Icebreaker

Outdoor favorites made of natural materials – for over 25 years. Icebreaker sells versatile and durable products as sustainable alternatives to synthetic clothing.

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TRANSPARENCY REPORT 2019Move to natural

Driven by the belief that nature has the answers, Icebreaker provides natural per formance alternatives to synthetic-based apparel

Move to natural

icebreaker means breaking the ice. First and foremost, of course, it’s about producing clothing. But behind that lies our fundamental goal: to break the ice, develop new ideas and create new relationships between people and nature.

Merino - The Allrounder

Made by nature, processed by man. When it comes to functional clothing sheep wool might come into your mind first, but not just any breed of sheep is as special as merino sheep. The most famous breed worldwide, because of its merino wool.

Gear Review:Icebreaker Tech Lite T-Shirt

With our WIR DENKEN UM label, we distinguish brands and products that really deserve recognition. We have introduced our own evaluation process for this purpose and check our suppliers at regular intervals. We offer innovative, environmentally friendly and fairly produced clothing, shoes and equipment - and thus show more sustainable alternatives compared to conventionally manufactured products.

More about Icebreaker

Why is Icebreaker a WIR DENKEN UM brand?

Motivated by the conviction that nature has the best solutions, Icebreaker offers natural alternatives to synthetic clothing to create a healthier and more sustainable future. As a WIR DENKEN UM brand, Icebreaker stands out in the following ways:

- The company is committed to accountability throughout the supply chain

- It prides itself on environmentally friendly, resource-saving production with the goal of being plastic-free by 1923

- Icebreaker promotes fair working conditions and maintains high animal welfare standards

Icebreaker: Innovation by nature

Icebreaker is still driven by the founding idea of challenging the outdoor clothing industry and breaking the synthetic boom of the 1990s: “Care, responsibility and integrity are the values that have always guided us, both in the management of our company and in the production of our clothing - from sheep to finished shirt.” Every step in the supply chain is carefully chosen and constantly monitored. From careful selection and long-standing partnerships with sheep farms in New Zealand to educating the end consumer on how to care for their merino product in a way that conserves resources. Icebreaker provides a good insight into this in its annual Transparency Report. “Progress instead of perfection. Uncompromising transparency: We boldly admit that we have not achieved our goal of being 100% plastic-free by 2023 - we proudly celebrate our “failure” and the 96.14% we have achieved.” Icebreaker's vision: To inspire a global community of people to find natural solutions and change for the better.

The beauty, abundance of resources and power of nature have always been an inexhaustible source of inspiration for people. Icebreaker has also taken nature as a role model and offers a sustainable, natural and environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic products with its functional clothing made from merino wool. We'll show you where the company's story begins, what's so special about merino wool and what you can discover in the Icebreaker range.

IN THE LAND OF THE MERINO SHEEP

In 1994, the then 24-year-old founder Jeremy Moon met a merino sheep farmer on the island of Pohenui in New Zealand. The farmer gave him a T-shirt made of merino wool - silky soft and incredibly comfortable... unlike the scratchy, rough wool that was commonly worn at the time. Moon was immediately impressed by the quality and benefits of merino wool, and his passion for the sustainable production of functional clothing from natural raw materials was awakened.

A short time later, he founded his company Icebreaker with a clear goal: how to offer consumers a natural alternative to synthetic outdoor textiles and bring about a change towards sustainable solutions. By specializing in clothing made from merino wool, the founder found the right answer.

Icebreaker: NATURAL AND SUSTAINABLE MERINO CLOTHING

Icebreaker means breaking the ice. Behind the name lies the idea of connecting people with nature while wearing a product made from nature. Away from ecologically unacceptable chemicals and towards sustainable, natural solutions.

Moon concluded its first long-term contracts with sheep farmers in 1997. To this day, mutual trust, the welfare of the animals and the protection of the environment are at the forefront of the cooperation. Among other things, the sheep farmers ensure that the sheep have access to clean water, are allowed to roam freely on open pastures and are protected from danger and stress.

A PATH FULL OF PASSION

Further milestones in Icebreaker's history were not long in coming: in 2003, healthy economic growth enabled the company to open an advanced production center in Shanghai. The manufacturer assures that the entire production and finishing processes are carried out according to the principles of social responsibility and environmental compatibility.

Since 2005, men and women have been able to stock up on Icebreaker functional clothing from head to toe. Due to increasing demand, the manufacturer expanded its range and now also produces socks, hats and gloves made from merino wool in addition to warm functional underwear. The first children's collection was launched in 2007. An important year in the interest of animal welfare followed in 2008: Icebreaker was the first company in the industry to use mulesing-free merino wool. Transparency is the keyword in 2010. The “Baacode” now allows customers to trace the value chain behind their garment back to the respective sheep farm.

TECHNOLOGICAL BREAKS at Icebreaker

Icebreaker is always on the lookout for innovative technologies to improve its outdoor clothing. In 2011, the company introduced Corespun technology, in which merino fibers encase a nylon core.

