#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

textile.4U publishes special edition “Top 100 Textile Recycling Companies 2025”

With a comprehensive 176-page special edition, textile.4U is dedicating its latest issue entirely to one of the most dynamic and influential topics in today’s textile industry: textile recycling. The new issue, published exclusively in high-quality print, presents the Top 100 textile recycling companies researched and selected by TexData – organizations that already play a key role in the transition to circular textiles or are expected to have a significant impact in the near future.

Responsible Textile Recovery Act of 2024 signed by Governor

Senator Josh Newman (D-Fullerton) is proud to announce that Senate Bill 707 (SB 707), the Responsible Textile Recovery Act of 2024, has been signed into law by the Governor of California, Gavin Newsom. This groundbreaking legislation establishes the country’s first Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) textile recycling program, marking a significant step forward in the state’s efforts to combat waste and promote sustainability.

Modtissimo promotes sustainability with 28 coordinates in the Green Circle

Modtissimo is proving more and more to be a textile and clothing show that delivers the latest innovations in the area of sustainability, with the iTechStyle Green Circle being the main showcase for companies' creations. In this 60+4 edition, taking place on 12 and 13 September, 28 coordinates will be exhibited in a section organised by CITEVE and curated by Paulo Gomes.

The EU and Egypt team up to mobilise private sector investments at Investment Conference and sign a Memorandum of Understanding underpinning €1 billion in macro-financial assistance for Egypt

At the EU-Egypt Investment Conference, co-organised by the EU and the Government of Egypt on 29-30 June, the EU and Egypt are teaming up to intensify private sector investments in Egypt. They are also signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the disbursement to Egypt of up to €1 billion in Macro-Financial Assistance.

Better, faster, bio-based: Functional new Plastic alternatives

How can new bio-based and biohybrid materials with improved features be developed faster? Six Fraunhofer institutes are jointly exploring this question in the SUBI²MA flagship project, using an innovative bio-based polyamide developed by Fraunhofer researchers as a model. Its specific properties make it a promising alternative to fossil-based plastics.

KARL MAYER is launching two machines that set new standards in performance and cost-effectiveness

At this year's ITMA ASIA + CITME, KARL MAYER is exhibiting two advanced developments in the field of tricot machines. Both newcomers expand the portfolio with highly practical solutions for increased efficiency and cost-effective production – making the exhibition booth once again a focal point for more than just the warp knitting industry.

Uster presents novelties at ITMA Asia + CITME 2025

There’s news from Uster Technologies to be announced for the industry’s upcoming event in Singapore. The Uster 360Q universe is growing with new products, solutions and services. Innovation developments can also be recorded in the fields of man-made fiber testing and fabric inspection. Uster innovations address the industry’s trending topics as mill management and process control, optimization of delivered fabric quality and yield.

Nike unites innovation, design and product teams to accelerate athlete-centered innovation

Nike, Jordan Brand and Converse are joining forces under a new, athlete-focused creation structure aimed at accelerating innovation and driving growth across NIKE, Inc. The new setup unites the Innovation, Design and Product teams from all three brands into a single “creation engine” that will enable greater sharing of insights, technology and manufacturing methods throughout the innovation process. This integration is part of Nike’s new Sport Offense strategy and is designed to enhance the creation of products that help athletes perform at their best.

DORNIER celebrates its anniversary at ITMA Asia + CITME

To mark its 75th anniversary, machine and plant manufacturer Lindauer DORNIER will be presenting the latest developments in its rapier and air-jet weaving machines at ITMA Asia + CITME in Singapore (Hall 2, Stand B401) from 28 to 31 October 2025. The focus will be on energy-efficient weaving technologies, new IoT solutions for networked textile production and systems for the series production of modern fibre composite components.