icebreaker: New Zealand outdoor clothing brand

Description

Icebreaker is a New Zealand-based outdoor clothing brand founded in 1995, providing outdoor clothing for men, women and children. Icebreaker has stores in nearly 40 countries around the world.

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Brand Features

1. Natural and Sustainable Materials: Icebreaker is renowned for its commitment to using natural, sustainable materials, particularly merino wool, in its clothing and outdoor gear. The brand prides itself on its ethical sourcing practices, working closely with farmers to ensure that the merino wool used in its products is of the highest quality and is obtained through humane and sustainable practices. Unlike many other outdoor apparel brands that rely heavily on synthetic materials, Icebreaker focuses on the performance benefits of natural fibers.
2. High Performance and Versatility: Icebreaker products are designed to offer high performance and versatility in a wide range of conditions. Merino wool, the brand’s primary material, is known for its breathability, moisture-wicking properties, temperature regulation, and natural odor resistance. These characteristics make Icebreaker clothing suitable for a variety of activities, from intense outdoor adventures to everyday wear, in both hot and cold climates.
3. Transparency and Traceability: Icebreaker sets itself apart by its transparency and traceability practices. The brand emphasizes the importance of knowing where its materials come from and how its products are made. Icebreaker offers a “Baacode” feature, which allows customers to trace the origins of the merino wool in their garments back to the specific farms where it was sourced. This commitment to transparency helps build trust with customers who value ethical and responsible production.
4. Minimalist Design and Durability: Icebreaker’s design philosophy revolves around simplicity, functionality, and durability. The brand focuses on creating timeless, minimalist designs that prioritize functionality and performance over trends. Icebreaker clothing is built to last, with a strong emphasis on durability, making it a favorite among customers who seek long-lasting, high-quality outdoor apparel.
5. Eco-Conscious Brand Ethos: Icebreaker’s eco-conscious brand ethos resonates with environmentally-minded consumers. The brand actively works to reduce its environmental footprint by minimizing waste, using renewable resources, and promoting the use of natural materials. Icebreaker also advocates for slow fashion, encouraging customers to invest in fewer, higher-quality items that have a lower environmental impact.

Product Categories

1. Men’s Apparel:
   • Base Layers: Merino wool tops and bottoms designed to be worn next to the skin for warmth and moisture management. Examples: Men’s Merino 200 Oasis Long Sleeve Crewe, Men’s Merino 260 Tech Leggings.
   • Mid Layers: Insulating layers that provide additional warmth while maintaining breathability. Examples: Men’s Merino Quantum III Long Sleeve Zip Hood, Men’s Merino Helix Vest.
   • Outer Layers: Weather-resistant jackets and vests designed for protection against the elements. Examples: Men’s MerinoZoneKnit Long Sleeve Zip Hood, Men’s Merino Merinoloft Jacket.
   • T-Shirts & Tops: Versatile tops suitable for a range of activities and conditions. Examples: Men’s Merino Tech Lite II Short Sleeve Tee, Men’s Merino 150 Zone Long Sleeve Crewe.
   • Pants & Shorts: Merino wool pants and shorts designed for comfort and performance. Examples: Men’s Merino Shifter Pants, Men’s Merino 200 Oasis Leggings.
   • Underwear: Comfortable and breathable merino wool underwear. Examples: Men’s Merino Anatomica Boxers, Men’s Merino Everyday Boxers with Fly.
2. Women’s Apparel:
   • Base Layers: Lightweight and breathable merino wool tops and bottoms. Examples: Women’s Merino 200 Oasis Long Sleeve Crewe, Women’s Merino 260 Tech Leggings.
   • Mid Layers: Insulating layers for added warmth. Examples: Women’s Merino Quantum III Long Sleeve Zip Hood, Women’s Merino Helix Vest.
   • Outer Layers: Jackets and vests for protection against wind and rain. Examples: Women’s Merino Merinoloft Jacket, Women’s Merino Ellipse Long Sleeve Half Zip Hood.
   • T-Shirts & Tops: Everyday and activewear tops. Examples: Women’s Merino Tech Lite II Short Sleeve Tee, Women’s Merino 150 Zone Long Sleeve Crewe.
   • Pants & Shorts: Performance-oriented pants and shorts. Examples: Women’s Merino Crush Pants, Women’s Merino 200 Oasis Leggings.
   • Underwear: Soft and breathable merino wool underwear. Examples: Women’s Merino Siren Bikini Underwear, Women’s Merino Sprite Hot Pants.
3. Kids’ Apparel:
   • Base Layers: Merino wool tops and bottoms for kids, offering warmth and comfort. Examples: Kids’ Merino 200 Oasis Long Sleeve Crewe, Kids’ Merino 200 Oasis Leggings.
   • T-Shirts & Tops: Comfortable tops for everyday wear. Examples: Kids’ Merino Tech Lite II Short Sleeve Tee, Kids’ Merino 200 Oasis Crewe.
   • Pants & Shorts: Versatile pants and shorts for active kids. Examples: Kids’ Merino 200 Oasis Leggings, Kids’ Merino Shifter Pants.
   • Outer Layers: Jackets and vests for outdoor protection. Examples: Kids’ Merino Quantum Long Sleeve Zip Hood, Kids’ Merino Helix Vest.
4. Accessories:
   • Hats & Beanies: Warm and stylish merino wool headwear. Examples: Adult Merino Pocket Hat, Adult Merino Apex Chute.
   • Socks: Merino wool socks designed for different activities. Examples: Men’s Merino Hike+ Light Crew Socks, Women’s Merino Multisport Light Micro Socks.
   • Gloves: Warm and functional merino wool gloves. Examples: Adult Merino Quantum Gloves, Adult Merino Sierra Gloves.
   • Scarves & Neckwear: Merino wool scarves and neckwear for added warmth. Examples: Adult Merino Affinity Headband, Adult Merino Apex Chute.

