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Icelandic wool insulation

Icelandic Wool Insulated Clothing You’re about to re-discover the performance power of wool. Not all winter coats are created equal. Synthetic insulation has dominated outdoor gear for decades, but Icewear has redefined what a winter coat, insulated waistcoat, or wool poncho can do. It started over 50 years ago . It was 2021 that Icewear launched the Icelandic wool-based insulation into an ever-increasing range of products, thus raising the bar for winter outdoor wear performance. Icewear is the first brand in the world to create wool-insulated coats and other winter outerwear using Icelandic wool as the primary filling, featuring all the natural benefits of Icelandic wool; offering superior thermoregulation, anti-bacterial qualities, breathability, water resistance and fire retardance. Icelandic wool has long been used in base and mid-layers, but it wasn’t tough enough for the role of a winter coat. Until now. The Icelandic wool insulation is created using excess natural wool from yarn production. Icewear created a way to use the excess wool as insulation. Wool insulation is a naturally superior performance fibre, it’s far more sustainable to create that other insulation options. It’s also completely reusable. Not only is Icelandic wool insulation a game-changer in the industry, but it’s also a powerful ecological statement for wearers. The production process Wool-based filling was made possible due to a groundbreaking new process in wool production. This innovation combined the natural benefits of Icelandic wool with the tough outer shells, water and windproof treatments associated with the best in outerwear. By combining Icelandic wool (80%) with bio-polyester (20%), Icewear turned to nature’s first performance fibre for the answer to superior winterwear. Everyday wear using wool insulation was further developed when Icewear refined the production process to offer multiple insulation thickness options. Icewear made its priority of sustainability clear when sourcing wool locally in Iceland for its insulation, Icewear believes so strongly in this material that whole new collections were built around it, like the Black Sheep Collection. Icelandic wool blend coats and outerwear Wool socks and sweaters have kept us warm for centuries, and now Icewear has created wool-filled outerwear to take warmth and performance to a whole new level. Icelandic wool sweaters earned their centuries-old reputation thanks to their performance, style and craftsmanship. You can think of the Icewear wool-filled jackets are a version 2.0 of those traditional Icelandic sweaters, offering you all the same natural benefits. FAQ Will wool insulation clump when washing? No, and due to its antibacterial qualities’ wool insulated clothing rarely requires washing anyway. When you do wash a wool-filled article, treat it like a wool garment: wash using a wool-safe soap, then lay it flat to dry. Get more wash and care instructions on the website. Is wool insulation warm enough for me? Icelandic wool insulation is often warmer than other types of insulation, and in other cases it’s equivalent to other insulation. To ensure you find the best suited product for you from the Icewear collection of wool insulated clothing, you can read more about the warmest materials and how well they retain heat. Icewear wool filled garments have various levels of insulation to offer different levels of warmth. The lightest-weight layers are made into wool sheets of three different thicknesses: · 60gr/m2 · 100gr/m2 · 200gr/m2 Then, there are also blown insulation items where the wool insulation material is blown directly into jackets that make for super cosy, puffier and even warmer filling. Because different products use different insulation thickness, they will meet every wearer’s requirements. In a similar way to feather down coats insulation is blown into the coat shell, resulting in a range of products of varying thicknesses available to choose. You can find the perfect product whatever your preference or requirements. Learn more about layering for changing weather on the website. Ordering a wool filled item gives you the warm fussy feeling of buying something that is sustainable and environmentally friendly. OEKO-TEX® standard quick explanation The OEKO-TEX® standard certifies that each element of a piece of clothing has been tested for harmful materials according to strict international regulations. The analysis is performed by an independent company. Read more about OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100. How are these items both sustainable and environmentally friendly? Icewear wool filled items use renewable and bio-degradable materials, making the collection a springboard of sustainable choices in a market saturated with synthetic insulation. Crucially wool-insulated products by Icewear are also produced without the use of harmful chemicals. Additionally, Icewear’s unique production process uses much more of the wool than yarn or fleece manufacturing, meaning far less wool goes to waste during production. A big tick to make Icelandic sheep farmers happy. Be proud to join Icewear in a movement of sustainable, innovative and traditional clothing.

