Merino Wool | Evolving Consumer

Donkey Does It

Cycling socks come in two varieties: there are the plain Jane socks that have no style and then there are the over-the-top patterns that could be considered a little too much. Donkey Label is offering something in between with its new Merino wool socks, which are constructed with high quality fabrics but in a flat-knit crew style.

These also feature a single stripe of color that runs along the heel, providing an eye-catching accent. In addition these are designed to control bacteria and prevent odor for repeated street and office wear.

Donkey Label Official Website

Retro Replicas

Italian clothing brand is going back in time with a line of replica jerseys. These will be made in Italy with 100 percent merino wool. This is fitting as the company launched in the late 1930s with a line of homemade cycling attire. Now 80 years later the company has launched the Authentic line, and has launched an e-commerce site to sell the jerseys. We hope to see more cyclists donning these retro jerseys in the New Year.

De Marchi Official Website

Under the Hoodie

The Zurich AP series, Merino softshell hoodie will do more than just keep you warm on a cold day. This one is designed for high activity, and features single welt hand-warmer pockets, rear zipper pocket and semi-fitted hood. Yeah, it will keep you warm, but it will do so in style. It features a 4-way stretch nylon shell with soft Merino wool lining. It feels so good you might look forward to working out in the cold.

Mission Workshop The Zurich official Website

Elemental Riding

Plenty of cycling apparel companies offer the latest fabrics, but if you’re looking for a retro look and want the old school Merino wool – with a 21st century twist – then Earth, Wind and Rider might be just the thing for you. The company utilizes 100 percent Australian Merino wool that offers a timeless look. The New Rochelle, NY company even does custom jerseys – complete with a retro look.

Earth, Wind and Rider Official Website

Pocket Protected

Need to stash some cash while out on a run or a hike? The Adventure Underwear aren’t exactly what we think James Bond might wear, but these travel briefs feature a waterproof pocket, which can be used to hold some money, a small electronic device, the plans to a secret base or who knows what!

This special underwear is being developed via a Kickstarter project and could feature 100 percent superfine Australian merino wool. The cool factor is that there are two hidden pockets that are waterproof. One is a quick access pocket that is ideal for money and credit cards, while the second is large enough for a small phone or passport and is certified to be waterproof up to 200 feet deep by Scuba Schools International.

The pockets are reportedly even “food safe” as these are made from new age polyethylene, but we’re not sure if you’d want to actually put food down there.

Of course we do wonder if wearer’s might hear, “is that a mobile phone you have in your underwear…” Video after the jump

Point6 Shows its Fall Line of Merino Wool Socks

The average sock is made from synthetic fibers. But a good, premium sock is often made from wool, and preferably merino wool. The truth is that synthetic fibers are constructed to mimic the properties of natural fibers, often wool. A good wool will provide cushioning, where intended, and wick moisture from your skin.

Those are some of the properties Point6 counts on when it constructs its premium wool socks. The company adds durability among its claims, too, and they’re made in America. Point6 just released details for its fall 2012 line, and we thought we’d share some of the goods coming out in the fall. Continue reading Point6 Shows its Fall Line of Merino Wool Socks

Interbike 2011: Darn Tough Vermont Heads to Vegas

From Vermont to Vegas, with the heat, the casinos and the sights we hope that the team from New England survives this week, but as their name suggests they aren’t just tough. In fact, they’re Darn Tough Vermont, and this is the company that offers an unconditional lifetime guarantee that means “no time limits, no restrictions, no tiny type.”

The company is making this its Interbike debut, and showing its Vermont-made, lifetime-guaranteed Merino wool and Coolmax socks. The company takes part in providing the highest density knitting (1441 stitches per square inch), and that is paired with fine-gauge Merino wool yarn (21.5 micron) to create a sock that “simply refuses to quit.”

The company doesn’t quit on its friends either. Last week, in response to the devastation that has affected Vermont communities in the wake of Hurricane Irene, which included Darn Tough Vermont’s own hometown of Northfield, the company pledged to make an initial donation of 2,000 pairs of socks to those in need across the state.

“Everyone is giving what they can during this challenging time for our state,” said Ric Cabot, owner of Darn Tough Vermont. “While food and water take precedent, a new pair of socks can go a long way for a family who has lost many necessities, or for someone who is standing all day in damp, humid conditions trying to rebuild their community. I know it’s just socks, but it’s what we do.”

This isn’t only darn tough, but it is a darn nice thing to do!

Darn Tough Vermont Official Website