Australian merino wool has been put to the test at the Prada Cup sailing competition in New Zealand.
The Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli (LRPP) team uniform is made using the natural wool, and offers the yachtsmen breathability, moisture wicking capabilities and thermoregulation, making it an ideal material for extreme weather wear.
Consumers can also test out the pieces for themselves, with pieces from the official LRPP team uniforms available at select Prada flagship stores, on the Prada website and at the LRPP store at the America’s Cup Village in Auckland.
Speaking on the uniform, the LRPP team said that it was taking firm action to reduce its uniform's impact on the planet.
"Every year 0.6-1.7 million tons of microfibers are released into the ocean.
"These very tiny particles, less than five millimetres in diameter, are now found throughout aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems all over the world.
"The increasing use of plastic and synthetic fibres, including the clothing industry, is likely to have drastic implications on the environment.
"For this reason, the LRPP team is actively committed, through concrete actions, to mitigate environmental impact.
"Thanks to a collaboration with The Woolmark Company, high-performance and innovative garments have been designed for the sailing team’s uniform, created with high percentages of natural fibres such as Merino wool: a biodegradable and renewable material, with a very low impact both in its production cycle and disposal," the team said.
Key pieces from the range include the official technical t-shirt, the short-sleeve polo and the official sailing team jacket.
The jacket is comprised of three layers and is made from 54% Australian Merino wool bonded with a waterproof membrane resistant to 11 water columns.
Meanwhile the polo shirt comprises 36% Merino wool and the technical t-shirt is made from 100% Merino wool.
This coming weekend will see the commencement of the Prada Cup final stages, where LRPP will face off against INEOS Team UK.
The first to win seven races will then compete in the 36th America’s Cup presented by Prada, against the defending team, Emirates Team New Zealand.
Woolmark is the technical partner of the LRPP sailing team.