Christmas sweaters and gifts 2026

When searching for Christmas gift ideas, the right starting point can make the difference between a fast, efficient shopping experience and a tedious search that never quite satisfies you. You can count on these festive gift ideas from Icewear, because thanks to the 13 Santas and a Christmas cat, Icelanders have tons of Christmas traditions to inspire you. Start with wool Christmas jumpers, then move onto other jovial winter clothes and accessories. With Icewear you’ll cover all your gift needs in a flash.

Festival

Icewear FESTIVAL á Þjóðhátíð í Eyjum Icewear has designed special FESTIVAL merchandise for Þjóðhátíð in the Westman Islands 2025, called Þjóðhátíð, as Icewear is one of the main sponsors of the festival. The festival products will be available in limited quantities and sold in selected stores both in the capital area and the countryside, as well as online. The products will also be sold during Þjóðhátíð at the Icewear store in the Westman Islands and in a pop-up Icewear shop in the valley.

Warm winter wear for Nordic climates

Because the Icewear team has winter experience, they know what keeps you warm. Here, you’ll find everything you need for very cold weather, from high-performance parkas to base layers and accessories. Snowsuits, snow trousers and other gear Iceland isn’t the biggest ski destination, but locals and tourists take to the slopes in areas near Reykjavik as well as Akureyri in the north. Beyond the resorts, Icelanders and tourists alike trek across glaciers and other icy terrains. These conditions demand apparel made to perform. Enter: Icewear warm winter clothing. Experience the level of quality you can feel, even when ice, rain, or the coldest wind sweeps across the tundra. Base layers for optimal warmth Merino wool base layers, including tops, long johns, and undergarments, they’re the secret ingredient to regulating body temperature in winter. Layering keeps you warm without overheating because the ultra-fine and soft Merino fibres wick moisture and lock in heat, even when wet. Base layers are how you make the difference between “I’m fine” and feeling truly comfortable. Learn more about layering on the Icewear blog. Wool ski jumpers: the Heart of winter warmth Winterwear comes full circle with Icewear traditional wool jumpers. For over a thousand years, Icelanders have trusted the unique dual-fibre warmth of Icelandic wool, and with these traditional Scandinavian design jumpers, you can carry a piece of Icelandic heritage with you on every adventure. Warm winter accessories Even the toughest winter coat can’t do the job alone. The right winter accessories offer total comfort, not to mention convenience and safety. Icewear wool hats stay warm even when wet, and waterproof ski gloves are insulated for maximum protection. Hiking gear includes crampons and headlights to cover needs for every imaginable landscape. Winter accessories are the small but crucial details that make the difference you need. Parkas and insulated winter coats A well-made parka balances insulation, wind resistance and breathability. Icewear has engineered a full range of high-quality parkas with different insulation weights and fill options, including Icewear’s own innovative Icelandic wool insulation. Discover the parka that meets your winter head-on. Does it snow in Iceland? Iceland’s winters include snow-covered landscapes, cosy cabins, and breathtaking views of the Northern Lights. But the winter climate is moderated by ocean currents that keep it milder than you might think. Travelling to Iceland in the winter does mean you’ll face the cold, but with the right winterwear you can take it all in your stride.

