What You’re Wearing, Part 2: Wool

What You’re Wearing, Part 2: Wool

Author: BLISTER August 23, 2019 Duration: 52:17

Why are more and more companies making products out of wool? 

In part two of our “What You’re Wearing” miniseries, we’re taking a closer look at the fabric that was once most associated with itchy old sweaters and fancy suits, but that’s now being used in some of the most comfortable and highest-performing apparel on the market. But how exactly does wool naturally suppress odor? How does the species of sheep affect the finished product? And is wool actually more environmentally friendly than other fibers?

To answer these questions and more, we’re talking with Josh Vaughan, head of Wholesale Sales at Icebreaker. We walk through every step of making wool garments (from sheep to shirt); discuss some exciting new uses for wool in apparel, and Josh provides some incredibly in-depth answers about the secrets behind wool’s unique natural properties.

Topics & Times

  • How climate affects wool quality (2:55)
  • The process: from herding sheep to the final fabric (9:03)
  • How & Why is wool blended with other fibers? (18:40)
  • Environmental benefits & drawbacks of wool (24:02)
  • Wool from other animals? (32:04)
  • Can wool be recycled? (36:13)
  • Why is wool odor resistant? (38:12)
  • Thermoregulation vs. Insulation (40:15)
  • Why is wool more commonly knit than woven? (43:53)
  • Icebreaker’s transparency report (45:03)
  • Two biggest misconceptions about wool (49:00)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


For anyone who has ever stood in a shop debating the merits of a new jacket or stared at a trail map while thinking about their skis, GEAR:30 is that conversation. This BLISTER podcast goes far beyond basic specs and marketing claims, offering a nuanced, often technical look at the equipment that defines our time outside. The discussion is driven by the people who live with these products: our own reviewers who are putting gear through its paces in real conditions, the designers who obsess over materials and intent, and the athletes whose livelihoods depend on performance. We also check in with the seasoned folks from our network of recommended shops, who see what works and what doesn’t after a season of hard use. Episodes dig into specific items, broader trends in innovation, and the sometimes-surprising realities of long-term testing. It’s a deep, authentic resource for anyone who appreciates the intersection of sports, design, and technology, and who believes the right tool can transform an experience. Tune in for honest, detailed talk that treats outdoor gear with the seriousness and curiosity it deserves.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 391

GEAR:30
Podcast Episodes
Jeremy Jones on the Evolution of Snowboard Design [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:19:31
Today we’ve got a masterclass on the history and evolution of snowboard design with Jeremy Jones, as well as Jeremy’s own philosophy behind product creation and refinement at Jones Snowboards. Jeremy and I discuss “progr…
Reviewer Reports + Crashes & Close Calls [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:14:36
Jonathan Ellsworth, Luke Koppa, Kara Williard, and Dylan Wood discuss some of the notable gear they’ve been reviewing this season. They also discuss Christmas quesadillas; whether it’s okay to put sweaty ski socks on boo…
Blister Labs: Travis Hainsworth on Soft Robotics, MoCap, & Wheelsets [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:12
Travis Hainsworth is a whole lot of fun. And when he’s not out on his highly questionable one-ski quiver, he’s busy being the associate director of the Western-CU Boulder Computer Science Program here in Gunnison, CO, an…
Heritage Lab Skis, with Marshal Olson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:55
Too often, passionate skiers have to mourn the discontinuation of our all-time favorite ski designs. So Marshal Olson started Heritage Lab Skis to fix that. In this conversation, we talk with Marshal about all things Her…
Matt Manser on Atomic's 22/23 Ski Boot Lineup & More [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:17:38
Matt Manser, Atomic’s ski boots product manager, is back to discuss the current lineup of Atomic ski boots and what’s new for this season; running through airports in ski boots; Tom Cruise; the Atomic Redster CS vs. the…
Blizzard-Tecnica's Women2Women Program with Leslie Baker-Brown [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:10
Kristin Sinnott and Kara Williard talk with Blizzard-Tecnica’s Women2Women program founder and ski legend, Leslie Baker-Brown, about her background in ski racing, and her remarkable 32 years of work for Blizzard-Tecnica.…