Wool activewear sounds a bit counterintuitive, right? We're sweating and flushed in an exercise class or on a run, and the last thing we're thinking about wanting to put on our bodies are woollen garments. But the idea that wool is just for warmth is a bit of an urban myth. In fact, aside from reports that your Spandex, nylon and polyester activewear could be leaching toxic chemicals that are absorbed through our skin, wool as a fabric has a wide range of beneficial properties – superior thermoregulation, moisture management, 100% biodegradable and odour resistance – that make it ideal for your next fitness session (and no, we promise it won't make you hot).
If you're unsure of where to start, we've got you covered below with a list of brands that specialise in wool activewear. Some are Australian activewear companies, and others are based internationally – but all of them are committed to sustainability, better health and promoting the benefits of wearing natural fibres.
1. Estroni
Based in: Australia
Made from: 95% Australian superfine merino
Run and founded by Ellie Tam, based out of Sydney, Australia, Estroni is a response to the lack of synthetic options in the activewear space. They sell Australian size 4-18 across apparel like sports bras, leggings, bike shorts, tees and yoga pants in a range of simple, neutral colourways. Each piece is also OEKO-TEX® certified for sensitive skin. Shipping to Australia and New Zealand is between $10-15; around $40 for overseas orders; and free for larger orders (you can find shipping price specifics on their website). If you sign up to their on-site newsletter, they'll even send you a code for 10% off your first order.
2. Nagnata
Based in: Australia
Made from: GOTS-certified organic cotton and Merino wool
One of the more well-known wool activewear brands pioneering the space is the premium Australian label Nagnata. Founded by sisters Laura May and Hannah Gibbs out of Byron Bay, the brand is sustainably-minded and specialises in knitwear, organic fibres, and genderless pieces. They have arguably the largest range of garments – outerwear, denim, loungewear, traditional activewear – across a wide variety of colours and patterns, all sized from Australian size 6-16 (equivalent of an XS-XXL). Shipping on orders is $15 domestically within Australia and $45 for overseas orders (more shipping price specifics can be found on their website). If you're in Sydney or Byron, you can visit one of their flagship store, or you can take a look at their full stockist list to find a place to try things on close to you.
3. Lana Vello
Based in: Australia
Made from: Australian Merino Wool
From the Central Wheatbelt of Western Australia, this athleisure-wear brand was launched last year by Mikahla Wells, who was inspired by the native flora and fauna and the qualities of Australian Merino Wool. Versatility and sustainability are at the heart of the collections, which encompass sports bras, leggings, T-shirts and muscle tees in a range of bold hues from sizes 6-14. They ship internationally and domestically at a flat fee of $10 ($14 for Express).
4. PAKA Apparel
Based in: Peru
Made from: Alpaca wool, Tencel and 100% Organic Cotton
Founded in Peru, PAKA launched BREATHE by Paka – the first alpaca wool activewear – back in 2021. The brand partners with a range of non-profits like SeaLegacy and Peruvian Hearts to give back to the community, employs 300+ Quechua artisans, and is Certified B Corp. Their activewear runs from size XS-XXL across their men's, women's and unisex ranges – and is inclusive of sportsbras to socks to leggings, shorts, outerwear and base layers. They do offer shipping internationally to AU and NZ customers, with shipping prices calculated at checkout.
5. Merino Country
Based in: Peru
Made from: 100% Merino wool jersey
Established in the 1990s and still entirely made in Australia, Merino Country runs a line of wool activewear for men, women and kids. Over the years – in partnership with their own specialty wool growers – they've developed their own lightweight, easy-care, 100% Merino wool jersey fabric that they use across everything from leggings to drawstring shorts, skivvies, sports bras and underwear. Orders made within Australia will incur a $12.50 shipping fee. They do ship internationally too.
