What is Possum Merino?
Posted on January 18 2018
What is Possum Merino?
The beginners guide to possum merino wool
Possum merino is a blend of the finest merino wool and soft New Zealand possum fur.
The incredible warmth of possum fur and merino wool combined is a match made in heave. Possum fur is so warm that is doesn't free - the only fur other than the polar bear that can boast such an attribute. This is due to the furs hollow structure that, like merino wool, traps warmth to keep you toasty warm. It is one of the most insulating fibres in the world. Possum merino is also incredibly versatile, keeping you warm in winter and even continuing to create heat when wet, yet its breathability means that it functions well in warmer weather too.
Extremely Durable
Possum fibres are stretchy, giving them a resistance to breaking and, combined with merino, the fabric will remain pill-free and anti-static. New Zealand possum fur in particular has a long life expectancy as it doesn’t shed, ensuring it keeps that plush, new-looking texture and feel.
As Soft as Silk and Light as Air
The hollow nature of possum fur and super-fine merino wool makes possum merino 14% lighter than wool, a figure which gives it the distinction of being one of the most lightweight natural fibre fabrics in the world. It is also incredibly soft, hugging the skin without itching or irritating it in any way.
As Soft as Silk and Light as Air
The hollow nature of possum fur and super-fine merino wool makes possum merino 14% lighter than wool, a figure which gives it the distinction of being one of the most lightweight natural fibre fabrics in the world. It is also incredibly soft, hugging the skin without itching or irritating it in any way.
Eco Friendly and Sustainable
A resourceful solution to an environmental challenge
For those who may worry that wearing fur supports a cruel industry, it is important to note that possums are an introduced species which threaten New Zealand’s unique flora and fauna. Unlike in their native Australia, possums have no natural predators in New Zealand and have therefore been able to breed unchecked, leading to astronomical numbers of the creatures. Their fondness for unique native trees, the eggs and chicks of endangered birds, and insects which form a vital part of the diet of many of the country’s endangered birds, is having disastrous consequences.
21,000 tons of vegetation are demolished by possums each night and native bird life is being driven to the point of extinction. As a result, the New Zealand government has declared possums a serious threat to the country’s biodiversity and an official pest, and has begun measures to eradicate them. Possum fur is most often a by-product of the government’s cull on the animals.
By purchasing a Possum merino garment you are helping to support New Zealand's native landscape, and are using a product that would have otherwise gone to waste.
By purchasing a Possum merino garment you are helping to support New Zealand's native landscape, and are using a product that would have otherwise gone to waste.
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