Understanding Wool Loft: How High-Micron Poll Dorset Fibres Create Better Support

When it comes to wool bedding, not all wool is created equal. The type of fibre used and its micron count play a major role in how your quilt or underlay feels and performs. At Woolstar, we use high-micron Poll Dorset wool in many of our products because of its exceptional loft, resilience, and long-lasting support.

So, what exactly is “loft”, and how do wool microns affect it? And what is a wool micron chart? Let’s break it down.

What is Wool Loft?

Loft refers to the height and fluffiness of the wool filling. In bedding, it’s what gives your quilt that soft, full look and feel, and more importantly, what helps trap air for warmth and comfort.

Wool with good loft creates a quilt that feels plush but supportive, soft but not flat. It also allows for better airflow, which helps regulate your body temperature while you sleep.

Understanding Wool Microns and Why They Matter

A micron is a unit of measurement used to describe the diameter of individual wool fibres. One micron equals one-millionth of a metre. In simple terms, wool microns tell us how fine or coarse the wool is.

• Low-micron wool (18–22 microns) is very fine and soft, often used in clothing.
• High-micron wool (26 microns and above) is thicker and more robust, ideal for bedding and products that need structure and durability.

At Woolstar, we source high-micron Poll Dorset wool. It’s strong enough to retain loft, meaning your quilt stays plump, supportive, and breathable night after night.

Wool Micron Chart

Want to explore how different microns compare? Check out the wool micron chart below to see how fibre thickness influences performance.

Micron Range	Wool Type	Common Use	Feel / Performance
18–22 microns	Ultrafine Merino	Luxury garments, next-to-skin wear	Very soft, delicate, less durable for bedding
22–26 microns	Fine–Medium Wool	Blankets, lightweight bedding, apparel	Soft feel, moderate loft retention
26–30 microns	Medium–Strong Wool	Quilts, underlays, general bedding	Good structure, maintains loft well
30–35+ microns	High-Micron Wool (e.g. Poll Dorset)	Supportive bedding, durable products	Firm feel, excellent loft and longevity

Why Poll Dorset Wool is Perfect for Loft and Support

The Poll Dorset breed is known for producing wool with a higher micron count, making it naturally springy and resilient. This gives your bedding that “lift” that cheaper, low-micron fills can’t match.

What makes Poll Dorset wool stand out:

• Excellent resilience: The fibres bounce back after compression, helping maintain loft over time.
• Better insulation: The fibre’s structure traps more air, which improves temperature regulation.
• Stronger crimp: These fibres have a natural wave or crimp that adds bounce and structure, essential for long-term comfort and shape. Learn more about crimp wool here.

This combination is why Poll Dorset wool is one of the best choices for bedding that feels supportive, breathable, and built to last.

Micron Count and Comfort: Striking the Right Balance

There’s no “perfect” micron count. It all depends on the end use and your preference.

While low-micron wool is incredibly soft, it tends to flatten in bedding. High-micron wool offers a firmer feel, better bounce-back, and longer-lasting loft, making it ideal for quilts and underlays where support matters.

So, when you’re comparing wool bedding, don’t just think softness. Look at the micron wool used and how it contributes to the product’s structure, comfort, and lifespan.

Choose Woolstar for Naturally Supportive Bedding

At Woolstar, we don’t just fill our quilts with any wool. We use high-micron Poll Dorset fibres for their superior loft, structure, and comfort – and we do it right here in Australia. Every quilt is crafted with care, backed by our quality guarantee, and traceable back to the farm.

Looking for a quilt that holds its shape, supports your body, and keeps you at the right temperature year-round? Woolstar has you covered.