The Edit
The latest trends in eco-friendly workout wear, tips for living a more
sustainable lifestyle, and stories of women.
The Edit
A Christmas Message from Flowool: Returning to What Truly Matters
Every December, the world speeds up—more gatherings, more noise, more lists to complete. Yet when the cold air settles and the year draws to a quiet close, something different happens. We slow down just enough to notice what feels real: warmth, movement, and a sense of belonging to something natural. This season offers an opportunity to reconnect with these essentials. And for us at Flowool, it is also a moment to reflect on why we create, how we create, and who we create for.
Choosing Nature in a Season of Excess
The holidays often encourage accumulation. More gifts, more packaging, more of everything. But nature teaches a different rhythm: clarity, intention, and balance. Our commitment to 100% Merino wool exists because natural fibers carry this rhythm within them. They breathe with you, warm you gently, and return to the earth without harm. In a season full of excess, choosing something natural becomes an act of grounding.
Movement as a Form of Gratitude
Movement is not only physical. It is emotional, mental, and relational. A quiet morning jog, a walk with friends, or simply the comfort of a warm base layer that lets your body breathe—these moments remind us to stay connected to ourselves. This is why “Where Nature Meets Movement” isn’t a slogan. It's an everyday philosophy. During the holidays, movement becomes a way of expressing gratitude—toward the body that carries us, the people who support us, and the world that sustains us.
A Community Built on Mindful Choices
Flowool has always grown differently—not through loud campaigns or fast trends, but through people who value authenticity, durability, and care. Every time someone chooses natural fibers over synthetics, long-lasting quality over disposable consumption, they influence the industry one step at a time. This community is built on small but powerful decisions. And for that, we are deeply grateful.
Looking Toward a New Year with Intention
The holidays are not an ending; they are a pause. A moment to ask ourselves: What do we want to carry into the new year? What can we leave behind? For us, the answer remains clear: Respect nature. Reduce waste. Create pieces that move with people—not just through a season, but through their lives.
A Warm Wish from Flowool
Wherever you are celebrating, we hope your days are filled with warmth, clarity, and the simple joy of choosing what feels true. Stay warm. Stay moving. Stay close to what matters.
Every Step Matters: How We Respect Wool and Craftsmanship
This piece was created in motion—captured in our factory exactly as it happens. No staging, no repeats, no polished sets. Just the real workflow behind a wool shirt built with precision, discipline, and a respect for thoughtful making.
Why We Show the Process
Sharing the production is not a marketing trick—it’s a way to make craftsmanship visible. Many steps of a wool shirt are subtle and technical, and the beauty lies in those details. By opening the process, you see the discipline that defines the final piece.
Seeing the Process Changes the Relationship With a Product
Watching the operators work is a different kind of education. Hands moving with instinctive precision. Wool draping in slow, natural curves. Machines humming—not not as symbols of mass production, but as extensions of skill. The shirt is assembled through dozens of micro-steps: clean cutting, controlled tension, steam shaping, reinforcement of wool panels, and the final checks that ensure the drape feels natural on the body. When you see these steps up close, the product stops being a “thing” and becomes a craft. This transparency is the foundation of trust. You deserve to know what you’re buying, how it’s made, and why it matters.
Fully Automated Cutting
Pattern Making
Pleat Pressing
Interlining Bonding
Precision Sewing & Assembly
Why Embroidery Isn’t Just Decoration
Embroidery is often treated as an aesthetic touch. For us, it’s a signature of intention. Merino wool is soft, breathable, and inherently elastic, which means embroidery must be handled differently from cotton or synthetics. The tension, backing, stitch density—everything must be recalibrated so the wool maintains its shape without stress. In our factory footage, you’ll see operators measuring fabric stability, adjusting the embroidery frame manually, and inspecting every thread run under light. These adjustments protect the integrity of the wool while giving the shirt its character. It’s slow work, and we choose the slow way on purpose.
Balancing Performance and Wool: Our Approach
We work with Merino wool not because it is perfect, but because it is honest. In our performance line, not every piece can be 100% wool. High-intensity movement requires structure, rebound, and stability—qualities that sometimes need technical blends to deliver the support you actually feel during motion.
