| Not all wools are created equal. In New Zealand, one of the world's most important wool production countries, we know our wool pretty well. Our unique environment, years of sheep breeding programs and leading edge technology are the ingredients, which deliver some of the best quality wool in the world. Our sweaters have the Fernmark, a symbol of excellence. To qualify for the Fernmark, you have to meet a very strict set of technical and performance standards for properties such as strength, color fastness, wash-ability, and level of workmanship. That's why you can expect our garments to be stylish and top quality.
Unlike the very simple structure of a synthetic fiber, wool is a complex protein, evolved over millions of years to protect sheep in a variety of habitats and weather conditions. Over the centuries, nature has given us a hardwearing, easy care and beautiful fiber. In New Zealand, technology is teamed with nature to make our wool even better: clean and consistently superior.
Wool is comfortable. It is the perfect all-year-round fiber. Wool works wherever you are. The key to clothing comfort is to choose a fiber that matches the body's natural rhythms. Only wool does the same thing as you do, it breathes. The core of a wool fiber is hydrophilic (water loving), and can absorb up to 30% of its own weight in water vapor without feeling clammy or damp. A key to comfort is wool's ability to give warmth without weight. The coiled structure of wool forms millions of tiny pockets, which trap warm air between them, creating the perfectly insulated environment. Wool is also able to repel water, keeping us drier and warmer in the wet seasons.
Wool is easy care. Wool naturally repels dirt and holds its shape without wrinkling. Given a few easy-to-follow rules, cleaning is simple.
Wool is resilient. One important difference between wool fiber and any other is it's memory. Wool's natural elasticity comes from its ability to remember its natural wave. This makes wool extremely resilient and hardwearing. A wool fiber can be bent 30,000 times without damage
Washing
Use mild detergents recommended for wool washing cycles. All of our garments are machine washable on the gentle wool cycle. Dry flat in a shaded area. Direct sunlight, near a fire or on top of a heater can yellow the fibers.
Ironing
It's not usually necessary, but if needed use a damp pressing cloth or a steam iron. Press on the wrong side of the garment, with quick, light strokes. Any wrinkles and creases will usually disappear if a wool garment is hung up overnight.
Shrinkage
Wool is an "intelligent" fiber - it returns again and again to it's natural shape. Occasionally "relaxation" shrinkage happens. Don't panic! The garment has been stretched during manufacturing and it has shrunk to it's natural shape. Simply stretch the garment gently again when it's damp and let it dry in it\s new shape. |
