US outdoor manufacturer Kenyon launches with Merino

The demand for Australian Merino wool to be used in base layer clothing is growing, as the fibre’s unique characteristics become more advanced and widely understood.

Kenyon Consumer Products (Kenyon), the renowned US base layer apparel manufacturer in sporting, outdoor, hunting and fishing markets is pleased to be working with Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) to create the new range for their collections.

Kenyon is the largest producer in this market, and is recognised for being extremely high quality, good fit and a prominent player in the base layer clothing market.

The Kenyon Merino range is made utilising the innovative mercerised Merino wool. The mercerise procedure leaves the Merino fibre with a silk like appearance. Customers can see the improved lustre and the luxury of garments made from mercerised Merino.

To gain the benefits of mercerised Merino, the treatment is applied to worsted top. During treatment the scale structure on the fibre’s surface is removed thus increasing the amount of specular reflection (directing reflected light), and increasing the lustre or brightness of the fibre.

Mercerised Merino is more compatible to blending with fibres such as cashmere and silk. The end result is beautiful Merino wool knitted fabric that is durable, soft next-to-skin, versatile, breathable, flexible and suited to active wear apparel.

There are three initial styles in the Kenyon range of Merino thermal apparel including a men’s short sleeve top, men’s long sleeve style and thermal bottoms. The preliminary range has three colour options — sand, navy, and black — appealing for the thermal base layer.

Kenyon has previously worked with synthetic fibres to produce thermal apparel. Today, the drive from consumers towards natural fibres combined with the benefits of new technology lead Kenyon to form a working relationship with AWI on the new project.

Mr Andy Curtis, Kenyon, said “The abilities of the Merino fibre combined with its natural durability and performance attributes made it the top option when we were looking to create this range of thermal active wear.

“We are astounded by the luxurious quality offered by the mercerised Merino. So many of our customers have been impressed when viewing the new collection, many can’t believe their eye’s when we tell them it is made using Australian Merino wool,” said Mr Curtis.

Kenyon’s new range of thermal offerings provides customers with maximum comfort and warmth at all temperature and activity levels.

The range was launched at trade shows across the USA including SHOT Show (Hunting and Fishing), SKI show, and Outdoor Retailer.

“The range has also been well received by one of our military customers who have printed a full adoption in their major catalogue,” mentioned Mr Curtis.

Kenyon sees the opportunity to utilise the innovative mercerised Merino in more applications including women’s wear and a larger variety of styles in the future.

www.merinoinnovation.com
www.kenyonconsumers.com

For more information, contact Felicia Morton (212) 373-6026