But we always push the wool content as high as performance allows—because comfort, breathability, and natural touch matter. This is growth, not compromise. Every fabric we use is clearly labeled. Every blend has a reason. Every choice is intentional. We’re committed to building performance apparel that respects the body and respects the material—without pretending we’ve already reached the final form.
Merino is naturally breathable, odor-resistant, and thermoregulating. It elevates performance when handled with care. But it also demands skill. Cutting, embroidery, seam pressing, shrinkage control—Merino responds differently at each stage.
Our manufacturing partners treat it like a material that deserves patience, not shortcuts. You can see that in the footage we captured at the factory: slow hands, careful presses, intentional handling. Natural fibers reveal everything—attention, intention, respect. And that honesty is exactly why we choose Merino in the first place.
So Why Pre-Order?
Pre-order allows us to avoid overproduction and invest fully in the craft. It ensures every shirt is made with intention, not speed. It gives the factory the bandwidth to slow down, isolate operations, and execute with accuracy. But most importantly, pre-order includes you in the process. Instead of presenting a finished product with no context, we open the doors. You see the real timeline, the people behind it, the respect we give to wool, and the decisions that make the shirt special. Trust isn’t built through marketing—it’s built through transparency.
A Shirt Worth Waiting For
When this shirt arrives at your door, it carries every hand-finished curve, every adjusted stitch, every deliberate choice of wool. It carries the honesty of the process you’ve witnessed. This isn’t fast fashion. This is responsible production, made with skill and intention. Thank you for supporting a product—and a philosophy—that chooses depth over speed. The final result will feel different, because the process behind it is different.
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Inside Our Supply Chain
“Cotton Kills”: The Life-Death Code in Mountaineering
2019, Everest North Face 8,600m. American climber David Sharp's body had been here 13 years. Cause of death: hypothermia
Why “Cotton Kills”?
Hypothermia Death Countdown
37°C - Normal
36°C - Shivering begins
35°C - Impaired judgment
33°C - Muscle rigidity
31°C - Loss of consciousness
28°C - Cardiac arrest
Cotton's Deadly Properties
Wet = Dead
a) Absorbs 27x its weight
b) Insulation drops to 0%
c) Heat loss increases 25x
Never Dries
a) Room temp: 12-48 hours
b) Below 0°C: never dries
c) Heat loss: 500 cal/hour
Wind Chill Hell
a) Wet cotton + wind = -20°C felt
b) Equivalent to naked
How Merino Saves Lives
Key Difference: Warm When Wet
Material Dry Wet
Cotton 100% 0%
Polyester 100% 20%
Merino 100% 80%
Fiber Structure Decoded
Merino wool fibers have a cross-section with a wavy, scaly structure and natural crimp, which allows the fibers to trap air, providing both excellent insulation and breathability. It can naturally absorb and wick away moisture, helping to regulate body temperature, while the fibers remain soft and durable.
Cotton fibers generally have a circular or oval cross-section with a smooth surface. Cotton has strong water absorption, but it dries slowly when wet, which can feel heavy and stuffy. Therefore, its performance in high-intensity exercise or rapid sweat-wicking scenarios is inferior to wool.
Polyester fibers usually have a circular or polygonal cross-section with a uniform, smooth surface. They are durable, lightweight, and quick-drying, but they do not absorb moisture, have poor breathability, and are prone to static. In terms of temperature regulation and sweat-wicking, they do not perform as well as natural fibers.
Overall, Merino wool clearly outperforms cotton and polyester in natural temperature regulation, moisture management, odor resistance, and wearing comfort, making it an excellent choice for sportswear and close-to-skin clothing.
2024 Himalayan climbing season data:
Hypothermia deaths:
87% wore cotton
Summit success:
93% wore merino
Rescue cases:
0% pure merino system
Buying Decision Matrix
Micron & Weight Selection
Activity
Micron
Weight(g/m²)
Running <17.5μm 120-150
Hiking 17.5-19μm 150-190
Mountaineering 18-20μm 200-260
Polar 19-21μm 260-400
Life or Death Choice
In extremes, gear = survival
Before your next mountain, check your base layer.
