Wrangler® has introduced Hay Away™, a new bonded sherpa fabric technology designed to prevent natural debris such as hay, straw, mulch and grass from clinging to high-pile fleece garments. The development combines the warmth and comfort of traditional sherpa fleece with a debris-repellent function aimed at workwear and outdoor apparel applications.

The patent-pending technology was named a Category Winner in the Fashion and Beauty category of Fast Company's 2026 Innovation by Design Awards, which recognize products, environments and services combining functional design with practical problem-solving.

Fabric construction replaces conventional surface treatments

Traditional high-pile fleece fabrics can attract and retain natural debris, particularly when worn during agricultural work, outdoor activities or around livestock. According to Wrangler, Hay Away™ addresses this problem through a functional fabric construction rather than a surface coating, wash treatment or temporary finish.

The technology is integrated directly into the bonded sherpa material, helping prevent debris from adhering to the synthetic fibres while maintaining the insulating properties and soft texture associated with fleece.

The development is intended to make garments easier to maintain during everyday outdoor use and to reduce the accumulation of debris that can affect their appearance over time.

Dhruv Agarwal, Vice President, Sustainability, Innovation & Development at Kontoor Brands, explained:

"Historically, wearing plush fleece around livestock or outdoors meant dealing with constant debris," said Dhruv Agarwal, Vice President, Sustainability, Innovation & Development at Kontoor Brands. "We developed Hay Away™ specifically to eliminate that friction. By preventing debris from clinging to synthetic fibers, we have delivered high-performance warmth without the cleanup. This recognition from Fast Company underscores our commitment to practical, real-world material innovation."

Applications across workwear and outdoor apparel

Wrangler is introducing Hay Away™ across a collection of jackets and pullovers for men, women and children, extending the technology beyond traditional agricultural workwear into outdoor and casual apparel.

The men's collection includes sherpa jackets with reinforced ripstop yokes, zippered pockets and full-zip closures, as well as quarter-zip and quarter-snap pullovers. Women's styles feature sherpa jackets with snap closures, while the children's collection includes full-zip jackets and pullovers.

The collection demonstrates how functional fabric developments can be incorporated into conventional apparel designs without changing their basic appearance or intended use.

With Hay Away™, Wrangler is also expanding its product portfolio beyond traditional denim, targeting consumers who require practical performance features for outdoor work, leisure and everyday activities.

The Hay Away™ collection is available through Wrangler's online store and selected retailers in the United States.

Further information: www.wrangler.com