When it comes to knit golf headcovers, the material matters. The yarn you choose affects how your headcovers look, feel, and perform on the course. Two of the most common fibers are wool and acrylic, and while both have their place, they offer very different qualities. Keep in mind, both materials come in a range of qualities (from "cheap" to "premium") and can vary quite a bit.
Here’s a closer look at how the two compare overall — and why we’ve chosen to craft every Collingwood Golf Co wool headcover from natural, premium fibers.
1. Feel & Texture
Wool:
Wool offers a naturally rich, premium feel with soft but sturdy texture. Each stitch has depth and character, giving every cover a handcrafted look that feels authentic and timeless.
Acrylic:
Acrylic yarn feels smoother and lighter, with a more uniform finish. It’s commonly used for mass-produced covers because it’s consistent and easy to work with, though it lacks the organic texture of wool.
2. Durability & Performance
Wool:
Wool fibers are elastic and resilient, helping your covers stretch over clubs and return to shape easily. They maintain their structure while aging gracefully, becoming softer and more supple over time.
Acrylic:
Acrylic is durable and low-maintenance — resistant to shrinking or pilling — but it doesn’t breathe or adapt the way wool does. Over time, acrylic can feel more synthetic and will lose its elasticity and shape more quickly than wool.
3. Weather Resistance
Wool:
Wool naturally repels light moisture and continues to perform even in damp conditions. It can keep your clubs protected from mist and light rain without needing synthetic coatings. Wool is more absorbent than acrylic. If your wool covers become thoroughly wet, you can gently squeeze/press out excess moisture with a towel (do not wring/twist them) and let them air dry someplace with good ventilation (not the trunk of your car).
Acrylic:
Acrylic is less absorbent and dries more quickly after getting wet, which can make it a more convenient choice for golfers who frequently brave soggy conditions.
4. Sustainability & Craftsmanship
Wool:
Wool is renewable, biodegradable, and part of golf’s traditional craft heritage. Wool headcovers have been around a very long time and continue to have a timeless appeal. We believe wool brings a superior quality to our covers that befits the careful craftsmanship with which they're made.
Acrylic:
Acrylic is a synthetic material, so it’s not biodegradable, though some modern yarns are made with recycled fibers. It’s practical and affordable, but less connected to traditional craftsmanship.
Why We Choose Wool
At Collingwood Golf Co, we choose wool because it strikes the perfect balance between performance, feel, and authenticity. Wool gives our headcovers structure, character, and a naturally premium finish that stands the test of time.
Explore our handcrafted wool headcovers → Shop Now
