Natural is Next

1. The impact of clothing on the environment is becoming more noticeable every day. We believe that using natural solutions like ZQ-Certified Merino wool is paramount.

2. Merino wool is regenerative. It’s made up of proteins and amino acids. It naturally breaks down in water and soil. It is perfect for making responsible natural performance apparel.

3. We believe that Merino is a superior material for performance clothing. It naturally breathes, helps regulate body temperature, and resists odors—things that plastic alternatives try to replicate.

The ZQ-accredited growers we work with are devoted to their trade, and we want to keep it that way. We were one of the first companies to create long-term contracts with our Merino wool growers to ensure that we can use ethically sourced wool. These contracts offer assurance of future fiber demands and stable income, so growers can better manage their flocks, plan for the future, and at the same time, provide us with a stable source of high-quality Merino wool.

Great growers are critical to the quality of the wool, the success of their flocks, and our ethically sourced products. Merino wool growers are passionate and work hard to look after their sheep and their land. 

Under the care of our growers, sheep are integrated into the natural environment and help maintain it. As part of our ethical sourcing policy, our farmers commit to exceptionally high standards of animal welfare, responsible use of land and water resources, and sustainable farming practices.

The sheep producing the wool for your favorite Smartwool® socks or base layers are treated humanely, are well-fed, live natural and healthy lives, and are not subjected to harmful practices like mulesing. This means, you’re getting the highest-quality ethically sourced products and Merino wool.