It might be your most important gear
The True Cost of Fast Fashion: The Environmental Bill of a T-Shirt
How many t-shirts do you own? 10? 20? Too many to count?
Last weekend, I stood in a fast fashion store looking at a t-shirt priced at $19.99. That's less than my lunch. Standing at the checkout counter, a question suddenly struck me: What's the real cost of something this cheap?
This question led me down a month-long rabbit hole, researching the complete lifecycle of an ordinary t-shirt from cotton seed to landfill. Today, I want to share this shocking "environmental invoice" with you.
The Birth of a T-Shirt: The Hidden Environmental Costs
An average cotton t-shirt requires about 200 grams of cotton. Doesn't sound like much, right? But let's look at the numbers behind those 200 grams:
Water Consumption:
Producing 200 grams of cotton requires approximately 2,700 liters of water. That's equivalent to one person's drinking water for 3 years. 73% of global cotton cultivation happens in water-stressed regions. The Aral Sea in Uzbekistan has shrunk by 90% due to cotton irrigation.
Pesticide Use:
Cotton cultivation uses 2.5% of the world's agricultural land but consumes 16% of all insecticides and 7% of all pesticides globally. These chemicals don't just pollute soil and water – they threaten farmers' health. Cancer rates in India's cotton-growing regions are three times higher than in other areas.
Land Use:
The cotton needed for one t-shirt requires about 3 square meters of land. Land that could have been forest, grassland, or used for food production.
Production Stage: Factory Secrets
From cotton to t-shirt involves spinning, weaving, dyeing, cutting, and sewing. Each step generates pollution:
Energy Consumption:
The textile industry is the world's second-largest polluter, just behind oil. Producing one t-shirt consumes about 15 kWh of energy – enough to power a laptop for 200 hours.
Chemical Pollution:
From raw material to finished product, one t-shirt has a carbon footprint of about 7 kg of CO₂ – equivalent to driving a car for 35 kilometers.
The Hidden Footprint of Transportation
Most fast fashion supply chains span the globe. A t-shirt's journey might look like this:
Cotton grown in Texas, USA
Shipped to China for spinning and weaving
Sent to Bangladesh for dyeing and sewing
Finally distributed to stores worldwide
This journey averages over 20,000 kilometers, generating carbon emissions equal to 30% of the production process itself. To meet weekly drop schedules, many shipments go by air – producing 40 times more carbon than sea freight.
The Fast Fashion Business Model: Designed to Waste
The Madness of 52 Seasons
Traditional fashion has two seasons: Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter. Fast fashion brands now produce 52 "micro-seasons" annually, with new arrivals every week. This model drives constant consumption:
2000:
Average person bought 12 new garments per year
2014:
That number reached 60
2024:
Projected to hit 80
Meanwhile, the average number of times a garment is worn dropped from 200 times in 2000 to just 7 times today.
Planned Obsolescence in Fashion
I examined the fast fashion t-shirts in my closet and found:
Pilling starts after 5 washes
Neckline warps after 10 washes
Color notably fades after 20 washes
Most are discarded within a year
This isn't accidental – it's designed. Low quality ensures continuous demand. A former fast fashion designer told me: "We were instructed to design clothes that only needed to last 10 washes."
Calculating the True Cost
Let's do the complete math. For a $19.99 t-shirt, the true cost includes:
Environmental Costs:
Water resources:
Treatment cost for 2,700 liters
Carbon emissions:
Carbon tax on 7kg CO₂
Chemical pollution:
Water purification costs
Land degradation:
Soil restoration costs
Social Costs:
Worker health:
Medical costs from chemical exposure
Community impact:
Public health issues from pollution
Ecosystem:
Biodiversity loss
If we included all these externalized costs, experts estimate a t-shirt's true price should be $30-50. The difference? The planet and future generations are paying for it.
