We like to use the finest Merino wool, typically between 18 and 20 microns, wherever possible. And here's why:

• Excellent moisture management. Merino wool can absorb moisture vapour and release it into the surrounding air, helping keep you comfortable and reducing that clammy feeling.

• Beautifully soft against the skin. Fine Merino fibres feel wonderfully soft, making them ideal for garments worn close to the body.

• Gentle on sensitive skin. Fine Merino wool is often more comfortable for those who find coarser wool irritating. Always good news for those of us prone to the occasional itch!

• A lovely natural drape. Merino can help garments hang beautifully, giving them a flattering, comfortable fit. After all, no one likes a garment that just doesn't sit right!

Merino is a favourite in knitwear, whether blended with other natural fibres or used on its own. Generally speaking, the finer the wool, the lower its micron measurement and the higher its potential value. Demand for superfine Merino can also influence its price.

We love Merino wool so much that it's a favourite for our base layers, garments and accessories, from head to toe. In our opinion, the quality of the Merino we offer is hard to beat. But remember, not all Merino garments are created equal!

The label may state 100% Merino, but be aware that there are many different grades of Merino wool. Yarn can be spun to different thicknesses, and garments can be knitted to different specifications, all of which influence the finished product.

Feel your Merino. Bunch it in your hand, run it through your fingers and experience the difference between garments. It won't be long before you begin to recognise the characteristics of quality knitwear by touch alone!

If you're looking for a beautifully soft, superfine base layer, Merino wool in the 19–20 micron range is an excellent place to start. We have a fantastic selection of quality Merino base layers in-store, designed to deliver exceptional comfort!

If you need your workwear to be tough, durable and built to cope with all kinds of outdoor conditions, then this coarser wool could be just what you're looking for.

This wool often needs no blending – it's a real workhorse of the knitwear world in its own right!

These jerseys are usually made from 100% high-quality crossbred wool, often sourced from Romney sheep, although some feature a blend of wool and nylon for added durability.

The addition of nylon can help improve the garment's resistance to wear, snags and tears, making it particularly practical for demanding work environments. Depending on the garment's construction and care requirements, it may also help improve shape retention and ease of care.

And that's exactly why these hard-working woollen jerseys are such a great choice for workwear!

Who doesn't love a touch of silk? It makes everything feel as though it's been steeped in luxury!

We adore silk because:

• It's beautifully soft.

• It's wonderfully lightweight.

• It makes us feel like a million dollars!

The garments in our Koru range incorporate mulberry silk. Only the best for Koru!

Mulberry silk is widely regarded as one of the finest types of silk available, prized for its smooth texture, natural lustre and beautifully refined feel. Produced by silkworms that feed primarily on mulberry leaves, it is often naturally white in colour and is particularly valued for its consistent, fine fibres.

Silk is also known for its impressive strength as a natural fibre, but it's that wonderfully soft, luxurious texture that makes it so sought after!

Alpaca fibre can be used to create either lightweight or heavyweight garments, depending on how the yarn is spun and the fabric is constructed. Besides being incredibly versatile, we think it's rather wonderful because:

• It's beautifully durable. With the right care, quality alpaca garments can last for years. We've even seen treasured pieces passed down through generations!

• It's wonderfully soft and luxurious. Alpaca fibre has a beautiful, silky feel, making it a pleasure to wear.

• It's naturally water-resistant. Alpaca fibres can help repel light moisture and, like other animal fibres, offer some natural flame resistance.

• It offers excellent warmth. Alpaca is a wonderful natural insulator, providing impressive warmth without unnecessary bulk.

• It contains very little lanolin. This can make alpaca an appealing alternative for those who find traditional sheep's wool uncomfortable, although individual sensitivities can still occur.

We use alpaca fibre in our hand-crocheted and knitted garments, including our beautifully soft, brushed alpaca beanie. Perfect for keeping those ears toasty warm while adding a little touch of luxury!

Nylon is an excellent blending fibre, particularly when durability is important. We use it in many of our socks because:

• It's strong and resilient. Nylon helps garments withstand regular wear and repeated use.

• It's resistant to abrasion. Its durability makes it particularly useful in areas exposed to frequent rubbing and friction.

• It helps garments retain their shape. When blended with other fibres, nylon can improve a garment's strength and ability to withstand stretching and everyday wear.

We like to use nylon in our work and dress socks because it helps strengthen the fabric and improve wear resistance.

We also use nylon in some of our traditional work jerseys, as well as a 10% nylon blend in selected Native World gloves and garments, for the same reason.

Making products that not only meet your needs today but are also designed to last is really important to us. And nylon plays a valuable role in helping us achieve just that!

Shetland wool is traditionally produced by Shetland sheep, a breed originating from Scotland's Shetland Islands. Known for its versatility, this wool can range from relatively fine and soft to coarser, more robust fibres.

