Staple (wool)

For other textiles, the staple, having evolved from its usage with wool, is a measure of the quality of the fibre with regard to its length or fineness.

Of uncertain origin but possibly a back-formation[1] arising because part of the business of a wool-stapler was to sort and class the wool according to quality.

Virtually all fleece and better grade wool skirtings sold at auction in Australia are objectively measured prior to the sale with the average results printed in a catalogue.

Seasonal conditions or the health of the sheep may influence the soundness (strength) of the wool.

The Australian Standard requires that a sale lot has a minimum of 55 staples measured with the average calculated and produced.