Change Is Happening
Material Innovation - Merino Wool :
100% biodegradable, fully decomposes in 6 months
Natural antimicrobial properties, reduces washing by 70%
Temperature regulating, warm in winter, cool in summer
50% lower carbon emissions than synthetic fibers
New Zealand and Australian merino farms achieving carbon neutrality
What You Can Do
During my research, I changed my own shopping habits:
Three Questions Before Buying:
Do I really need this?
Will I wear it 30+ times?
Does it work with my existing wardrobe?
Choose Quality:
Better to buy one $30 shirt that lasts 100 wears than three $10 shirts that last 10
Check fabric content and construction
Choose timeless styles over trends
Extend Lifespan:
Proper washing and care
Learn basic mending skills
Create new looks through styling
Responsible Disposal:
Participate in brand recycling programs
Creative upcycling projects
A Different Choice Story
Let me share a contrasting story. Last year, I bought a merino wool t-shirt for $200, nine times the fast fashion price. One year later:
Worn over 80 times
Still maintains original shape and color
Natural antimicrobial properties reduce washing frequency
Expected to last another 3-5 years
The cost per wear is less than $1, actually cheaper than fast fashion with much less environmental impact. Another advantage of merino wool is that even when eventually discarded, it completely biodegrades within 6 months, returning to nature.
Change doesn't require perfection, just a beginning. Starting with your next t-shirt, we can all be part of the solution.
Marathoners and Merino Wool: A Performance Match Analysis
In professional marathon circles, gear choices are based on performance, not marketing. Recently, we've seen more experienced runners incorporating merino wool into their gear systems. This shift isn't random—analyzing marathon's unique demands reveals merino wool's genuine advantages.
Understanding Marathon Gear Challenges
Marathons differ from other sports. During 3-5 hours of continuous movement, the body undergoes complex physiological changes: core temperature rises 3-4 degrees, loses 2-3 liters of sweat, skin experiences constant friction. These challenges require multi-dimensional gear performance.
Merino Wool's Temperature Regulation
Merino wool fiber's uniqueness lies in its natural crimp structure, creating millions of tiny air pockets. These pockets expand or contract with temperature changes, creating dynamic insulation. Lab data shows within 10-25°C (most marathon conditions), merino wool effectively buffers temperature fluctuations.
Observations from East African training camps are revealing: Kenyan and Ethiopian runners often wear wool during morning training, knowing from experience this material handles altitude's dramatic temperature swings.
Practical Moisture Management
Merino wool's moisture absorption is often misunderstood. Yes, it absorbs 30% of its weight in moisture, but the key is how—wool absorbs moisture while still in vapor state, preventing sweat accumulation on skin. This property is particularly valuable in marathons:
Measured Effects:
Reduced blister formation (skin stays relatively dry)
Lower friction coefficient (wet skin has higher friction)
Stable perceived temperature(avoiding hot-cold swings from evaporation)
Real Significance of Odor Resistance
This property might seem minor but matters to runners. Merino wool's protein structure inhibits bacterial growth, meaning:
Reduced washing during training cycles isn't just convenience—frequent washing accelerates any gear's aging. A Boston Marathon qualifier shared: "Same merino shirt, I can wear 3-4 training sessions, just air dry. This extends gear lifespan."
Advantages in Specific Scenarios
Spring/Fall Marathons (15-20°C): Ideal conditions for merino wool. Temperature regulation is fully utilized without exceeding material's performance range.
Trail and Ultra Events: Extended time in changing conditions, merino wool's comprehensive advantages shine. A UTMB finisher noted: "170km through rain, snow, sun—merino was one of few materials comfortable throughout."
Recovery Wear: Post-marathon 24-48 hour recovery, merino wool's natural elasticity provides gentle compression, promoting circulation. Not a primary benefit, but a bonus.
Return on Investment
Merino wool running gear costs more upfront, but considering lifecycle:
A quality merino wool running shirt typically lasts 500-800km while maintaining performance. At 40km weekly volume, that's 3-5 months of consistent use. Considering reduced washing frequency and versatility (training, racing, recovery), cost per use is actually reasonable.
Ultimately, gear choice depends on personal needs and preferences. But understanding merino wool's actual performance helps make informed decisions.
