Apparel brand Ridge Merino and textile engineering company Polartec have developed compression merino wool tights for women aimed at outdoor activities.
Known as the Crowley Compression Merino Wool Tights, they are a high-performance alternative to traditional tights or yoga pants.
They have been designed, tested and sewn in the US, and the tights are made from a new compression version of Polartec Power Wool fabric technology, a bicomponent knit that features the best of both natural and synthetic fibres, with soft merino wool next-to-skin and durable synthetic fibres on the outside.
“Unlike other wool fabrics which are intimately blended with synthetic fabrics for durability and stretch etc, Polartec Power Wool is a unique plated construction that places just fine merino wool on the inside, and just synthetic on the outside,” says Fielding Miller, a representative for Polartec.
“To put it more simply, the plated construction of Power Wool is superior to an intimate blend because it simultaneously maximises all the natural powers of wool, while solving for its shortcomings.”
With winter running and long-distance hiking in mind, the Crowley Tights perform in all areas of outdoor adventure. The tights feature a highly durable exterior and a comfortable interior that allows for natural movement while on the pavement or trail. What’s more, the tights can wick away moisture, control odour and offer stretchability.
“Merino wool provides superior temperature regulation and comfort next to skin,” adds Miller.
“It feels cool when it’s warm out, it feels warm when it’s cool out, it moves moisture in a vapour state, and it’s naturally antimicrobial. Placing just synthetic yarn on the outside dramatically improves the wool’s durability, shape retention and dry times as well.”
As these are compression tights, the design helps with muscle fatigue and post-workout recovery by promoting blood flow.
Jeff Russell, president of Ridge Merino, adds: “For years, our design team collaborated with our athletes, our customers and outdoor enthusiasts to understand what they wanted in a compression merino wool tight. The product needed to fit great, perform technically and incorporate natural materials.
“We realised early on that Polartec was the perfect partner, based on their commitment to innovative and sustainable textile solutions.”
Moving forward, Miller says that Polartec is preparing to announce future products using this fabric, as well as other iterations of Power Wool, for example a grid fleece version for men’s and women’s tops this autumn/winter.
