With next-to-skin Merino wool apparel enjoying commercial success across the globe, Woolmark has placed a greater focus on outerwear, with an innovative woven fabric the standout of the exhibit, the company reports.

Made from 100% Australian Merino wool, MerinoPerform WP is designed to deliver a unique, high-performance machine-washable fabric, which is resistant to wind and rain. Using the latest fibre stretching technology, the wool is pre-stretched and spun into yarn before being woven into MerinoPerform WP.

Sports and outdoor

“Research and development have always been an integral part of The Woolmark Company's operations,” said Rob Langtry, The Woolmark Company Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer.

“MerinoPerform WP represents a significant development in the sports and outdoor sector, creating a fabric ideal for outer-wear apparel. The fabric super-contracts during the dyeing and finishing process which creates a highly compact fabric with enhanced water and wind resistance.”

In addition, lightweight knitted Merino wool fabrics for Spring/Summer and indoor use will also be on display. The Woolmark Company is working to spread the message that wool is also a fibre for warmer climates and indoor activity.

Trans-seasonal and high performance

“Wool is a trans-seasonal, high-performance fibre and the natural choice for sports and outdoor wear,” explained Mr Langtry.

“Next-to-skin Merino wool apparel provides a high level of comfort, suitable for those seeking a sense of wellbeing in a broad range of leisure and sporting activities and wool’s natural properties such as moisture management and odour resistance make it a fibre of choice for athletes.”

Changing market trends

Lightweight wool wadding for jackets will also be on show, with wool-filled apparel products becoming increasingly important in the sports and outdoor markets – an area traditionally dominated by synthetics, feather and down products.

The Woolmark Company has introduced a new Woolmark Specification for wool-filled products in response these changing market trends. The specification will now allow for these manufacturers and garment makers to carry the Woolmark or Woolmark Blend logo on suitable qualifying products, with a range of stock tickets and labels available for garments.

Other significant developments and innovations from The Woolmark Company's MerinoPerform brand partners to be exhibited at ISPO include warp knits, merino wool blend wovens, laminated mid and outer-layer fabrics, merino wool denim, an ultrafine, 14 micron, merino wool fabric, and lightweight jersey for fitness.

www.woolmark.com