MerinoCool, year-round comfort that's lightweight & versatile

26 Sep '08

2 min read

Australian Wool Innovation's new trans-seasonal MerinoCool fabrics combine the natural, lightweight performance of Australian Merino wool with the versatility and comfort desired for everyday wear.

A new generation of finer Australian Merino fibres combined with modern fabric-making techniques allow for the production of very lightweight woven fabrics like MerinoCool that are ideally suited for year-round apparel, luxurious ladies and menswear and soft tailored garments.

MerinoCool fabrics respond naturally to environmental and body temperature changes, keeping the wearer either warm or cool depending on the ambient temperature or wearing situation.

Due to its lightweight performance MerinoCool is not only a great choice for everyday wear, it is also ideal for high fashion and smart casual wear. The fineness, softness and handle of these MerinoCool fabrics make them perfect for any season.

The manufacturing of MerinoCool fabrics starts with the selection of the finest Australian Merino fibres. Fine yarns are then created using the latest spinning technology and then woven into soft, lightweight fabrics of less than 165gsm. This ensures the fabrics are light and breathable for year-round comfort and have excellent drape properties.

MerinoCool has a distinguished fibre lineage, originating with the International Wool Secretariat's Cool Wool campaign, which 20 years ago introduced consumers to the idea that wool apparel was not only for cold weather. Then the standard weight was 220gsm.

Australian Wool Innovation CEO Craig Welsh says: 'Today's consumers – particularly in the major markets of Europe, the US and Japan – want lightweight clothes. People want to feel comfortable, and in the contemporary built environment they don't actually need clothes for protection or to keep warm. What was lightweight fabric 20 years ago is now the norm.

'MerinoCool fabrics are extremely versatile. They're as ideal for creating stylish, soft tailored suits and separates as for smart casual apparel for comfortable everyday wear on all occasions, in any season.'

More than 15 global supply chain partners are involved in the MerinoCool project, which targets the smart casual market in Italy, France, Japan, Korea, India and China. MerinoCool fabrics are commercially available from this supply chain.

Australian Wool Innovation will launch MerinoCool at Inter-textile in Shanghai in October. Australian Wool Innovation will follow these launches with one-on-one retail workshops in key centres around the world.

Australian Wool Innovation

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