Move to Natural™ – The Story Behind icebreaker’s Sustainable Vision

August, 2025 | icebreaker

In a world dominated by synthetic fabrics, icebreaker stands apart as a pioneer of natural performance apparel. Born in the rugged Southern Alps of New Zealand, icebreaker’s journey began with a simple question: How can we offer a natural alternative to synthetic outdoor clothing? Today, the brand leads a global movement towards sustainable, plastic-free fashion, rooted in Merino wool innovation and regenerative farming.

Why Choose Natural? The icebreaker Difference

1. Authentic Performance

At icebreaker, we believe nature holds the answers to performance apparel. Our 100% Merino wool garments are engineered to mirror the resilience of the sheep that inspires them—keeping you warm in winter and cool in summer, with unparalleled breathability and natural odour resistance. Unlike synthetic fabrics, Merino wool is biodegradable and plastic-free, aligning with our mission to reduce reliance on petrochemical fibres.

2. Sustainability at the Core

Sustainability isn’t a trend for icebreaker; it’s our foundation. Over 98% of our fabrics now eliminate synthetic materials, and we partner with ZQRX-certified growers to pioneer regenerative farming—restoring soil health, sequestering carbon, and safeguarding biodiversity. From banning mulesing to securing 10-year contracts with Merino farmers, we ensure transparency from sheep to shirt.

3. Transparency from Sheep to Shirt

Every garment tells a story—one that starts with the Merino sheep grazing on New Zealand’s high-country stations and ends with the performance-ready apparel you wear. Trust is woven into every fibre. It’s a connection to the people and ecosystems behind your gear. Because when you know where your clothing comes from, you can wear it with pride—and trust.

Join the Movement: How to Wear icebreaker

1. For the Mountain Playground

When the temperature drops and the winds howl, our MerinoLoft™ provides unparalleled protection. This innovative natural garment mimics down's loft while offering superior moisture management - perfect for layering under your shell during backcountry ski tours or winter mountaineering. For hikers covering serious mileage, our Tech Lite range redefines trail comfort. The 150 Tech Lite Short Sleeve features a gusseted underarm design for complete mobility, while the 200 Oasis Long Sleeve offers natural sun protection and temperature regulation during alpine approaches.

2. Everyday Essentials

Our underwear collections prove natural fibres belong in daily rotation. The Siren Bikini and Anatomica Boxer Briefs use Merino technology for stretching without synthetics, offering all-day comfort from boardroom to bike commute. The gusseted designs and flatlock seams eliminate chafing during active wear. When temperatures dip, RealFleece™ provides the perfect natural alternative to petrochemical fleeces.

The Future is Natural

icebreaker's long-term grower partnerships and plastic-free commitment demonstrate our dedication to circular fashion and environmental leadership. By investing in regenerative farming and natural material innovation, we're redefining outdoor apparel through regenerative practices and natural innovation - creating garments that respect both people and planet at every stage of their journey.

Explore the icebreaker Collection and start your Move to Natural™ journey today.