COEC's Choice in Woolpower - Merino Wool Clothing
Popular This Winter
Types of Woolpower
Expert Advice
Woolpower products are made in Östersund, Sweden, where they have been making them for over 40 years. Originally called Ullfrotté and developed as a means to improve cold weather performance for the Swedish military (in fact Woolpower is still the preferred layering system for many European NATO armies), Woolpower’s unique garments blend 2/3’s fine Patagonian merino wool with synthetic fibres to yield outstanding wicking, wear, and performance qualities.
Merino Wool Clothing by Woolpower
While merino wool is an unparalleled thermal fibre (it wicks moisture, prevents the build up of bacteria and odours, retains heat even when wet, and is soft enough be worn directly on the skin), it’s fine nature makes it somewhat fragile (it wears quickly). By blending with synthetics (nylon/polyester,) durability and strength is greatly increased - so much so that Woolpower apparel can be washed in hot (60° C) water in a washing machine, and can be dried in a dryer on low or medium heat; meaning it can be laundered like any other other clothing - no need to hand wash or flat dry.
Along with it’s blend of materials, Woolpower’s unique terry weave is also key to it’s thermal capabilities. When worn, it is in fact 80% air. It provides fewer contact points against the skin for heat to conduct away from the body and also traps air between the skin and the garment, providing an effective insulating barrier, and allowing moisture vapour to transpire to the outside of the garment.
Woolpower attire is knitted on tubular machines, meaning there are a minimum of seams (only one across the toe of socks, for example, and none down the legs or torsos of base layers). Seams that are present are flat and triple stitched, and each garment bares the name of the one seamstress who made it - ensuring a high quality product, a better working environment, and pride of work and craftsmanship.