This makes the fabric more robust and contributes to the longevity of the clothing. Since 2012, the manufacturer has also been combining merino wool with Tencel, a natural fiber made from eucalyptus. The resulting Cool Lite technology ensures optimum moisture management and improved breathability. Icebreaker has been using a goose-friendly alternative to down in its insulating clothing since 2013. The MerinoLoft lining naturally regulates body temperature and provides maximum warmth.

MOVE TO NATURAL - AWAY FROM PLASTIC ON THE SKIN AND TOWARDS MORE NATURE

Today, Icebreaker is a globally active and influential company in the outdoor sector with branches in Europe, Canada, the USA, New Zealand and Asia. In 2019, the company launched “Move to natural”, a global movement dedicated to a sustainable lifestyle. 96.14% of the total fiber composition of Icebreaker textile products is now of natural origin. The remaining and previously necessary plastic content will continue to be gradually replaced.

WHAT IS SO SPECIAL ABOUT MERINO CLOTHING

Merino wool products combine the advantages of synthetic functional underwear with the positive properties of wool. The result is high-quality functional clothing that adapts perfectly to your needs - whether on the mountain, in the city or at home. Merino wool is:

• Incredibly comfortable
• Silky soft
• Moisture-regulating / temperature-regulating
• Odor-inhibiting
• Robust
• Breathable
• Does not scratch or stick to the skin
• Warms in the cold
• Cools in the heat
• Renewable and biodegradable

ICEBREAKER CLOTHING FOR WOMEN, MEN AND CHILDREN

The Icebreaker brand's product range is extremely diverse. The merino clothing can be worn wonderfully as a base layer, mid-layer or outerwear, with the benefits of merino wool coming into play everywhere. In our online store, we offer functional clothing from Icebreaker for men, women and children. Whether you are an avid winter sports enthusiast, a passionate runner, an ambitious climber or a sun-hungry mountaineer, you are sure to find the right equipment at Icebreaker. Do you also like to be comfortable? Then discover your new favorite item in the Icebreaker leisure collection.

ICEBREAKER CLOTHING FOR WINTER SPORTS

Icebreaker Merino functional clothing provides you with optimum technical support while you're working hard in the snow. Whether you're skiing, ski touring, cross-country skiing or snowboarding - warm and incredibly comfortable jackets, pullovers, mid-layers, half-zip shirts, pants and socks ensure an absolute feel-good factor. Underneath, the extra soft and particularly lightweight functional underwear nestles gently against your skin. If you need even more protection and warmth, simply grab the great merino wool gloves and hats.

ICEBREAKER CLOTHING FOR RUNNING

Icebreaker doesn't miss out on running clothing either. With the functional jackets, shirts and pants as well as the cuddly soft functional underwear, you can already set yourself new goals. Because the breathable and odor-inhibiting properties of merino wool will give you an extra “kick” in the future.
Find the right running clothing from Icebreaker

ICEBREAKER CLOTHING FOR CLIMBING

Climbing is your new passion and you're looking for the right equipment? Then choose climbing clothing from Icebreaker. Thanks to Corespun technology, jackets, shirts and pants are extremely robust and ideal for your climbing route on the rocks.
Discover the climbing clothing from Icebreaker

ICEBREAKER CLOTHING FOR HIKING AND MOUNTAINEERING

Whether it's a sweat-inducing day tour or an easy hike with the kids, Icebreaker has the right functional clothing for the whole family. The silky soft functional underwear is the perfect technical base layer for your adventures. If it's particularly warm, shirts and tops with Cool Lite technology ensure optimum moisture regulation. In changeable or cool weather, jackets, pullovers, pants, gloves and hats made from the finest merino wool provide you with pleasant warmth. Icebreaker has also thought about your feet. They are subject to a lot of wear and tear and deserve extra attention. That's why the merino socks keep your feet nice and warm and dry and give you the best comfort.
Take a look at the outdoor clothing from Icebreaker here

ICEBREAKER FUNCTIONAL UNDERWEAR

Functional underwear made from merino wool is Icebreaker's hobbyhorse. Multifunctional long and short-sleeved shirts, functional pants, leggings and underwear fit your body like a second skin and provide you with a particularly high level of comfort during all sporting activities. A merino wool base layer is heat-insulating and odor-neutral. When temperatures are warm, its cooling properties come into their own. Ideal conditions in both summer and winter. Sport Conrad offers a particularly diverse selection of functional underwear for men and women with the Oasis collection from Icebreaker.
Let yourself be inspired: Functional underwear from Icebreaker for men and women

Icebreaker has also thought about young outdoor athletes and developed great functional underwear for children. Functional shirts, functional pants, leggings and half-zip ski shirts keep kids warm, are odor-neutral and give them a velvety-soft feel. This makes every outdoor adventure twice as much fun.

Icebreaker functional underwear for children

GOOD REASONS FOR ICEBREAKER

Sport Conrad offers you a wide selection of comfortable Icebreaker functional clothing. When you choose a product from the Icebreaker brand, you are making a conscious decision:

• Outdoor clothing made from natural merino wool
• Environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic products
• Durable clothing in contrast to short-lived fashion
• Protection of the environment and animals
• Transparent value chain
• Multifunctional clothing for every lifestyle
• Sustainable merino fibers without petrochemical, synthetic fabrics

Take a look around and be convinced by the high-quality alternative to synthetic functional materials!