#Yarn & Fiber

2021-07-29

The impact of wool in the cycling world

Many of the world’s sporting codes have picked up on the benefits of pure wool clothing. Many cyclists have switched to the innovative, knitted riding gear produced by companies such as Studio Eva x Carola and Mons Royale, and are happy to spread the news of its benefits. The International Wool Textile Organisation (IWTO) looks at the new, all-wool riding clothing currently growing in popularity among both professional and amateur riders.

Breathable Outfits for An Increasingly Popular Activity

Quality cycling gear is not just for professional racers and mountain bikers. Cycling is an increasingly popular leisure activity as well. Around the world, the number of people taking up the pastime is on the increase. As COVID-19 lockdowns took hold, and gyms remained shut for months, people either dusted off their old bikes or bought new ones, looking for an accessible solution to help them keep fit and healthy.

This surge in popularity is not only about fitness – in a world of congested traffic and expensive, environmentally harmful transport, cycling has become a convenient, cheap and green commuting solution. So sharp was the sudden increase in demand for bicycles over the past year that suppliers struggled to keep up.

However, among the many major differences between driving, or using public transport, and cycling, is that the latter requires a fair amount of physical exertion. Riders need comfortable, breathable clothing that can keep them cool. The likes of Eva X Carola and Mons Royale have stepped up to fill this gap.

Merino Wool Innovations for Cyclists

Mons Royale is a New Zealand-based wool garment producer that has been operational since 2009. It specialises in the production of high quality garments for those who live an active lifestyle. Their best-known innovation is Merino Air-Con, a patented activewear fabric designed to keep wearers cool and comfortable through any variations in humidity, temperature and altitude. The extremely lightweight fabric is constructed from 83% Merino wool. The Merino fibres are spun around a nylon core, and this combination helps to provide comfort, odour control and breathability. Elastane is added into the mix to provide ease of movement and shape retention.

Studio Eva X Carola is already well known for their unique designs. The company recently unveiled a seamless women’s wool cycling kit constructed from Südwolle Merino wool. The ultra-lightweight kit is made from yarns knitted on a Santoni knitting machine, chosen for superior softness, breathability and moisture management. The collection consists of a bib, jersey, arm-warmers and socks. A kit for men is now also available.

“By smartly selecting the right Merino wool yarns and creating beautiful textures and loft structures, the garments not only offer a gentle-on-the-skin comfort, but also provide durability and protection during your ride,” explains Eva de Laat of Studio Eva x Carola.

If you are planning to take up cycling, either as a way of doing your daily commute, to keep fit or to compete in sporting events, you can rest assured that there is clothing available to make the experience a more enjoyable one. Be sure to choose genuine Merino wool cycling kits.

Learn More About Wool and Benefits on the IWTO Website

Wool continues to prove that it is a diverse material that can be used for multiple purposes. This innovative collaboration paves the way to a new breed of natural, sustainable performance apparel. For more information on wool as a high-performance fibre, click here:

https://iwto.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/IWTO_Wool-Performance.pdf

Texprocess 2026: Automation, digitalisation and AI redefine textile processing

Making investment decisions in textile processing has become significantly more demanding. Increasing energy costs, a shortage of skilled labour and ongoing geopolitical uncertainties are compelling companies to focus on technologies that deliver clear gains in efficiency and process reliability. This applies equally to apparel manufacturing and to the processing of technical textiles and high-performance materials. As a result, modernisation initiatives are assessed more carefully – even as the need to upgrade production systems continues to intensify.

Techtextil 2026: Between innovation pressure & market reality

From 21 to 24 April 2026, Techtextil in Frankfurt am Main will once again become the central meeting point for the international technical textiles and nonwovens industry. Running in parallel, Texprocess will focus on the industrial implementation of textile processing technologies as the leading platform in this field. Together, the two trade fairs form a closely integrated presentation and working platform along the entire textile value chain – from material development to finished applications.

Between geopolitical pressure and industrial resilience

In this interview, Dr. Janpeter Horn (VDMA) discusses the current challenges facing textile machinery manufacturers, shaped by geopolitical tensions, regulatory developments and subdued investment. He also outlines why innovation strength, integrated solutions and strategic positioning remain key to global competitiveness.

Yarn Expo Spring 2026 concludes, connecting buyers with innovative selection of sustainable yarns and fibres

Yarn Expo Spring 2026 wrapped up successfully on 13 March, as a record-high of over 600 exhibitors from 12 countries and regions welcomed more than 25,000 visitors from 113 countries and regions. Held across 27,000 sqm in Hall 8.2 of the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), the fair highlighted the textile industry’s accelerating shift toward a lower-impact, more functional future. Exhibitors presented eco-friendly organic, regenerated and recycled yarns and fibres, alongside innovative options such as sweat-resistant and high-performance materials. A comprehensive fringe programme further enriched the event, offering practical market insights and new networking opportunities.

Lenzing advances its transformation: Higher EBITDA, stronger free cash flow and more than EUR 200 million in cost savings

The business performance of the Lenzing Group in 2025 was affected particularly in the second half of the year by external factors such as international tariff measures, subdued demand and declining market prices. As a result, revenue decreased slightly by 2.3 percent to EUR 2.6 billion, primarily due to lower fiber sales volumes and lower prices for fibers and pulp, which were further negatively impacted by currency developments. Nevertheless, thanks to the comprehensive Performance Program, Lenzing was able to improve its operating performance and key financial indicators compared with the previous year.

“Lead Transformation – Generate Impact”: Lenzing presents its 2025 Annual and Sustainability Report

The Lenzing Group has published its 2025 Annual and Sustainability Report, entitled LEAD TRANSFORMATION – GENERATE IMPACT. The report shows how Lenzing is actively shaping change in the industry and making a lasting impact: economically, ecologically, and socially. Lenzing is consistently focused on the future: with targeted investments in premiumization, excellence, innovation, and sustainability, the company is strengthening its position as a leading provider of sustainable, cellulose-based premium fibers. The combined report is available in digital format.

Techtextil 2026: KARL MAYER impresses as an innovative sector partner

KARL MAYER looks back with satisfaction on its participation in Techtextil 2026. From April 21 to 24, the international industry leader used the trade show in Frankfurt to meet with numerous key customers at its booth and, at the same time, establish many new contacts. Most visitors came from Germany, followed by major markets such as Poland, the United Kingdom, Turkey, France, and Portugal.

BTMA backs global growth while investing in future UK leaders

As one of a number of new initiatives launched this year, the British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA) is launching the UK-India Textile Machinery Coalition. The UK-India Free Trade Agreement, signed in July 2025, has implications that extend across sourcing, competitiveness and long-term trade dynamics, believes BTMA CEO Jason Kent.

China projected to increase cotton production, yields, and imports in 2026/27

World cotton production in the 2026/27 season is projected at 25.9 million tonnes, exceeding global consumption of 25.2 million tonnes, according to the May 2026 issue of Cotton This Month. That means both production and consumption are expected to remain close to current season levels, while global cotton trade is projected to decline by 2.7% to approximately 9.6-9.7 million tonnes.