Norwegian wool is like wearing nature

She is dressed in wool from top to toe, and on the table, her computer is wrapped in a wool cover which replicates the diamond twill material of a tunica from around year 400. The garment was recently discovered when parts of a glacier melted in Mid-Norway.

Tone Skårdal Tobiasson, who is project manager at NICE (Norwegian Initiative Clean and Ethical Fashion), is co-author of the book Strikk med norsk ull (Knitting with Norwegian wool), and is a driving force when it comes to tying together designers and the wool industry as well as encouraging new takes on old wool traditions.

“It’s simple”, Tone says. “If you want to have a good experience in the varied Norwegian nature, you should dress for it by using garments in wool, preferably Norwegian wool. Wool regulates temperature, which surprises most people. It will ensure that you never get too warm or too cold, regardless of season”, says Tone, who has also heard rumours that the fitted carpet in the Oval Office in The White House in Washington is made of Norwegian wool. “The exceptional crimp of Norwegian wool makes it extremely sought-after.”

Whilst the use of Norwegian wool goes back way longer than the Viking period, for years its qualities have been underestimated by an industry which have preferred the benefit of merino wool from other parts of the world. According to Tone, it is a myth that all Norwegian wool itches. And it is indeed stronger and more durable than your typical merino fibre.

“All in all, wool is positive for the climate”, Tone argues, and adds: ”Of course it depends on how you look at it, but if you see it as a whole, these animals contribute a lot to nature. When they fertilise it, they help capture carbon. And their constant grazing keep the landscape open so our visitors can actually enjoy the view.”

Tone Skårdal Tobiasson is enthusiastic about the many new, small designers and startup businesses experimenting with Norwegian wool.