Understanding Natural Fibres

Garments and accessories crafted from natural woollen and other fibres are far superior to what you find in cheap, fast fashion.
As opposed to synthetic fibres, natural fibres offer the body temperature regulation, that is, they keep you cool when it's warm, and warm when the weather is cold.
Natural fibres (like wool, alpaca fleece, cashmere) are viewed as more sustainable due to their renewable nature, and garments constructed from these fibres generally tend to outperform those made from synthetics in terms of durability & longevity. When faced with the choice between natural/man-made, be assured that natural fibres are a far better choice for the environment on the whole. 
Read on for more information about the natural fibres we love to wear...
 
Tweed: Seen in our Dubarry range, traditionally milled in Scotland, it's warm, durable and timeless. Tweed is actually a woven wool, and  a tweed garment can feature many subtle colours within a certain yarn. Tweed has become synonymous with the county style of the Scottish Highlands & throughout the United Kingdom. 
Possum, Merino & Silk: A soft, gentle and warm natural blend. Our New Zealand based labels Noble Wilde, MerinoMink, Untouched World and Koru use this blend as the possum fur & merino wool is easily grown in the island nation. Despite its light weight, this fabric blend is unbelievably warm & insulates the wearer against the bitter cold winds felt throughout the South Pacific in the winter months. Another fantastic benefit of this blend is that it is highly resistant to pilling, so garments made using this blend maintain their freshness and 'new' look with very little upkeep.
Mongolian Cashmere: A fibre from goats, milled to be super warm and soft. Plush and luxurious, cashmere is a delicate fibre that never fails to achieve a refined & sophisticated look. Cashmere is ideal to wear between seasons, when temperatures dip low. The snuggly, cloud-like nature of this fibre provides an extra layer to comfort the wearer from chilly evening winds. Naturally light and floaty, garments crafted from Cashmere are ideal for travelling. See Mia Fratino for examples of versatile cashmere knitwear. 
Mohair: Mohair also comes from the coats of goats! However, the texture is more fuzzy & wiry. Mohair is traditionally used in blankets, throws & shawls; its hardwearing nature makes it an excellent fibre to employ for these kinds of items that we use on a daily basis. Aussie label St Albans makes mohair throws designed to be part of the family for decades, and their vibrant colour palettes add a hefty dose of luxury to your home.
Alpaca: A long, strong, hollow fibre which lends it thermal properties to the wearer, making it very warm and as light as a feather. The Alpaca is native to the Andean region in South America, where the people indigenous to these parts have been adorning themselves with its fleece for centuries. It is therefore what is often referred to as a 'noble' fibre. The unique structure of the alpaca fibre gives the yarn high-tensile strength, providing for garments that hold their shape, even after years of repeated use. Treating yourself to a hand knitted alpaca sweater is a great act of self-love! See an example by Lorena Laing here
Merino Wool: An Australian wool recognised for its superior qualities in warmth and feel. Merino sheep have been bred for their fleece in Australia since 1797, and this wool remains a major export for the country for good reason: It insulates well, is anti-static, and has a lovely feel on the skin, meaning it is suitable for those who find other sheep's wool to be irritating. 
Linen: Linen is made from the flax plant, and it is THE fabric to wear in the heat of the Australian summer. Breathable, lovely drape & softens with wear. Georgie A, based in Noosa, works with the finest hand-loomed linen, sourced from Italy - this label is our go-to for breezy summer outfits, whether it's for dry heat down south, or steamy days up north.