Noble Wilde Merino and Possum Wool Beanie Hat

Merino Wool has unique characteristics. Each fibre is exceptionally fine, long and densely crimped, retaining heat close to the skin and keeping out cold air. The fibre also wicks moisture away from the skin, allowing the skin to stay warm and dry. Spun Merino retains all of these qualities and is one of the most durable natural yarns. The fibres of possum fur are hollow, trapping warm air against the skin. The only other animal with this astonishing insulating fur is the Polar Bear.The trapped air not only retains heat efficiently, but makes the fur light in weight. Spinning possum fibre into yarn reduces the weight of a garment, while simultaneously increasing its warmth.

The combination of Merino with possum results in a fabric that is lightweight, twice as warm as wool, highly resistant to pilling and opulently soft to the touch. Merino is known for being hypoallergenic and some even claim it has healing properties. A beneficial enzyme in possum fur has been researched and is proven to improve skin conditions such as eczema.

Pictured is the Avoka Green colour variant.

Possum Fur in New Zealand:

Derived from renewable resources, possum fur is a natural product that helps eradicate one of New Zealand’s largest pest problems. Possums aren’t originally from New Zealand, having been integrated from Australia in 1837, so the culling of possums is encouraged to make products. In New Zealand, every garment made using possum fur means there is one less possum attacking native species, resulting in a positive change to the country’s ecosystem. There are no possum fur farms in New Zealand and The New Zealand Department of Conservation states that possum fur gathering, 100% of which comes from wild pest populations, is one of the best ways to control the possum population to ensure the protection of the country’s habitats.

All Noble Wilde's waste fibre is upcycled, but because they make WholeGarment products there is little wastage. They use plastic-free, recyclable packaging, pay a fair wage and respect the environment. "Noble Wilde feels a deep responsibility to provide guardianship over the environment. We rely on the natural world twofold: to supply us with the wondrous fibres we use to craft our garments and the marvellous landscapes to inspire our creativity. We are constantly seeking and striving towards more sustainable processes to help reduce the environmental impact of our manufacturing, production and distribution processes."