Icebreaker

Move to natural

Icebreaker is a high-performance, all-mountain apparel company out of New Zealand who has ambitiously revamped its entire line of products to become 100% plastic free. While making natural progress, Icebreaker continues to innovate with merino fibers and plastic-free bio-based synthetics.

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Based in: Southern Alps, New Zealand
Founded: 1995
Organic options: Available

About Icebreaker

Born in New Zealand in 1995, icebreaker pioneers natural performance apparel. We value transparency, responsibility, and nature-inspired innovation. Our premium quality merino wool is at the core of everything we do. Sustainability is ingrained in our DNA. Join the movement and move to natural.

Worth knowing: a small share of this brand's products contain trace amounts of plastic. Why we flag this

Materials & certifications

Materials

Cotton

A soft, breathable, absorbent, and versatile natural fiber grown from the fluffy bolls of cotton plants.

Good to know: Conventional cotton is one of the world's dirtiest crops as cultivation heavily relies on pesticides, herbicides (glyphosate), and fertilizers, raising concerns about environmental pollution, soil health, and potential health risks for farmers and consumers. This is why some brands and consumers push for "100% organic cotton." Organic cotton skips the harsh chemicals, making it a more eco-friendly and healthier choice.

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Linen

A strong and naturally crisp fabric woven from the fibers of flax plants, renowned for its breathability, antibacterial properties, versatility, and beautiful drape.

Uses: Popularly used in clothing (shirts, dresses, pants, suits), bedding (sheets, duvet covers), home textiles (curtains), and upholstery.

Good to know: Linen’s natural fibers allow air to circulate freely, reducing the growth of bacteria and fungi. This hypoallergenic property makes linen suitable for those with allergies or sensitive skin.

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Lyocell

A regenerated cellulose fiber derived from wood pulp, often eucalyptus, beech trees, or bamboo. This material possesses a soft, comfortable feel similar to cotton yet exhibits superior strength and durability, even when wet.

Uses: Commonly used in clothing (shirts, pants, dresses, underwear), bedding (sheets, towels, blankets) home textiles (curtains, tablecloths, etc.), and various industrial applications.

Good to know: Unlike conventional viscose or rayon, the production of lyocell uses a closed-loop system that recycles most of the solvents, minimizing environmental impact and chemical exposure. Furthermore, in comparison to other cellulose-based fabrics, lyocell uses significantly fewer and less harmful chemicals during processing. For example, in most cases, the wood pulp is dissolved in a non-toxic organic solvent, N-methylmorpholine N-oxide (NMMO), to create a solution. This solution is then extruded through fine openings to form filaments, which are solidified into fibers.

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Wool

Wool is a natural protein fiber obtained from the fleece of sheep and other animals, including alpacas, goats (such as cashmere and mohair goats), and rabbits (like angora). It's known for its durability, insulation properties, and ability to absorb moisture without feeling wet.

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