Staple (wool)

A wool staple is a naturally formed cluster or lock of wool fibres and not a single fibre. Very many staples together form a fleece.

The cluster of wool fibres is made by a cluster of follicles. The natural cluster of wool is held together because individual fibres have the ability to attach to each other so that they stay together. When removed from the sheep the underside of the fleece shows all its distinct individual staples.