icebreaker Introduces Low-waste, Natural Cut Collection

In collaboration with nanotechnologist Dr. Michelle Dickinson (pictured), designers at New Zealand-born natural performance apparel company, icebreaker, introduced the Natural Cut collection, a stylish, comfortable collection with a lower impact on the planet.

Waste in the apparel industry is of increasing concern. While overproduction is a major contributing factor, fabric waste during the garment manufacturing process is also commonplace.

Dickinson specializes in nanotechnology, an in-depth study of the ‘small things’ that go into technologies like garment production. These ‘small things’ add up; every piece, every process and every decision build up the overall impact of a garment or collection. Together with Dickinson, icebreaker designers looked to nature to find ways to eradicate waste from the production process. From this research, the Natural Cut collection was born.

“Many of us are consciously trying to live in a more sustainable way, and one of the easiest ways to do that is by reducing the waste we produce,” said Dickinson. “One of the things that I’ve learned recently is how much waste is produced by the clothing industry, purely from the way that clothing shapes are cut from large rolls of fabric.”

The collection has been designed using innovative, low-waste pattern cutting techniques to reduce fabric waste. Plus, in another milestone for icebreaker, all the styles are designed to be one-size-fits-all. The collection consists of a dress, a vest, and a top. Each style is available in two colors, praline and midnight navy.

“To me, it really felt like going back in time. Playing with fabric as a kid, you don’t really think about creating cuts and curves to follow the body, you just use the fabric as is, and it works,” said Lavinia Agostino, technical designer at icebreaker.

“Fabric wastage is one of the more tangible and controllable elements of this complex and extensive topic of ‘wastage’ that as a designer, is exciting to try to solve,” added Rosalind Borwick, global design manager at icebreaker.

The Natural Cut collection consists of:

  • Natural Cut Dress (MSRP $150) – The light woven pure merino dress is a versatile piece for dressing up and dressing down. It features open rectangular side panels, front patch pockets and a waist tie belt.
  • Natural Cut Vest (MSRP $120) – The elegant and versatile vest can be worn in multiple ways thanks to the tie belt that allows users to customize the look. The vest features a shawl collar, an open side seam tacked to create armholes and double-layer back panels.
  • Natural Cut Top (MSRP $90) – A light, airy and ultra-comfortable merino wool top that explores new ways to have less impact on the planet while living in style and comfort.

The capsule is available on icebreaker.com and at select retail stores. For more information visit www.icebreaker.com