woman hiking in the mountain in the winter time, lot of snow

Black Sheep collection

Icewear's OEKO-TEX® Certified Outdoor Line Icewear presents Black Sheep Collection with a new environmentally friendly OEKO-TEX® 100 quality certified outdoor line. The product line is unique globally with its unique wool blend where the line's clothing is filled with 60gr of Icelandic wool. The garments are therefore light and warm, thanks to the unique qualities of the Icelandic wool. The design is timeless and environmentally friendly, but only high quality materials are used in the line where every detail is well thought out. Designed for Movement The OEKO-TEX® 100 STANDARD certified outdoor collection is especially designed for outdoor activities in different weather conditions. The unique qualities of Icelandic wool provide maximum insulation, excellent durability, breathability and exceptional warmth regulation qualities. The exterior of the line is made from recycled materials which ensures agility while being water resistant. The Black Sheep Collection is therefore a revolution for outdoor enthusiasts who want more eco-friendly options and good functionality in different conditions. Environmentally Friendly Icewear’s Black Sheep Collection takes sustainability further with timeless design and durable, high-quality materials. The outdoor line is OEKO®-TEX certified, meaning every component—from fabrics to threads—has been tested for up to 350 harmful substances. The outer shell and lining are made from 100% recycled nylon. Since its founding in 1972, wool has been central to Icewear’s design and production. The Black Sheep Collection uses an 80% Icelandic wool / 20% recycled PET-bio polyester insulation, a modern solution that repurposes leftover wool once unsuitable for knitting. OEKO-TEX-100 The collection’s OEKO-TEX 100® certification guarantees that every material—fabrics, threads, elastics, zippers, snaps—has been independently tested and confirmed safe from harmful chemicals. Each garment includes a QR code linking directly to its certification for full transparency. Read more about OEKO-TEX quality certification Icelandic Wool-Fill The Icelandic wool insulation in the Black Sheep Collection is OEKO-TEX® 100 certified and globally unique. Icelandic wool has protected locals for centuries, thanks to its dual-layer structure: a coarse inner layer that traps warmth, and longer outer hairs that naturally repel water—keeping wearers warm and dry in changing conditions. Icewear from Iceland since 1972 Founded in the early 1970s as a small wool-knitting factory, Icewear built expertise in Scandinavian yarn traditions and tested its designs in Iceland’s demanding climate. Today, that heritage continues to shape outdoor clothing crafted for durability, comfort, and cold-weather performance.

Golf Apparel

Icewear offers excellent outdoor products that are particularly well-suited for golf. The products are designed for those who want to combine mobility, comfort, and protection against Icelandic weather. The garments are made from lightweight and durable materials that provide great stretch, breathability, and water-repellent protection. Whether you’re on the tee in the morning chill or finishing the course in the rain, Icewear keeps you dry and warm for all 18 holes.

From Pálína’s sheep to your jumper

Icelandic wool comes from sheep raised in isolation that are shaped by centuries of harsh Icelandic weather. Additionally, because Icelandic sheep do not naturally shed their wool, it’s essential for their welfare that they are sheared regularly as part of their care regime. The wool collected during shearing is transformed into garments that are rooted in a tradition dating back to the Viking settlement during the 9th-century. Every year, on a remote farm in Skeiða-og Gnúpverjahreppur, Instagram’s most popular sheep farmer, Pálína Njarðvík, and her family undertake the timeless ritual of shearing. The wool gathered from this tradition is used to create two exclusive, limited-edition Icewear jumpers, Elís and Fagradalsfjall. Each garment means you wear wool sourced from some of the country’s most beloved and Instagram-famous sheep that has endured Iceland’s harsh, sub-zero winters. Icelandic wool at its peak Icelandic wool is a premium natural fibre from Icelandic sheep, known for its unique dual structure. The soft inner layer, called Þel, provides exceptional warmth and insulation, while the long outer layer, called Tog, is naturally water-resistant and durable. This dual structure makes Icelandic wool lightweight, cosy, and perfectly suited to Iceland’s wet and cold climate. You can read more about what makes Icelandic wool special on the Icewear blog. On Pálína’s farm shearing takes place in late November every year, when the sheep are brought indoors for winter. This timing ensures the wool is at its peak quality due to the wool’s harvest at the time when the Þel is at its densest for winter protection, but before the fibres have had a chance to become matted or damaged from a full winter of wear. The limited-edition Icewear jumpers feature wool sheared during the November season, resulting in a "cleaner" separation of fibres during processing, which is why the jumpers have a softer feel. Why shearing matters for Icelandic sheep Shearing, the seasonal "haircut" is an act of care for Icelandic sheep, because wool that grows without intervention eventually becomes a heavy, stifling burden. However, by skilfully removing the wool before new growth begins, farmers prevent "double fleecing," a condition that can compromise an animal's health. This careful work ensures that every sheep remains light, agile, and comfortable throughout the year. Shearing at Pálína's farm is a masterclass in calm, well-organised precision. The sheep are guided individually to the shearing floor, where an experienced team works gently with practiced efficiency. The sheep even wait patiently in line to be sheared because it’s a familiar part of their yearly rhythm. The manual sorting process for natural color purity Immediately after shearing, the wool is sorted by hand into different shades, thus preserving its natural character. The process begins with white wool and concludes with darker tones to prevent colour mixing. This meticulous separation allows the Elís and Fagradalsfjall jumpers to showcase the authentic, vibrant earth tones of the Icelandic sheep wool and ensures the best wool continues its journey toward becoming yarn and eventually, it could become your jumper.

