Merino Innovations at Outdoor Retailer- Improving the best naturally performing fibre

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Innovation, versatility, fashionability and wearability are some of the many benefits that Merino offers to the outdoor apparel market.

Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) introduced a new product symbol alongside new product technologies at Outdoor Retailer, January 23rd – 26th 2008. By closing day over 6,500 people had attended the show, including retailers, brands, designers, media, and sports industry representatives from around the globe.

The innovative product technologies that were presented offer special technologies to benefit the active outdoor customer. Comprised of Merino Active Classic, Merino Active Ultimate and Merino Active Performance, the new collection of Merino fabrics have been created using some of the most cutting edge textile technology in partnership with manufacturers from across the globe.

MERINO ACTIVE products deliver natural quality, durability, breathability, moisture absorption and elasticity – everything required to stay active and allow for ultimate performance. From cycling and skiing to tennis and golf, from indoor events and track sports to outdoor competitions and all-terrain pursuits, MERINO ACTIVE will activate when athletes need it most.

“Outdoor Retailer provides us with an opportunity to introduce our new technologies and innovative range of Australian Merino products to the outdoor enthusiast,” says Mark Brooks, manager of outdoor and active wear at AWI.

“Our goal is to bring the beneficial qualities of Australian Merino to the forefront of the outdoor apparel sector and demonstrate Merino’s transition from traditional use to a modern, intricate, highly adaptable fibre.”

MERINO ACTIVE Classic
  The natural solution for sportswear, Australian Merino wool has been utilized in the outdoor active wear segment since the early 1990s. Classic sporting attire that is transeasonal, seamless and comfortable with natural easy care properties and a cool touch, are found in the MERINO ACTIVE Classic collection.

MERINO ACTIVE Ultimate
  Garments that take only hours to dry are light-weight and care for the skin while remaining soft and comfortable. These are important attributes in active wear, and these benefits are readily available in the MERINO ACTIVE Ultimate collection.

MERINO ACTIVE Performance
  Whether climbing up a mountain or participating in extreme base jumping, performance clothing is a must! Today’s Merino garments are more durable, absorb more moisture, breathe easier and provide better protection overall – all while remaining soft and comfortable. The MERINO ACTIVE Performance collection is all about garments that naturally perform with the wearer.

PRODUCT INNOVATIONS INCLUDE:

Ultra-light Merino: Transeasonal fabric that performs

Ultra-light Merino was developed in response to the demand for lightweight, comfortable, durable, and temperature controlled garments. Australian Merino wool has the ability to absorb perspiration during warmer weather which cools the wearer down, and can also buffer from cold winds to keep the wearer warm.

Specially produced Merino yarns enable garments today to be up to 30 per cent lighter in weight, while still retaining their durability, structure, and style. This product is suitable for all Australian Merino wool garments, and is particularly suitable for next to skin applications.

Nu-Yarn: Comfort, softness and tenacity all in one

Nu-Yarn is a unique method of producing fine count Australian Merino yarns. These yarns result in a high tenacity, “open structured” yarn. Fabrics made from Nu-Yarn offer comfort, softness and high bulk, that are resistant to wind penetration and are quick drying. An ideal product suitable for the outdoor apparel market, Nu-Yarn can be used in a wide range of end products, from socks to body wear and outer garments.

Moisturizing Merino: Look and feel great

Moisturizing Merino is part of a new range of cosmetic textiles – clothes that look and feel great while caring for the wearer. Moisturizing Merino garments contain added moisturizers and other natural products that are released during wear to enhance comfort.

Under the Moisturizing Merino platform a range of finishes have been utilized including Aloe Vera, Squalane, a derivative of olive oil which balances the moisture content of the skin, Vitamin E, Monoi de Tahiti which assists in regeneration of skin cells and Passion Fruit Oil which helps to keep skin supple.

This product is highly recommended for Merino wool garments that are worn next to skin, to provide ultimate care for the wearer.

For more information on Merino Active go to http://www.merinoinnovation.com/awi/en/Home/textile+innovations/

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