Explore merino wool collections designed for runners. Based on real feedback, continuously optimized.
Selection Recommendations
Based on actual use feedback, these specifications work well:
Summer/High Intensity:
120-150gsm
Spring-Fall/Regular Training:
150-180gsm
Winter/Cold:
200-250gsm
Blended products (85-90% merino + 10-15% other fibers) offer better durability and elastic recovery—a practical optimization.
The Sustainability Story: Why Merino Wool is Future
In an era where fashion contributes 10% of global carbon emissions and synthetic fabrics release millions of microplastics into our oceans, conscious consumers seek real solutions. Enter merino wool—nature's answer to sustainable fashion that doesn't compromise on performance or style.
From Earth, Back to Earth
Unlike petroleum-based synthetics, merino wool represents nature's renewable cycle. Every spring, Merino sheep naturally grow new fleece
—a harvest that's sustained communities for millennia without depleting resources.
When merino wool clothing reaches its end—typically 2-3 times longer than cotton—it doesn't become permanent waste. It biodegrades completely in soil within 6-12 months, releasing nitrogen and sulfur that enrich the earth. Complete circular economy, zero waste.
The Microplastic Solution
Synthetic textiles contribute 35% of ocean microplastics. Every wash releases thousands of plastic fibers that enter our food chain and bloodstreams. Merino wool fibers? They biodegrade harmlessly. Marine organisms can actually digest wool, unlike synthetics that persist for centuries.
The Multiplier Effect
Merino wool's natural properties create cascading environmental benefits:
Less Washing:
Natural antimicrobial properties mean 60-80% fewer washes than synthetics. That's thousands of gallons saved per garment lifetime.
No Chemicals:
UV protection, odor resistance, moisture management—all inherent, no treatments needed.
Durability:
Quality merino lasts 2-3x longer than alternatives. Fewer replacements mean less manufacturing, transportation, and packaging waste.
Supporting Ecosystems
Well-managed sheep grazing improves soil health, prevents wildfires, and maintains grassland biodiversity. In regions like New Zealand and Patagonia, merino farming is integral to landscape conservation. Unlike industrial textile production, wool farming supports rural communities and traditional ways of life spanning generations.
The Future is Natural
As the world transitions from fossil fuels, natural fibers become essential. Merino wool offers what synthetics cannot: renewable resources, biodegradability, and performance that improves with responsible use.
Every merino purchase is a vote—against microplastics, for renewable resources, supporting farming communities. Individual choices drive systemic change.
The Real Guide to Merino Wool Care
Three weeks. That's how long I've worn my merino wool t-shirt without washing.
Merino wool contains lanolin—nature's antibacterial shield. Bacteria literally cannot thrive on it. While your synthetic workout gear hosts a 24/7 bacteria party, merino wool stays fresh through multiple wears. This isn't marketing speak; it's chemistry.
My Actual Care Routine
Daily:
Remove shirt. Hang on chair/door/anywhere. Done.
Weekly:
Still nothing.
Monthly (maybe):
Machine wash cold, regular cycle, half detergent.
When Stains Happen
Spilled coffee on your merino wool leggings? Don't panic. Blot with paper towel, dab with cold water, hang to dry. The stain usually disappears overnight. Hot water is the enemy—always use cold.
The Washing Truth
When you finally wash (monthly for daily wear, seasonal for occasional pieces):
Inside out
Cold water only
Regular cycle (no special settings needed)
Regular cycle (no special settings needed)
Skip fabric softener
Air dry on literally anything
No drying rack required. Gaming chair, door handle, unused exercise bike—merino wool dries perfectly anywhere in 4-6 hours.
Travel Game-Changer
Two-week trip? Three merino shirts. Rinse in hotel sink (30 seconds), hang on shower rod, wake up to fresh shirt. No laundromats, no hotel laundry fees. Just pure efficiency.
The "high-maintenance" luxury fabric is actually the lowest-maintenance thing in your closet.
This is sustainable fashion that makes sense—less washing, less energy, less time wasted.
