WOOLPOWER 400 merino wool full-zip vest

Made in Sweden, this vest provides extra warmth on colder days and can even serve as a fourth insulating layer in very cold conditions. It combines well with other Woolpower garments in a wide range of conditions.

Ullfrotté Original is a warm, durable, easy-care merino wool terry fabric developed in 1970 in collaboration with the Swedish Army to keep soldiers warm at remote bases in northern Sweden. Smooth and durable on the outside, its looped terry inner surface traps plenty of insulating air warmed by the body.

The high double-layer collar keeps the neck warm and has a knitted-in Woolpower logo at the back. The full-length zip makes it easy to regulate warmth: it can be opened to release excess heat and closed again when conditions become cooler.

The circular-knit construction provides added comfort because numerous seams can otherwise cause irritation. The vest's body is knitted in the round, so there are no longitudinal seams.

Woolpower wool garments have numerous benefits: excellent insulation, breathability, a non-itchy feel, infrequent washing requirements, resistance to perspiration odours, suitability for washing at 60 °C, durability and warmth even when wet, to name a few.

Warm and breathable

Depending on the garment, whether from the Lite range or made from 200, 400 or another weight of wool terry, the specially knitted merino wool provides excellent insulation. A thicker wool layer can trap more air, particularly in terry fabric, helping retain body heat more effectively.

A comfortable, non-itchy feel

Many people find ordinary wool uncomfortable against their skin, but different types of wool can feel very different. Understanding why wool may itch involves looking at merino sheep, their feed and their living conditions.

Sheep that spend the whole year outdoors grazing on fresh vegetation produce long, fine and curly wool fibres. Merino sheep that spend part of the year indoors eating dried or prepared feed have shorter, coarser and stiffer fibres. Garments made from such fibres itch because the fibres are not soft enough to bend against the skin.

Woolpower works with merino sheep farms on fertile land in Patagonia and Uruguay.

From happy sheep to happy people

Easy care

One of the natural properties of merino wool is its antibacterial character. This is convenient in everyday wear: the garment resists perspiration odours and does not need frequent washing; airing it outdoors or in a well-ventilated space is often enough. When washing is required, a 60 °C programme can be used together with Woolpower wool detergent, whose lanolin content helps maintain the garment's properties. With proper care, Woolpower garments can be worn for many years.

Durability

Woolpower merino wool garments contain a small proportion of synthetic fibres on the outer surface to improve durability and extend their useful life. The surface in contact with the skin is entirely natural and comfortable.

Note: This is natural merino wool. Small pills may develop on the fabric with wear. Woolpower calls them 'pills of pride', as a practical, understated and slightly rugged appearance is part of the character of these garments.