Close-up of wool fibers
it's all in the feel

Fibres & Materials

We strongly believe in the importance of slow fashion, with that, comes the pillar of product longevity in both quality and style.—for us, this begins with the fibre—Our approach to material selection is guided by a broad set of considerations, including resource consumption, emissions, chemical processes, accessibility, cost, and the livelihoods of the people involved in making our garments. We also look beyond production, evaluating how a garment will be cared for, how long it will last, and how well it will wear over time.

Natural Fibres

If you've made it this far, you're probably well aware how much we love natural fibres. Coming from a background in wool trading, we can't get enough of them, and to say we're not picky would be a lie.

Animal fibres (Alpaca, Cashmere, Lambswool, Merino Wool, Mohair, Silk) and Plant fibres (Cotton and Linen) will always be our favourites because of their durability and end-of-life advantages. When treated with care, these materials can last a lifetime (and beyond). They biodegrade in the right environment, are breathable, and offer inherent benefits such as moisture wicking and odour resistance—qualities not typically found in synthetic alternatives.

The fibres we choose play a huge role in how our clothing feels, performs, and lasts—and we’re proud to offer a carefully curated selection that reflects both quality and responsibility. Alongside our own designs, we also stock garments from trusted brands who work with exceptional materials such as possum blends, premium leathers, cupro, modal, lyocell, and viscose. Each fibre brings its own strengths, from the natural warmth of animal fibres to the cool breathability of plant‑based textiles and the silky drape of modern semi‑synthetic fabrics.

Here, you can read about what makes these fibres special, how they behave in finished garments, and why they’re chosen by us and the brands we partner with. Whether you’re looking for softness, durability, sustainability, or everyday comfort, understanding these fibres helps you choose pieces that feel as good as they look—and that you’ll enjoy wearing for years.

Animal Fibres

Alpaca fibre is prized for its unique hollow‑core structure, which traps heat exceptionally well while keeping garments lightweight. It is naturally softer than most sheep wool due to its smoother fibres, reducing itchiness. Alpaca contains no lanolin, making it naturally hypoallergenic and easier to process. The fibre is highly resistant to pilling because of its long staple length, helping garments maintain a pristine appearance over time. Alpaca wool is also naturally water‑repellent and thermoregulating, allowing it to adapt to both warm and cool climates. Alpacas themselves have a low environmental impact, requiring less water and gentler grazing than many livestock species.

Cashmere comes from the undercoat of cashmere goats, whose fine fibres average around 14–19 microns—significantly finer than most wool. This fineness creates the signature softness and lightweight warmth that cashmere is known for. Cashmere provides up to three times the insulation of sheep wool at a fraction of the weight. Because the fibres are naturally crimped, they trap air efficiently, enhancing warmth without bulk. High‑quality cashmere has a long staple length, which reduces pilling and improves durability. The fibre’s breathability allows it to regulate temperature effectively, making it comfortable across seasons. Cashmere also absorbs dye exceptionally well, resulting in rich, even colouration.

Lambswool is taken from a sheep’s first shearing, typically around seven months old, and is naturally fine, soft, and elastic. Merino wool is even finer, often between 17–23 microns, giving it a smooth feel and excellent next‑to‑skin comfort. Merino fibres can absorb up to 30% of their weight in moisture while still feeling dry, making them ideal for temperature and humidity regulation. Traditional wool offers greater durability and structure, making it suitable for outerwear and tailoring. All wool fibres are naturally fire‑resistant due to their high nitrogen and water content. Wool is also biodegradable and renewable, breaking down naturally in soil and releasing nutrients. Its natural crimp gives garments resilience, elasticity, and shape retention.

Mohair comes from the Angora goat and is known for its long, lustrous fibres, which can reach lengths of 12–15 cm per shearing. Its smooth surface reflects light, giving mohair its signature sheen and vibrant colour uptake. Mohair fibres are naturally strong—among the strongest of all animal fibres—which contributes to long‑lasting garments. The fibre is highly elastic, allowing it to stretch and recover without losing shape. Mohair is also naturally flame‑resistant and crease‑resistant, making it ideal for travel and everyday wear. Its insulating properties keep the wearer warm in winter while remaining breathable in warmer conditions. Because mohair fibres are smooth, they resist pilling better than many other wools.

Possum fibre is one of the few natural fibres with a hollow core, giving it exceptional warmth‑to‑weight performance. When blended with Merino wool, it creates a yarn that is up to 55% warmer than Merino alone. Possum fibres are extremely lightweight and soft, contributing to garments that feel plush without heaviness. The fibre resists pilling due to its structure and length, maintaining a clean appearance over time. Possum fur is naturally odour‑resistant and breathable, making it ideal for everyday wear. The possum fibre trade in New Zealand supports ecological conservation by reducing the population of an invasive species that threatens native wildlife. The resulting yarn has a velvety, luxurious texture that stands out among natural fibres.