5 Merino Wool Myths Holding You Back From Better Basics
At Flowool, we believe in setting the record straight. These outdated myths about merino wool clothing are keeping you from discovering the fabric that's quietly revolutionizing modern wardrobes.
Myth - 1: "Wool is Only for Winter"
Bedouins wear wool in the Sahara. Olympic marathoners choose merino base layers for summer races. Why? Ultra-fine merino fibers create natural temperature regulation year-round, wicking moisture 30% faster than synthetics while keeping you cooler than cotton.
Myth - 2: "It's High-Maintenance"
Modern merino wool requires less care than cotton. Machine wash cold, regular detergent, hang dry.
Done. Better yet, natural antimicrobial properties mean washing less frequently—wear it multiple times without odor.
Myth - 3: "Wool Shrinks Easily"
Quality merino undergoes Superwash treatment, preventing shrinkage. Follow simple guidelines—cold water, gentle cycle, low heat—and your pieces maintain their shape. Merino fibers bend 20,000 times without breaking (cotton manages 3,000).
Myth - 4: "Athletic Wear Must Be Synthetic"
Professional athletes are switching to merino wool base layers.
Unlike synthetics that only move liquid sweat, merino absorbs moisture vapor before it becomes sweat—proactive moisture management that actually works.
Myth - 5: "Merino is Too Delicate"
Merino wool's natural elasticity makes it ideal for activewear.
Strategic blends with performance fibers in high-stress areas create garments that outlast cotton and synthetic alternatives while maintaining superior comfort.
The Truth About Modern Merino
These myths benefit fast fashion, not you.
Smart dressers are discovering that one merino wool t-shirt replaces multiple synthetic alternatives. A capsule wardrobe built on merino basics means fewer pieces, less maintenance, superior comfort.
The Merino Wool Edit: Why Fashion Insiders Are Making the Switch
At Flowool, we're witnessing a shift in how the modern wardrobe is built. Merino wool—once relegated to outdoor gear—has become the fabric of choice for those who value both style and substance. Here's why merino wool clothing is revolutionizing everyday fashion.
The New Luxury: Merino Wool Fashion That Performs
Forget everything you know about wool. Today's merino wool clothing features ultra-fine fibers (16.5-17.5 microns) that feel softer than cashmere against your skin. Our merino wool basics deliver the comfort of your favorite vintage tee with performance benefits that synthetic fabrics can't match.
The result? Elevated essentials that transition seamlessly from morning workout to evening drinks. This is sustainable fashion that actually makes sense for real life.
The Science Behind the Style
What makes merino wool clothing the smartest choice for your capsule wardrobe? It starts with temperature regulation. Each merino fiber contains millions of air pockets that respond to your body heat—keeping you cool when it's warm and insulated when it's cold.
But here's what really sets merino wool apart: natural odor resistance. The lanolin in merino wool actively fights bacteria, meaning your favorite Flowool tee stays fresh through multiple wears. Less washing, more wearing—it's minimalist fashion at its finest.
Building Your Merino Wool Wardrobe
The Essential Tee:
Our signature merino wool t-shirt is the foundation of any modern wardrobe. Pair with tailored trousers for the office or distressed denim for weekends.
The Base Layer:
Invisible under work wear, perfect solo for yoga. Our merino wool base layers are the ultimate multitaskers.
The Everyday Legging:
High-waisted merino wool leggings that actually hold their shape. From studio to street without missing a beat.
Sustainability Meets Style
In an era of fast fashion, merino wool clothing offers a different path. Biodegradable, renewable, and sourced from farms practicing regenerative agriculture, merino wool aligns with conscious consumption without sacrificing style.
Each Flowool piece is designed to be worn repeatedly, washed rarely, and loved for years. This is investment dressing that pays dividends—for your wardrobe and the planet.
The Flowool Difference
We're not just another merino wool brand. We're creating fashion-forward basics that happen to be technical marvels. Think of us as your wardrobe's secret weapon—pieces that look effortlessly chic while quietly solving every clothing frustration you've ever had.
Ready to experience merino wool clothing that's designed for how you actually live? Shop the Flowool collection and discover why merino wool is the future of fashion.