Peak performance with new knitted outerwear
The Woolmark Company and knitting machine manufacturer Shima Seiki Italia have united with two Italian partners to create a new performance wear capsule collection for mountain and snow sports, which is being showcased at trade shows across the world.
PHOTO: Andre Schoenherr
The new capsule collection comprises five pieces that highlight Merino wool as the ultimate natural fibre for mountain and snow performance wear.
The collection – comprising jackets and trousers, plus backpack and gloves – was launched at the world’s largest textile machinery exhibition (ITMA) in Milan in June and is also being shown at other trade shows to provide inspiration for manufacturers and brands along the textile supply chain.
The garments are a showcase of the latest WholeGarment® knitting technology from Shima Seiki as well as the performance of Merino wool yarns.
The concept for the collection was the idea of The Woolmark Company and Creative Director of Shima Seiki Italia, Vittorio Branchizio, and follows on from previous collaborative projects between the two companies that involved protective wear and tailored knitwear.
This jacket for women consists of three layers. Texture is created in the outer layer using a ‘fancy yarn’ made from 87% Merino wool blended with 13% polyamide, while the internal layer consists of 75% Merino wool blended with a 25% bioceramic yarn that heightens the management of body temperature. The mid layer of the jacket consists of a membrane that enhances protection against wind and water.
This men’s performance jacket is created using the WholeGarment® knitting process in 100% Merino wool to provide high environmental credentials, with a waterproof and breathable membrane.
Accessories are also included in the collection, comprising a backpack (pictured) and gloves.
Most pieces in the new collection are created with Shima Seiki’s WholeGarment® knit machines which eliminate the need for cut-and-sew, meaning only the required amount of fabric is used, and it also minimises the number of seams thereby providing the ultimate in comfort.
The collection utilises innovative technologies, including 3D membrane and bonding technology, provided by the project’s two collaborating Italian partners: H-Dry provided the 3D lamination of a waterproof and breathable membrane in the collection, and Macpi provided the bonding technology to support the application of the membrane.
AWI Research & Development Manager for Europe, Birgit Gahlen, says the collection unites the natural performance properties of Merino wool with the latest technological innovations in the textile industry.
“Merino wool not only has the eco-benefits of being a natural, biodegradable and renewable fibre, but it also has many performance advantages such as thermoregulation, breathability, durability and elasticity that make it highly suitable for outdoor pursuits in the mountains,” Birgit said.
“Advances in technology by our collaborating partners have led to innovations with Merino wool, exemplified by this new performance outerwear and accessories, which we are now showcasing to brands with the aim that this will lead to the use of more Australian wool in these markets.”
More information: www.woolmark.com/knit-performance
This article appeared in the September 2023 edition of AWI’s Beyond the Bale magazine. Reproduction of the article is encouraged.
