Our friends at Vollebak are super proud of their Sub Zero range. It all started with a simple idea – could they build a cardigan that could outperform a puffer jacket in a cryochamber? The very short answer was yes and they’ve built two Sub Zero Sweaters the same way, to do the same job.
You normally test arctic vehicles or missile components in cryochambers. Not cardigans.
| But that’s how the Sub Zero range started life. With a slightly-worried-looking test subject being blasted by arctic conditions… while wearing a cardigan for protection. Of course it wasn’t a normal cardigan. It was purpose-built for the experiment out of 1.3kg of lambswool and superfine alpaca wool – which meant it was designed to outperform most puffer jackets. So in an entirely predictable anti-climax he was absolutely fine. Now they have smartly turned that cardigan into The Sub Zero Sweater to do exactly the same job. Engineered from two incredibly powerful natural insulators – lambswool and superfine alpaca wool – the Sub Zero Sweater is designed to help keep you warm even in sub zero temperatures. The sweaters are left entirely undyed, so it comes in two colours – Grey Marl, and Black Marl – both of which are the colours of the sheep and alpacas’ natural fleeces. Alpaca wool is one of the most extraordinary natural materials on the planet. It’s as soft as cashmere, warmer than sheep’s wool, and contains no lanolin so it’s hypoallergenic. Native to the Andean plateau of South America, alpacas have evolved over millennia to survive the harsh conditions of the mountains where altitudes vary between 3,500 and 5,000 metres, and intensely hot days are followed by sub zero nights. Then the alpaca wool is blended with organic lambswool for stretch and durability. The Sub Zero Sweater has a regular fit to trap warm air close to your body. It’s engineered with stretchy ribbed knit at the cuffs and hem just like you’d find on a bomber jacket, and a mock neck to seal in warmth at your neck, wrists and waist. |