Icewear Gift Card

The Icewear Gift Card is a convenient and simple way to give a gift suitable for any occasion. Icewear offers both a traditional gift card and an electronic gift card, both valid in stores and online. Icewear’s corporate service provides tailored solutions for businesses of all sizes. For inquiries, please contact sala@icewear.is.

Greenland Inspired Knitting

When you look at a map, something immediately stands out: Iceland is surprisingly green, while Greenland is largely blanketed by ice, yet their names suggest the opposite. Despite being only about 300 kilometres apart, the two islands share the challenges of life in the freezing North. Design Shaped by the North Although Iceland and Greenland both face the harsh conditions of the Nordic North, their climates are very different. Greenland is farther north and mostly covered in ice. Greenland’s much colder than Iceland too. Even so, both places need clothing that can handle cold, wind, and isolation. They’re shared challenges that led to strong textile traditions and practical, iconic Nordic garments such as the Lopapeysa. Greenlandic Influence on the Lopapeysa Though it feels like a timeless artifact, the Lopapeysa is a product of 20th-century innovation. Its iconic circular yoke, rather than being an ancient Icelandic invention, emerged through mid-century cultural exchange, inspired by the Greenlandic women’s national costume, particularly the nuilarmiut, a vivid beaded collar draped over the shoulders. This visual form was first translated into a knitting pattern by Norwegian designer Annichen Sibbern Bøhn in her 1932 book Strikkeopskrifter, where her “Eskimo” pattern captured the geometric beauty of the Greenlandic collar and introduced the circular yoke to a wider Scandinavian audience. Iceland’s Adaptation and Innovation By the 1950s, the Greenland-style pattern had reached Iceland and appeared in the December 1956 issue of Melkorka magazine as a Grænlenzk peysa or Greenlandic sweater. Icelanders soon adapted the design using lopi, an unspun wool roving that preserves the dual-fibre qualities of Icelandic sheep wool. Thus, creating a garment that was lightweight, exceptionally warm, and weather resistant. Interestingly, while Icelanders first called them "Greenlandic sweaters," neighbours in Sweden and Denmark soon called them "Icelandic sweaters," showing how quickly the design became a symbol of Icelandic identity. For the full story behind the story of the Lopapeysa, check out the Icewear blog. Greenland-Inspired Collaboration Greenland-inspired knitwear continues today through contemporary designs, including Icewear Garn’s collaboration with designer Lisa Sólrun, whose patterns reflect her Greenlandic, Danish, and Faroese heritage. Drawing on the Greenlandic national costume, she reinterprets its traditional patterns and colours, where shades carry deep meaning by region, age, and occasion. From pink in youth to red in maturity and finally to darker tones of red and blue. About the Designer Lisa Sólrun is one of the few knitting designers in Greenland creating patterns. Alongside her creative work, she is a trained occupational therapist and works as an advisor at the Ministry of Health in Greenland. The desginer, Lisa Sólrun, has an Icelandic partner and five grown up children, she learned to knit at just five years old from her grandmother and mother and has been knitting ever since. Encouraged by family and friends, she began designing her own patterns in 2021, naming each one after her children and grandchildren and giving every design a deeply personal meaning. Lisa Sólrun patterns can be found in the knitting patterns section of the Icewear website, though not all patterns are available in English.

Icewear X Iceland Fashion Week

Iceland Fashion Week took place on September 5–6, 2025, at Askja, the Mercedes-Benz dealership in Reykjavík. The festival was conceived as a creative platform where international designers, artists, models, and other creative forces came together to showcase innovation in fashion and art. Among the Icelandic brands represented, Icewear stood out with its unique approach to combining tradition and modernity. The company presented its revolutionary Icelandic wool insulation clothing, designed to merge sustainability, functionality, and style. Alongside this innovation, Icewear also showcased a range of outdoor clothing that highlighted the brand’s commitment to creating apparel suitable for both Iceland’s rugged landscapes and urban lifestyles. The event marked an important step in establishing Iceland Fashion Week as a recurring international meeting point for creativity, fashion technology, and cultural exchange. Photographs taken by the photographer Narun Nevader.