Silk is produced by silkworms spinning fibroin protein fibres, which create a smooth, continuous filament—the longest natural fibre in the world. This structure gives silk its unmatched softness and natural sheen. Silk can regulate temperature effectively because it is both breathable and insulating, making it comfortable in a wide range of climates. The fibre can absorb up to 30% of its weight in moisture without feeling damp, helping maintain comfort. Silk is naturally hypoallergenic, resisting dust mites, mould, and mildew. Its tensile strength is high, making it more durable than its delicate appearance suggests. Silk dyes beautifully, producing deep, saturated colours with a luminous finish.

Sheepskin combines a wool fleece interior with a leather exterior, creating a naturally insulating and breathable material. The wool fibres are crimped, forming tiny air pockets that trap heat while allowing moisture to escape. This makes sheepskin exceptionally effective at regulating temperature in both cold and warm environments. The leather side is durable, wind‑resistant, and naturally water‑repellent. Sheepskin is also hypoallergenic and resistant to bacteria due to the lanolin present in the wool. With proper care, sheepskin ages beautifully, developing a patina that enhances its natural texture.

Bovine leather is valued for its strength and durability, thanks to its dense collagen fibre structure. It withstands abrasion and wear exceptionally well. The material develops a patina over time as oils and sunlight interact with the surface, adding depth and character. Bovine leather is naturally breathable, allowing moisture to escape and improving comfort during wear. When properly tanned, it becomes resistant to water, stretching, and cracking.

Kangaroo leather is renowned for having one of the highest strength‑to‑weight ratios of any leather. Its collagen fibres run parallel rather than weaving in a criss‑cross pattern, giving it exceptional tensile strength. This structure allows kangaroo leather to be up to 10x stronger than cowhide of the same thickness. Kangaroo leather is naturally flexible, allowing for precise shaping and a comfortable fit. It also resists stretching and abrasion, maintaining its form over time. Kangaroos are not farmed in the traditional sense—they are culled—resulting in a lower environmental footprint compared to many livestock‑based leathers.

Plant Fibres

Cotton is loved for its natural softness and breathability, making it one of the most comfortable fibres to wear directly against the skin. Its ability to absorb moisture keeps garments cool, fresh, and easy to wear in warm weather, while still offering year‑round versatility. High‑quality cotton creates fabrics that feel smooth, drape beautifully, and hold colour exceptionally well, resulting in vibrant, long‑lasting garments.

Organic cotton enhances these qualities while being grown without synthetic chemicals, producing cleaner, gentler fabrics that are ideal for sensitive skin.

Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) supports more responsible farming practices, helping reduce water use and improve working conditions.

OEKO‑TEX® Standard 100 certifies they’re free from harmful substances and safe for everyday wear.

Linen is celebrated for its cool, airy feel and naturally elegant texture, making it a favourite for warm‑weather clothing. Its fibres allow exceptional airflow, helping garments stay breathable and comfortable even in hot, humid conditions. Linen absorbs moisture quickly and dries fast, which keeps the wearer feeling fresh throughout the day. The fabric’s subtle slubs and natural texture give garments a relaxed, effortless sophistication that only improves with time. Linen becomes softer with every wash and wear, developing a beautiful lived‑in character while remaining strong and durable. Because flax requires minimal water and fewer chemicals to grow, linen is considered one of the most environmentally responsible plant fibres.

OEKO‑TEX® Standard 100 certifies they’re free from harmful substances and safe for everyday wear.

Semi Synthetic | Rayon | Regenerated Cellulose Fibres

Cupro is made from cotton linter—the fine fibres that surround cotton seeds—giving new life to a material that would otherwise be discarded. The result is a fabric with a silky, luxurious handfeel and a beautiful, fluid drape. Cupro is highly breathable and moisture‑regulating, making it comfortable for warm climates. It takes dye exceptionally well, producing rich, even colours with a refined sheen. Many cupro fabrics are produced in closed‑loop systems that recover and reuse processing chemicals, supporting more responsible manufacturing.

Lyocell is known for its smooth softness, breathability, and exceptional moisture‑wicking performance. It’s produced using a closed‑loop process that recycles over 99% of the solvent, making it one of the most environmentally responsible semi‑synthetic fibres available. Lyocell fabrics drape beautifully and resist wrinkling, giving garments a polished, effortless look. The fibre is naturally breathable and helps regulate body temperature. Its strength and durability mean garments maintain their shape and smooth finish over time, even with regular wear.

Modal has a natural stretch and fluid drape that makes garments feel comfortable and body‑skimming without clinging. Modal absorbs moisture efficiently, helping clothing stay cool and breathable throughout the day. It holds colour extremely well, resulting in deep, long‑lasting hues that don’t fade easily.

Viscose is valued for its silk‑like feel, smooth texture, and elegant drape. It is breathable and moisture‑absorbent, helping garments feel cool and comfortable in warm weather. Viscose takes dye extremely well, resulting in vibrant colours and prints with excellent clarity. Its versatility allows it to mimic the look and feel of natural fibres like cotton, linen, and silk, depending on how it’s woven. While traditional viscose production can be resource‑intensive, many modern viscose fabrics now meet OEKO‑TEX® Standard 100 requirements, ensuring they’re free from harmful substances. When sourced from responsibly managed forests (e.g., FSC® or PEFC™ certified), viscose can support more sustainable material choices.