Yarn Traits

Natural fibres // Knitted and weaved // Longevity // Soft and light // Cool but warm // All year essentials // Timeless techniques 

Properties

Mo Reen knitwear is defined by the use of natural fibres, primarily wool because of its versatility, durability, sustainability and feel. The advantages of natural fibres are almost countless. Here’s a few:  

// Delicate and soft
// Breathable
// Thermal insulating
// Odour and water resistant
// Anti-static
// Strong and durable
// Movable and flexible
// Lightweight
// Easy to care for
// Biodegradable and recyclable 

While natural fibres are a better alternative to synthetics, there are times when a little artificial fibre can go a long way. They can improve fabric quality and longevity of garments. Blended with natural fibres, they can help the garment retain its shape, stabilise colour, reduce pilling and limit friction and wrinkling.

// Sheep Wool

The traditional quality of sheep wool is undeniable. Lanolin, a greasy yellow substance produced by sheep to care for their wool, is recommended in wool wash laundry detergents for the extended care of the fibers. Merino wool comes from a unique sheep by the same name, and it is synonymous with the highest quality fabrics. Merino wool is softer than regular sheep wool and much more durable than for example, cashmere.

// Mohair Wool

Mo Reen’s mohair wool is sourced from the angora goat, the majority of which originates from South Africa. Mohair fibres are highly sought and highly priced. The long, smooth fibres resemble both cashmere and angora wool. Its a very luxurious, silky, high-lustre and sheen material. Mohair has all the wonderful advantages of sheep wool, but is lighter and stronger. Added benefits are that it doesn’t wrinkle and is perfect for those with sensitive skin or allergies. 

// Alpaca Wool

Delicate light and airy fibres from the alpaca, a close relative of both the llama and camel. Alpacas live in the Andes Mountains, 80% in Peru. Referred to by the Incas as the wool of gods and considered more precious than gold, it was solely used in the King’s garments. Alpaca wool is incredibly soft and silky and possesses exquisite thermo-regulating and insulating properties. No more worries about perspiration!

// Cotton

This naturally cultivated fibre originating from the Gossypium plant has high moisture transfer qualities that help remove body odour from fabrics. Cotton’s breathability also provides excellent heat transference. As well as retaining its shape after washing, cotton is hyper-allergenic and rarely causes adverse reactions. Cotton yarn is also extremely color stable with a great natural tensile strength, making it strong and durable. In fact, cotton is 30% stronger when wet, so able to withstand many washes in warm water.

// Lyocell Tencel

A fairly new artificially manufactured fibre. Lyocell, a so -called regenerated cellulose fibre, is based on natural fibres found in eucalyptus trees (tencel). Manufacturers use wood pulp, dissolve it in a chemical solvent, then push it through an extruder to form the cellulose fibres, which are extracted during manufacturing to reduce environmental impact compared to other regenerated cellulose fibres. Lyocell is therefore the sustainable cellulose fibre choice.

Lyocell provides an excellent drape, does not wrinkle easily, and holds dyewell to ensure vibrant colours. It is also breathable, manages moisture to help temperature regulation, and has a more silky sheen. Its tensile and breaking strength is better than similar fibres such as viscose and modal, and is strong both when dry or wet.