About Our Fabrics

Smitten clothing is handmade here in Tasmania.

Our range of traditional knits (Cable Jumpers, Chunky Knits, Coats, Cashmere Knits and Classic Knits) are produced in small quantities in Victoria.

Our range of accessories are made both here in Tassie and mainland Australia.

Smitten fabrics are made in Victoria, Australia. The dedicated fabric production team are proud of their record in significantly lowering the environmental impact normally associated with textile manufacturing alongside their use of sustainable products and practices. The fabric factory is powered by their own solar plant and features a full on-site 5 stage water treatment plant meaning up to 85% of the water used is able to be reused.

This facility is OekoTex 100 certified and fully certified to the RWS (Responsible Wool Standard).

More info: Smitten Merino Ethics & Sustainability.

Smitten fabrics are tested for colourfastness although there may be some colour run in the first wash. Separate lights from darks and wash similar colours together.

The beauty of superfine merino wool is that it breathes exceptionally well, thus minimising the absorption odour.

No – new generation superfine merino wool is super soft and luxurious to wear and shouldn’t itch or scratch. Understanding the benefits of merino wool on the skin is life changing – as it has been proven that superfine merino wool not only has zero irritation on the skin an skin issues but is in fact part of the healing process.

We are told regularly by customers that they can’t wear wool or are allergic to wool. It is important to understand that superfine merino wool is almost a completely different material to your traditional chunky and itchy fibre. A study conducted by the Australian Wool Innovation Network focussed on 65 adults and children (as young as 3) found “virtually all participants from the Brisbane-based study, with its hot and humid environment, reporting they couldn’t wear wool prior to the trial, yet none of them withdrew because of wool intolerance”.

They not only found no issues with the superfine merino wool on their skin but were also amazed to see how well the merino clothing wore in their hot and humid Brisbane climate. Another myth associated with wool … busted!

You can read more on this in: The Skin Benefits of Merino Wool

No – our merino wool is a stable product, therefore it should not shrink, when washed under suitable conditions.

More info:Fabric Care Guide

During initial wear all knitwear can shed some of its fibres and create small balls on the surface of the fabric. This is a normal and a temporary issue and not a sign of poor quality yarns. The small balls that may appear are easily removed with a safety razor, pilling comb or fabric shaver. In time they will naturally drop off during washing and wear.

Superfine merino wool dries very quickly. Once washed gently – squeeze to remove excess moisture (if needed) and lay flat to dry. Garments can be dry in 30 mins, great when travelling.

Superfine merino wool is available in a range of fabric types. Each has their own benefits and is chosen to suit the garment based on design and intended fit.

Jersey is a soft and smooth weave that typically fits true to size with a lovely stretch and structure. It is most often used for structured tops, thermals and dresses. Jersey fabrics range from 170gsm-240gsm.

Rib is a very gentle, relaxed, weave and is most commonly used for soft fit tops, skirts, scarves and cardigans. These garments tend to have a roomy fit and it is best to size down. Rib fabrics range from 200gsm-240gsm

Fleece fabrics are smooth on the outside and fluffy on the inside. This is created by brushing the fibres until they are soft and fluffy (one side only). Fleece is the warmest fabric option and keeps you warm in the coldest of climates. Fleece has a small amount of stretch and runs true to size but is often quite snug when brand new – this does soften (without bagging) with wear. Fleece fabrics range from 270gsm-350gsm.

Ponte is a very structured double knit type fabric with a firm, but soft, feel. Ponte is the most structured of the fabrics and has very little give/stretch. It is most commonly used for heavyweight pants, jackets, unisex wear and more structured dresses. This fabric runs true to firm in size and 360gsm

GSM is an abbreviation for ‘grams per square metre’. This indicates the overall weight and density for merino wool fabrics (this is different to the actual garment weight). This measurement reflects how much 1 square metre of fabric weighs. The higher the GSM is in weight, the denser the fabric will be.

This does not necessarily mean a fabric with a higher GSM is warmer than a lighter GSM fabric as different weaves also impact this, but it does provide an indication.

The more care you give your merino wool clothing, the longer it will last.

As merino wool requires less washing than other fibres, we recommend the ‘every other time’ rule when it comes to washing. Merino wool is anti-microbial and doesn’t hold odour meaning you can wear it again, again … and again before it requires a wash! Don’t have time? Simply hang your Smitten in the bathroom while you shower – steam rejuvenates the fabric.

Read more: Information about fabric care and washing.

https://beyondthebale.wool.com/beyond-the-bale/september-2012/flipbook/20/?iid=67346&startpage=20If you suffer from dermatitis and eczema, did you know that the superfine merino wool used in Smitten products has been proven helpful and to even improve these conditions?

Read more about that study in Beyond the Bale: Merino Medical Breakthrough (Sept. 2012).

A Brisbane-based study found amazing results with superfine merino wool, clearing eczema by almost 100% in a 6 week trial period “…[merino] wool’s greater ability to transfer moisture vapour and heat than other major apparel fibres enables it to maintain a more stable microclimate between the skin and garments” - Associate Professor John Su.

You can also read more, including a link to a great AWI article outlining the health benefits of merino wool on the skin.

When it comes to health, a good nights sleep is one of the best things you can do for yourself. Sometimes much easier said than done though! Temperature is one of the biggest issues affecting people’s sleeping patterns; often being too hot or too cold. Wool is amazingly breathable and a natural insulator keeping you at just the right temperature.

Merino wool's moisture management properties absorb moisture away from the body and release it as a vapour into the air without any wet feeling. PLUS it is hypo-allergenic and completely natural … so you can sleep soundly knowing you aren’t exposing your skirt to any harsh chemicals.

Read more:Sleeping in Merino Wool