The process from wool to product

THE FIBRE

Wool from sheep has held people warm and dry for more than 5000 years. Aclima’s Merino wool is hand selected by experts in New Zealand and Tasmania to deliver the ultimate in comfort and performance. A sustainable, renewable  fibre, helping both man and sheep to acclimate and effortlessly adjust to changes in the environment. 

SHEARING

Shearing is carried out by skilled shearers whose focus is collecting quality fibre from the sheep and maintaining the animal’s wellbeing. Aclima uses long fibers of superior strength, which reflects the quality of its natural growing environment.

CLASSING

Each fleece is individually hand classed and selected to particular specifications. This is an art and science carried out by highly skilled classers. The professional is trained to visually assess and select the highest quality fibres, and rejecting those which do not meet these strict specifications. The accurate classing of fibre for Aclima is of utmost importance in achieving a high quality end product. 

SCOURING / CARDING

When wool comes off the sheep, it’s referred to as Greasy Wool, as it contains a natural wool grease called Lanolin. Approximately 30% of the greasy wool weight is made up of lanolin, and vegetable matter. This vegetable matter and lanolin is removed during the scouring process using a series of warm water baths. After scouring, wool is carded and combed to align the fibres in one direction, ready for the next step in making the perfect wool garment. 

Spinning

Wool is drawn out into long rope-like forms called sliver. The sliver is drawn into finer and finer strands, and then twisted (or spun) into yarn. This is done at high speed, and is a very precise process to ensure we produce yarn with a consistent texture, with elasticity and strength to withstand modern knitting machines. The strong partnership with our European spinners helps us produce very high quality yarn, ideally suited to the garments we produce. 

KNITTING

Knitting takes the yarn and knits it into our Aclima fabrics. We have a long history of knitting and this is where our expertise is strongest. We are experts and understand the advantages and disadvantages of different knitting methods helping us to continually push the boundaries of what’s possible in a fabric. 

WASHING / DYEING

Once fabrics have been knitted, they are washed in preparation for dyeing and to optimize stability. Our fabrics are dyed to the latest season’s colours and use only dye recipes approved to Oeko-Tex standards. 

CUTTING / SEWING

Aclima is proud of the exceptional quality and workmanship carried out in our own garment factory in Estonia. In this modern, high quality workplace, Aclima garment makers seek perfection in every item, checking every stitch to ensure the consistency and quality that  Aclima is known for.