How can you tell a material by feeling it?

[whusurdadi]

I know this is a weird question, but I bought a pair of Massimo Bizzochi dress pants off of ebay and the seller listed them as 100% wool.
When I got them, and checked them out - they have no composition tag at all - just the MB/date of manufacture tag...
So I emailed him asking how he knew they were wool and he answered me - "I've been doing this for a long time, and I know wool when I feel it" - kind of a moron answer...
But anyways, they're very soft, almost like cashmere-ish feeling - any way to find out what they're really made out of?
Thanks

 

[lee_44106]

Isn't it kinda like Appreciation, I'll know it when I see it/feel it?

Kinda hard to put into words something so tactile, a feeling.

Soft, fuzzy, great hand, these descriptions comes to mind but probably don't mean jack to the novice.

 

[mwill132]

Not to steal your thread, but I have a similar question. I've got these trousers and they are 100% wool. http://www.shopthefinest.com/Items/l...%2034%20/%2050 I'm thinking about purchasing these, which are 100% cotton. Would these be as formal as the others or are they going to be a little more casual? I don't know much about fabric and would like some input if anyone could help. Thanks. http://www.shopthefinest.com/Items/L...%2034%20/%2050