Norway goes the Merino way
Norway continues to be a country that excels in the development of innovative Merino wool outdoor apparel, exemplified by the winning of recent awards for two new products by Woolmark licensees from Norway: Devold and Aclima.
PHOTO: KontraPixel / Jana Erb
Devold: Expedition Arctic Pro base-layer
Woolmark licensee Devold of Norway was founded in 1853. Working with wool throughout its 170-year history, the company today produces apparel for sports and outdoor enthusiasts.
The company’s new Expedition Arctic Pro base-layer has been awarded an ISPO Award, which is a major seal of approval from ISPO, the world’s leading sports and outdoor trade show. The base-layer also received an honourable mention in the ‘She is Outdoors’ 2023 women’s gear awards. The men's and a women's version were launched this year in time for the northern hemisphere autumn and winter.
The Expedition Arctric Pro base-layer consists of a combination of three different fabric/knit structures – a wool terry, a two-layer wool knit with silk, and a Merino wool mesh – which are each located in the parts of garment where they can most benefit the different body zones of the wearer.
The soft and thick wool terry covers the upper part of the torso around the heart where most of the insulation is needed. The main part of the base-layer is a two-layer wool knit, where the inner layer is Merino wool and the outer layer is a blend of 90% Merino wool and 10% silk – this allows moisture to be transported from the inner layer to the outer layer where it can evaporate. The third structure is a mesh made of Merino wool, which is used only in the sweat zones of the body – under the arms and in the lower back – which helps keep the body surface dry and wick moist air and sweat to the outside.
The ISPO Award jury listed the following attributes as reasons why the garment won the award: highly warm, moisture regulating through body mapping, antibacterial and antistatic, fast drying, consists only of natural fibres and is biodegradable, and versatile because it can also be used as a mid-layer.
"This base-layer shows how versatile Merino wool can be processed. From the fine mesh to the wool-silk blend to the cuddly soft wool terry, Devold proves its enormous knitting expertise."
Jury of the ISP Award
"We are so happy and humbled to receive the ISPO Award. It means so much to us as a brand that people out there really see and understand all the fantastic properties the wool is capable of, just by using it in different ways,” said Devold Designer Christine Haraldstad-Sindum.
More information: www.devold.com
Aclima: ReBorn Terry Pullover
Founded in 1939, Norwegian company Aclima is a Woolmark licensee that specialises in making innovative and functional Merino wool clothing for the outdoor sports market.
The company was this year presented with the prestigious Sustainability Award at the Scandinavian Outdoor Award for its ReBorn Terry Pullover, which is available in store this month.
“The ReBorn Terry Pullover is one of those very cuddly garments everybody loves to touch and wear. The jury concluded that the Aclima ReBorn Terry Pullover is a sustainable and durable choice that looks good on everyone.”
Jury of the Scandinavian Outdoor Award
The hooded pullover, which has an integrated neck warmer/protector, not only has a functional design but is crafted using recycled wool off-cuts sourced from the company’s production facility.
“The ReBorn collection is all about taking leftover, high-quality wool from our own factory and giving it a new life. The Pullover is made with an innovative material that Aclima developed – it has a cozy terry knit exterior and a soft brushed interior that helps regulate your body temperature,” said Aclima’s Marketing Manager, Ole Magnus Halvorsen.
“The Pullover is designed to be comfortable and versatile, with a relaxed fit that's perfect for anyone. It is suitable for outdoor activities all year round, whether you're hiking through rugged terrain or simply relaxing by a cozy campfire on a chilly evening.”
The Pullover contains 63% wool recycled from wool offcuts, plus recycled polyamide and recycled polyester for extra durability, ensuring low environmental impact.
Furthermore, the garment is not re-dyed, but retains the colour from the leftover material, saving both water and chemical usage.
The ReBorn collection also includes a Terry Jacket and Terry Vest, as well as LeisureWool ReBorn shirts.
More information: www.aclima.com
This article appeared in the September 2023 edition of AWI’s Beyond the Bale magazine. Reproduction of the article is encouraged.
