NAGNATA launches Merino wool activewear for conscious-minded women, in partnership with The Woolmark Company

By blending The Woolmark Company’s specialised knowledge of Merino wool and its supply chain with NAGNATA’s design identity, the focus of this collaboration was to create a unique fabrication that’s sustainably made.

“As designers, we are driven by design and textile innovation. Our aim was to develop an innovative performance wool seamless knit fabrication that wasn’t already on the market and which could provide a super soft second-skin hand feel using the highest possible content of natural fibres,” explains NAGNATA’s founder and creative director, Laura May.

Circular knitting technology and an exclusive blended yarn has allowed the SS19 NAGNATA collection to concentrate on seamless garments, wherein no excess material is wasted in the construction phase and irritation next to the skin from seams is eradicated. This, combined with the high content of natural fibres blending Australian Merino wool with Tencel, allows for fitted, high-stretch workout clothes with minimal use of synthetic fibres and maximum breathability and softness.

“We wanted to work with Merino wool initially for sustainability reasons, as wool is a natural, biodegradable and renewable fibre. Merino wool is also one of the world’s most technically advanced fibres and works in total harmony with the wearer’s body,” explains May. “We believe style and quality does not need to be sacrificed in the pursuit of sustainably produced fashion.” 

Designed for yoga, pilates, cycling, dance, cardio exercise and studio-to-street style, the Merino wool range is a performance-focused offering by NAGNATA. The Merino wool fibres are finer than traditional wool fibres, so they feel luxuriously soft next to the skin. They work in total harmony with the wearer’s body due to their excellent natural elasticity, odour resistant and moisture management properties and natural breathability.

“Our skin is our biggest organ and absorbs the toxins and chemicals from the textiles we wear on our bodies. Synthetic fabrics are mainly derived from petroleum and these petrochemicals are not something you want your skin absorbing, especially in yoga and breath-focused practices when your pores are so open.”

Staying true to NAGNATA’s directional design aesthetic, the SS19 collection explores relationships between the crafted and the technical. The designers drew inspiration from traditional men’s wool suiting fabrications creating a houndstooth knit jacquard pattern, combined with the brand’s signature colour-blocking and retro-sports details.