WoolWeenies Club

[7rider]

I have yet to see anything from Ibex that comes from China. Just browsing their website I'm seeing a lot of final assembly done in Fiji, which is new. Still, not to discount wages and hours, but the most toxic parts of the garment trade are in spinning and dyeing, which is still done in NZ for the vast majority of their product. And their website discloses fiber, fabric and garment source for every item they sell, which is admirable in my book.

My Ibex bike jersey (I think it's called "Spin") says "Made in China".
My Ibex shak jersey says "Made in USA of imported fabric".

[OakLeaf]

My Ibex bike jersey (I think it's called "Spin") says "Made in China".
My Ibex shak jersey says "Made in USA of imported fabric".

Current model Shak jersey is fiber and fabric from NZ (as with most of their stuff), final assembly in USA.

"Spin" jersey is apparently discontinued. IAE you can look up any item on their website.

[7rider]

"Spin" jersey is apparently discontinued. IAE you can look up any item on their website.

Yes, I couldn't find it on their site. (it's about 2 y.o.)
Coincidence perhaps that it, um, is probably my least favorite piece???

[NbyNW]

Icebreaker has some excellent videos showing their production and manufacturing processes:

http://www.icebreaker.com/site/philo...ntsupplychain/

If they truly are treating their workers well and keeping their environmental impacts to a minimum, then I don't mind that the wool originates in NZ but gets processed and finished in China.

[KnottedYet]

I am filled with sadness over my one Icebreaker piece. It's at least 5 years old, but it has been shrinking and shrinking and shrinking... until after trying to wear it last week, I decided it was over.

My love affair is over. Sigh.

None of my Ibex has shrunk. (oops, I take that back, a recalled jacket I had shrank. But it was recalled, so who am I to complain?)

(oh, and I treat my Ibex and my Icebreaker exactly the same: machine wash in cold with Ecos detergent and drip-dry.)

[Becky]

I am filled with sadness over my one Icebreaker piece. It's at least 5 years old, but it has been shrinking and shrinking and shrinking... until after trying to wear it last week, I decided it was over.

I'm sorry to hear of your loss, but glad that you posted this. I've been thinking about ordering some Icebreaker...maybe I'll hold off.

OTOH, I did get two new Smartwool tops today- a lightweight long sleeve v-neck, and a short-sleeve microweight tee

[OakLeaf]

I had a sweater that was exhibiting that kind of behavior. Yesterday I washed it and brutally stretched it before blocking it to dry. We'll see what happens...

[NbyNW]

I am filled with sadness over my one Icebreaker piece. It's at least 5 years old, but it has been shrinking and shrinking and shrinking... until after trying to wear it last week, I decided it was over.

So you got 5 years out of it? That sounds decent.

I picked up an Icebreaker tank top w/ shelf bra and a jacket when I was NZ earlier this year. I couldn't resist the sales, and the exchange rate was in my favor. Also have two thin base layer tops that I acquired in last winter's post-Christmas splurge. I wear them all the time. So far, so good.

I will let you know in 5 years if any of these pieces are still holding up or not.

[KnottedYet]

So you got 5 years out of it? That sounds decent.

Oh yes, very decent! But I loved that thing, and my heart is broken that I can't wear it any more...