Textile Insight

lation and moisture management." Lee explains. "This technology is now being expanded into double-faced and other lightweight variations." Suedwolle's Naturetexx yarns continue to be an area of continued interest. These are yarns that are pro- cessed without chemicals to provide total-easy-care (washability without felting). Suedwolle developed, and is the sole producers of this technology. Blends increasingly bring newness to the market. Suedwolle has launched several new products that include blends with Cordura, Tencel, Thermocatch, and silk—each complementing the inherent features of wool. Cordura Combat Wool fabrics are constructed with Merino wool and nylon 6,6 fibers. Introduced just three years ago, Cordura Combat Wool is now available in a variety of styles and constructions. A new collaboration with Triple Aught Design for sweaters using Cordura Combat Wool will be showcased at the upcoming Denver trade show. Changing Perceptions Today's Merino is convincing consumers to try wool baselayer for winter, as well as wool for year-round wear. "We can make baselayer now that is the same weight, and appearance as synthetic, but wool also keeps you cooler," says Kettlewell. "Right now in Sydney, it's about 3O C (85 degrees F), and I've got wool base layer under my work shirt. And I feel very comfortable!" From his office in Denver, Tom Mason also extolls the benefit of today's wool. Mason, U.S. brand manager for the Swiss firm Ortovox, states, "People want performance, but they don't wan that old itchy stuff. Once people try today's wool, they say, 'Wow this really works.'" While best known in the U.S. for its beacons and other avalanche safety equipment, Ortovox has been working with wool since 1988 and Merino wool since 1995. As the apparel achieved a toe-hold the company decided to do it year round. Ortovox uses two main kinds of wool, Tasmanian merino wool against skin and the coarser Swisswool, grown in the Swiss Alps, for its puffy insulation pieces. Now in addition to cold weather baselayer and outerwear the company offers a summer wool line of climbing and hiking apparel. "We have long identified wool as the best performing fiber, especially for stop and go action on the mountain. Wool does a fantastic job," says Mason, adding, "It's all coming together for wool—performance, wearability and perception." O textileinsight.com January/February 2018 ~ Textile Insight • 23 Opposite page: Yarns by Suedwolle Group. This page: Woolmark yarns suitable for running as well as yoga class. " More than 3,000 miles and 200 nights trekking across 18 states on the $SSalachian and $merican 'iscoYer\ 7rails ZithoXt ȴnding a single tick on me. Are my Insect Shield products tested and proven? Check. " 7rails Zithou out t ȴn ȴndi ding ng a sin ingl gle e test sted ed and pro ro rove ve ven? n? n? Che he heck ck ck. - Logan McCulloch Lyme survior & awareness advocate Look for Insect Shield products from these trusted brands Tested & Proven

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