smallholders, and enthusiasts. Crossbreeding programs continue to preserve or reintroduce longwool characteristics in composite breeds.

Notable longwool breeds include Leicester Longwool (also known as Dishley Leicester), Lincoln, Cotswold, Wensleydale, Teeswater, and Romney. Each contributes distinctive wool attributes, such as length, luster, and staple structure, while sharing the general long, substantial fiber profile.

Applications of longwool fibers today often involve blends with finer wools to balance softness and durability, or use in traditional and rustic textiles, tweeds, and carpets. Conservation of heritage longwool breeds remains a focus for breeders and wool historians.