History

1. 1994-1999: The Founding and Early Years
   • Icebreaker was founded in 1994 by Jeremy Moon in New Zealand. The brand was born out of a desire to create high-performance outdoor clothing using natural fibers, specifically merino wool, as an alternative to synthetic fabrics. Jeremy discovered the benefits of merino wool through a local sheep farmer and decided to develop a line of outdoor clothing that would leverage the natural properties of this fiber. During the early years, Icebreaker focused on building a reputation for quality and innovation in the outdoor apparel industry.
2. 2000-2004: Expansion and Growth
   • In the early 2000s, Icebreaker began to expand its product range and reach a broader audience. The brand introduced new clothing lines, including base layers, mid layers, and outerwear, all made from merino wool. This period marked the beginning of Icebreaker’s expansion into international markets, particularly in North America and Europe. Icebreaker’s commitment to natural materials and sustainability resonated with environmentally conscious consumers, helping the brand to grow rapidly.
3. 2005-2010: Innovation and Global Recognition
   • Icebreaker continued to innovate during this period, introducing new products and refining its manufacturing processes. The brand launched its highly successful “Baacode” initiative, allowing customers to trace the origins of the merino wool used in their garments back to specific farms in New Zealand. This transparency and focus on traceability set Icebreaker apart from other outdoor brands. By 2010, Icebreaker had established itself as a leading global brand in the outdoor and adventure wear industry.
4. 2011-2016: Diversification and Technological Advancements
   • During this period, Icebreaker expanded its product categories to include a wider range of lifestyle clothing, targeting consumers who wanted the benefits of merino wool for everyday wear, not just outdoor activities. The brand introduced innovative products such as the “Cool-Lite” line, which combined merino wool with other natural fibers like Tencel for enhanced performance in warm climates. Icebreaker’s commitment to sustainability deepened, with the brand focusing on reducing its environmental footprint through various initiatives.
5. 2017-Present: Acquisition and Continued Commitment to Sustainability
   • In 2017, Icebreaker was acquired by VF Corporation, a global leader in branded lifestyle apparel. The acquisition allowed Icebreaker to leverage VF’s global supply chain and distribution network while maintaining its commitment to sustainability and natural fibers. Under VF’s ownership, Icebreaker has continued to innovate, expanding its product lines and reinforcing its brand ethos of sustainability, transparency, and performance. Today, Icebreaker remains a pioneering brand in the outdoor and lifestyle apparel industry, known for its dedication to using natural materials and minimizing its environmental impact.

Icebreaker’s blend of high-performance natural materials, commitment to sustainability, and transparent practices have made it a respected and enduring brand in the outdoor and lifestyle apparel industry. With a rich history of innovation and growth, Icebreaker continues to inspire and elevate the standards for environmentally conscious clothing.

Last Update 08/11/2024