The Woolmark Company Showcases the Latest Innovations in Wool for Performance Apparel at Outdoor Retailer

New York, NY – JAN 17, 2018  

As sports and outdoor retailers across the world continue to turn to Merino wool for cutting-edge performance apparel, The Woolmark Company returns to Outdoor Retailer, showcasing the latest innovations in wool and presenting a range of educational courses for retailers and buyers. Come and visit The Woolmark Company at Stand 5025-LL.

The latest edition of The Wool Lab Sport will be on display, including the latest innovations and technical fabrics for both performance and athleisure apparel. The Wool Lab Sport is divided into two themes:

• Base- and Mid-Layer: A range of breathable fabrics suited for next-to-skin apparel or heavier mid-layer garments, which work in harmony to keep the wearer dry and comfortable.

• Outer-Layer and Specials: The outer-layer comprises weather-protective fabrics which can be made from either 100% Australian Merino wool or Merino laminated as a lining to synthetic hard-shell fabrics, usually in combination with membranes or coatings. The Specials section is an area for products such as footwear, where wool’s natural breathability, elasticity and anti-odor benefits come to the fore.

The latest innovations in wool have led to the rise of wool footwear – shoes that enhance the fiber’s natural properties whilst constructed in a way which aids performance. The Woolmark Company’s technical team has been working to create shoes that are not only comfortable and allow your feet to breathe, but are also resistant to odor and wick away moisture.

“Thanks to our more active lifestyle and casual approach, runners are undoubtedly one of the most popular items in today’s global market,” explains The Woolmark Company’s General Manager, Processing Innovation & Education Extension, Julie Davies.

“The natural properties of wool – such as odor resistance, breathability, comfort and shape retention – allows for the ultimate in footwear. By working closely with our supply chain partners, we have been able to develop technically advanced yarns to be incorporated into the upper, inner and liner for a range of machine washable footwear.”

Also on display will be the latest offerings in wool wadding and wool filling. Natural, breathable and offering a new way to insulate, wool filling offers an alternative to synthetic or down filling used inside quilted garments or outer-wear. Wool’s natural inherent properties make it the ideal filling material, providing warmth without the weight.

The 3D crimp structure of wool creates many small insulating air pockets, keeping wearers warmer in cold conditions and cooler in hot conditions. Wool fiber filling has also been shown to offer better warmth per unit weight and a less humid microclimate when being worn in jackets in cold and damp conditions. Wool filling for apparel is available in different forms, including sheets, wool fibers or small balls.

Media will have the opportunity to view performance and skiwear designer, ERIN SNOW’s capsule collection with Woolmark for Fall/Winter 2018. The 12-piece collection, ranging from pants, mid-layers and outerwear, is fabricated with Australian Merino wool.

The Woolmark Company’s technical experts will present two complimentary seminars at Outdoor Retailer:

• Wool Appreciation Course: A 45-minute presentation designed to broaden your knowledge and understanding of wool’s technical abilities and why it is the ultimate performance fiber. January 26 and 27 at 9am in Meeting Room 108.

• The Wool Lab Sport: A complete sourcing guide dedicated to sports apparel. Book an appointment for a one-on-one chance to discuss sourcing options with a Woolmark representative.

RSVP to either course: woolmark.americas@wool.com

For any media requests or appointments, please reach out to Brian Ellingwood brian.ellingwood@wool.com and Gordon Wright gordon@outsidepr.com.

About The Woolmark Company:

The Woolmark Company is the global authority on wool. Through our extensive network of relationships spanning the international textile and fashion industries, we highlight Australian wool’s position as the ultimate natural fiber and premier ingredient in luxury apparel.

The Woolmark logo is one of the world’s most recognized and respected brands, providing assurance of the highest quality, and representing pioneering excellence and innovation from farm through to finished product.

The Woolmark Company is a subsidiary of Australian Wool Innovation, a not-for-profit enterprise that conducts research, development and marketing along the worldwide supply chain for Australian wool on behalf of about 60,000 woolgrowers that help fund the company.

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Brian Ellingwood