Necessity is the mother of invention, and this is exactly what happened with the development of SmartWool products. If you’ve ever engaged in winter sports activities, you would know how difficult it is to find something to wear that can withstand the snow, moisture and cold – while helping keep your body warm at the same time. Fortunately for the kids of today, there’s already a bunch of products in the market which are specifically designed to be used in the cold.
How SmartWool Started Out as a Company
It was in 1994 that a couple of ski instructors named Peter and Patty Duke paved the way for the development of SmartWool products. The couple had to spend several ski seasons in New England when they had to deal with a flurry of snowstorms. Back then, what people wore underneath their skiing gear were synthetic socks which were wicked in order to help them withstand the cold. Another trick was to wear two or three layers of socks, but can you imagine how bulky your feet would feel in them and how uncomfortable it would be to move?
When they got tired of having to wear several layers of socks in order to keep their feet warm while engaging in their favorite winter sport, Peter and Patty highlighted the natural properties of woollen socks. During these years, wool did not have a very good reputation because despite the fact that they kept your feet warm, they are also itchy, they get wet easily, and the material shrinks when washed.
What Makes SmartWool Products Unique
Now, what is the solution that the couple who established SmartWool came up with? Instead of the traditionally itchy wool used in making socks and other garments, they used Merino wool instead. This is a type of wool fiber which is longer and finer than the traditional wool, so the itching problem has been resolved. They also developed the material in such a way that processing the softer, non-itchy material would be a lot easier.
Investors were hesitant to put their money on the product at first. However, when the Duke couple asked the investors to actually wear the SmartWool socks, that did the trick! Within the next few years of SmartWool’s launching in the market, its popularity really took off. Sports magazine writers exalted it as the next big thing in winter wear.
Simply put, here are the benefits of SmartWool products:
- Unlike traditional wool, the material does not shrink when washed.
- They are not itchy but are in fact soft and comfortable against the skin.
- They are extremely durable.
- They have moisture-wicking properties which also reduce odor and bacteria.
- The company manufacturing SmartWool products sticks to a green policy. So while you are taking advantage of a truly unique product, you can do your share in helping save the environment, too.
With all these benefits and more, there’s really no reason for you to say no to the prospect of wearing SmartWool products. Whether it’s a simple winter shirt, wool socks or complete gear for the winter, you will never go wrong when opting for this brand.
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