Wolford and Woolmark: merino lingerie as an answer to microplastic concerns
Wolford has developed a capsule collection with Woolmark whose pieces are made of 85 or 100 percent merino wool. Woolmark is running its “Natural Intelligence” campaign alongside it.
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Hosiery and bodywear brand Wolford has developed a lingerie capsule collection with Woolmark whose pieces contain either 100 or 85 percent merino wool, the Italian business daily Il Sole 24 Ore reported. On the brand's website, the collaboration is presented under the line “Wolford & Woolmark: a second skin, crafted in wool.” It is accompanied by Woolmark's “Natural Intelligence” campaign, which aims to inform businesses and consumers about the fibre's properties.
Francesco Magri, Woolmark's manager for Central and Eastern Europe, says: “Although it has been used for millennia, wool is a high-tech fibre.” He points to its moisture management, 66 percent lower odour retention compared with polyester, and 95 percent biodegradability after 15 weeks. Magri links the shift towards natural fibres partly to concerns about microplastics. Beyond fashion, wool is now also used in sportswear, cars and interior design.
According to an Ipsos survey in five countries cited by Woolmark, 82 percent of respondents prefer garments made from natural fibres. On the global market, however, wool remains a niche fibre: a Textile Exchange report puts it at just 0.7 percent of total fibre production, compared with 59 percent for polyester.