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
Q&A with Hoji: Gear, Training, Mental Prep, the Blister Summit, & More [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:49:52
Eric Hjorleifson is back on GEAR:30 to answer questions from our Blister Members about gear; his tinkering process; coming to the Blister Summit; how he trains for an upcoming season; mental preparation, and … we get som…
Shop Talk: Hickory & Tweed [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:10:08
We talk with Skip and Mac Beitzel, the owners — and father / son duo — from Hickory & Tweed, located in Armonk, New York. We go over the history of the shop; Skip’s background of ski ballet and hot dogging; seasonal leas…
Our 22/23 BLISTER Winter Buyer's Guide Recap [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:47
A bunch of our reviewers discuss why our 22/23 Winter Buyer’s Guide is still unique and still the best resource for your winter gear; what’s new & different this year; some of our personal favorite gear of the season; so…
Folsom Custom Skis: 22/23 Updates [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:11:34
Folsom builds custom skis in Denver, Colorado, and they have a LOT going on these days. So we discussed it all with their head ski builder / owner / CEO, Mike McCabe, including their 22/23 lineup; new shapes; new constru…
Blister Labs: Product Manufacturers vs. Researchers & Reviewers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:55
Can engineering actually help us discover real-world characteristics about products that will be meaningful to end users? Or, when we incorporate quantitative data, do we mostly run the risk of having that data leading p…
A Very Deep Dive on Bootfitting, Pt 1: The Basics [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:25:03
Few things in the world of ski gear are as complex, important, or misunderstood as bootfitting. So in this 1st episode of our new series on bootfitting, we dive into the basics with Sam Tischendorf, Masterfit University…
Blister Labs: MTB Wheelset Testing & Establishing Proof of Concept [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:58
Greg Vanderbeek is back with a Blister Labs update on our mountain-bike-wheels testing. We discuss why the dynamic modeling we’ve been doing in the field is a critical component for ongoing testing back at Western Colora…