Your Guide to our Warmest Winter Fibres

Your destination for the best natural fibres to wear in winter.

As winter settles in and the importance of bundling up and staying warm becomes essential, let's take a deep dive into the world of our warmest natural fibres that will keep the cold at bay. 

Wool

Wool lover? you have every reason to be! Wool is a natural and versatile fibre that offers exceptional warmth, breathability, durability and sustainability. Its unique properties make it an ideal choice for winter clothing, ensuring both comfort and protection from the cold. Wool is the perfect winter fibre. Known for its durability and longevity, it is a resilient fibre that can withstand regular wear and tear, making it an excellent investment for winter clothing.

Because of its crimped structure, wool has natural insulation properties which creates small air pockets that trap heat. This helps to retain body warmth, providing effective insulation in cold weather. Unlike many other materials, wool retains its insulating properties even when it gets damp. This means that even if you encounter rain or snow, wool will continue to keep you warm and cosy. 

Wool also has the ability to absorb and release moisture vapor, making it highly breathable. This unique quality helps to regulate body temperature and keeps you comfortable by preventing overheating or excessive sweating.

The Hedrena Classic Long Sleeve Tee is one of our most popular wool tops, made in Australia from 100% Merino Wool. It features a scooped neckline, long sleeves and is perfect for layering in winter.

Hedrena Classic Long Sleeve Tee

Possum and Wool blends

If you haven't had the chance to experience the wonders of the natural possum fibre, you're in for a surprise! When combined with wool, possum fur creates by far the warmest garments available on the market. The unique properties of possum fur, coupled with the insulating qualities of wool, make for a remarkably cosy and heat-retentive blend. So, if you're looking to stay incredibly warm during the chilly winter days, the possum and wool combination is undoubtedly the way to go!

The blends featherweight lightness make it a joy to wear. Possum fabric has a unique, natural, hollow structure and elasticity which contribute to it’s exceptional warmth and lightness. It traps heat but responds to changes in body temperature to provide cooling when it's too warm and extra warmth when it’s too cold.

Possum Blend Gloves

Our possum fibre products are sourced ethically and sustainably, adhering to responsible wildlife management practices and animal welfare standards. The Brushtail possum specifically is considered a pest in New Zealand due to its negative impact on the country's native flora and fauna. As a result, the New Zealand government has implemented a forced plan to eliminate this species to protect the delicate ecosystem.

The sustainable use of the resulting possum fibre by Fella Hamilton actually has a positive environmental implication. By utilising this otherwise unwanted resource, we are indirectly contributing to the preservation of the native ecosystem in New Zealand. 

Cashmere

Cashmere is a highly sought after luxurious and soft natural fibre valued for its warmth, softness, and lightweight feel. The cashmere fibre is obtained from the undercoat of cashmere goats, and garments made from this fibre are known for their excellent insulation properties, making them ideal for staying cosy in colder weather.

If you enjoy the feeling of warmth and comfort, wrapping yourself in a cashmere garment could be a delightful experience. Being lightweight yet durable, cashmere offers versatility - it can be spun into various garments including jumpers, jackets and scarves. Furthermore, the moisture wicking properties of cashmere allows for the absorption of sweat, keeping you dry and comfortable. 

Our customers at Fella Hamilton find cashmere fibre less irritating to the skin compared to synthetic materials which adds to it’s widespread, all year round appeal. 

Basket Weave Jumper and Zarina Coat

Down

Down used in jackets refers to the soft and fluffy layer of feathers found underneath the exterior feathers of ducks or geese. It is a natural insulation material and is highly valued for its exceptional warmth-to-weight ratio. Down clusters have a three-dimensional structure with numerous air pockets, which trap air and create a barrier that effectively insulates against cold weather.

Avant Longline Down Vest

Down is widely used in various types of jackets, including Down Jackets or longer Down Parkas which protect against harsh winter conditions.The jackets are filled entirely with down and provide excellent warmth while remaining lightweight and compressible. Down Puffer Jackets with a quilted design help keep the down evenly distributed, preventing cold spots. The Down Vest is a fantastic transeasonal choice as this sleeveless version core warmth while allowing greater movement and airflow.

Velour

Velour is a plush and luxurious fabric that is often made with a blend of cotton and some polyester. Known for its soft, luxurious sheen and velvety texture, velour provides a cosy and comfortable feel against the skin, and the dense pile helps retain body heat. 

Velour adds a touch of luxury and warmth to winter outfits, making it an appealing use for leisure time outfits such as zip up jackets, sweaters and track pants. Our Vicky Velour Jacket and Vicky Velour Pants are example of a stylish and cosy peices from our Leisurewear range.

When made with a majority natural fibre such as cotton velour fabrics often have moisture-wicking properties, meaning they can absorb and wick away moisture from the skin. This feature helps keep you dry and comfortable, especially when engaging in outdoor winter activities.

It's worth noting that velour may not be as wind-resistant as some other fabrics, so layering with a windproof or water-resistant outer layer may be necessary in extremely cold or windy conditions. Nonetheless, velour's softness, warmth, and aesthetic appeal make it a popular and advantageous fabric choice for winter attire.

Vicky Velour Jacket and Vicky Velour Pants

Corduroy

Corduroy is a timeless fabric usually combined with cotton, and has proven its staying power in the fashion world. Its unique construction and texture give it a distinct appeal, making corduroy jackets and pants a classic choice that never seem to go out of style.

The warmth, thickness and durability of corduroy make it ideal for winter wear, providing excellent insulation against cold temperatures and offering wind resistance with its dense weave. Its soft and comfortable feel adds to its appeal, ensuring that you not only look stylish but also feel cosy during the colder months.

Moreover, corduroy's versatility allows it to be incorporated into various winter outfits, making it a wardrobe staple for many people when the temperature drops. Whether paired with a cosy sweater or layered with other winter garments, corduroy can elevate any winter ensemble.

Slim Leg Signature Cord Pant