Shetland wool is often used in traditional knitwear, where its natural warmth, resilience and distinctive texture make it a popular choice.

The benefits of Shetland wool include:

• Durability. Depending on the grade and construction, Shetland wool can be used to produce strong, hard-wearing garments.

• Natural warmth. Its insulating properties make it particularly useful for knitwear designed for cooler conditions.

• Versatility. Different grades of Shetland wool can be used for everything from traditional jerseys to accessories and heavier textiles.

• Distinctive texture. Shetland wool has a characteristic feel and appearance, making it particularly appealing for traditional woollen garments.

It's also worth understanding the difference between Shetland wool and skirting wool.

Skirting refers to the process of removing less desirable portions from a fleece, often around the belly, legs and edges. These sections may contain shorter, coarser or more heavily contaminated fibres and are generally graded separately from the main fleece.

Lower-grade wool can still have practical uses, particularly in products where softness against the skin is less important than strength, durability or cost.

However, skirting wool should not automatically be described as Shetland wool, as the terms refer to different things.

As always, understanding the fibre used in a garment is one of the best ways to make sure you're getting the right product for the job!

We know that hollow fibres can offer excellent insulation without unnecessary weight. Hollow-fill polyester is a synthetic material designed to trap air within its structure, helping provide warmth while remaining lightweight.

In some ways, this is similar to the insulating properties found in natural hollow fibres, such as possum fur and polar bear fur.

There are several reasons why synthetic fibres are widely used:

• Affordability. Synthetic fibres are often less expensive to produce than their natural counterparts, particularly when manufactured on a large scale. However, production costs depend on the manufacturing process, location and materials used.

• Durability. Many synthetic fibres offer excellent resistance to wear and can retain their strength over time. Unlike biodegradable natural fibres, however, conventional polyester can persist in the environment for many years.

• Consistency and versatility. Man-made fibres can be engineered to meet specific requirements, allowing manufacturers to control characteristics such as strength, thickness, insulation and durability.

Although we're passionate about natural fibres here at New Zealand Natural Clothing, we also recognise that synthetics have their place when they offer practical benefits.

That's why hollow-fill polyester is used in the thermal Hi Trek Norsewear sock, where its lightweight insulation and durability help provide warmth and comfort in demanding conditions.

Treating cotton fabric with oil or wax creates what we commonly know as oilskin. This protective coating helps the fabric shed water, making it a popular choice for outdoor garments, including certain Norsewear and Swanndri vests and jackets.

Oilskin has been used for generations, particularly by fishermen, sailors and others who spend long hours exposed to the elements. Its water-resistant properties provide a practical outer layer against rain and wind, although breathability can vary depending on the fabric and treatment used.

There's a fashion element, too! Those hardy-looking, longer coats are a favourite among commuters who occasionally find themselves caught on a railway platform when the weather decides to misbehave.

What's Oilskin Got to Offer?

• A natural fibre foundation. Traditional oilskin is made using cotton fabric treated with oil or wax to improve water resistance.

• A long and trusted history. Oilskin has been a practical choice for generations of outdoor workers, sitting comfortably alongside traditional woollen knitwear as reliable protection against the elements.

• A protective outer layer. The treated fabric helps shield the wearer from rain, mud and dust, making it particularly useful in demanding outdoor environments.

• Long-lasting durability. With appropriate care and periodic reproofing, quality oilskin garments can provide years of reliable service.

• Versatility in design. Oilskin can be cut and sewn into a wide variety of garments and accessories, from traditional outdoor jackets and vests to hats and bags.

When working around flames, extreme heat or electrical hazards, wearing appropriate protective clothing is essential.

Industries such as motorsport, electrical work and metal processing require specialised garments that meet relevant safety standards. The materials used in these garments play an important role in protecting workers from specific workplace hazards.

We stock specialised products incorporating protective fibres, including our flame-resistant smelter and electrical work socks.

Some of the important fibres used in protective clothing include:

• Nomex: A flame-resistant aramid fibre used in protective garments and sewing threads. Nomex thread can help maintain the integrity of garment seams when exposed to heat and flames. Wool is also naturally flame-resistant, making it a useful material in certain protective clothing applications. However, the complete garment must be suitable for its intended use and meet the relevant safety requirements.

• Kevlar, Nomex and Technora: These are aramid fibres valued for different combinations of heat resistance, strength and durability. They are used in various specialist applications, including motorsport clothing, firefighting equipment and other forms of protective workwear. Their suitability for electrical hazards depends on the specific material, garment construction and applicable safety certification.

When it comes to protective clothing, it's not simply a matter of choosing the right fibre. The stitching, construction, fit and certification of the finished garment are equally important.