Wool ComfortMeter™
The Wool ComfortMeter allows retailers and manufacturers to specify a numerical value for comfort in their buying orders. This means that for the first time retailers and manufacturers have a means of objectively specifying and promoting a garment on the basis of superior comfort.
How does it work?
Fabrics measured on the Wool ComfortMeter, which analyses the surface of the garment for the attribute known to cause prickle and which has been calibrated against the findings of extensive consumer wearer trials, are assigned a single numerical score; the lower the score the higher the consumer comfort. A higher score means that the fabric risks some irritation to the skin.
A higher score means that the fabric risks some irritation to the skin.
If the fabric tested is intended for fashion wear under everyday conditions, a slightly higher score is acceptable (Column 1). If the intended end use is active wear, or performance is required under more extreme conditions, then a lower score will be required (Column 2). This is because when skin becomes wet and temperature is raised it becomes more sensitive.
|
1 - EVERYDAY FASHIONS |
2 - ACTIVE WEAR |
|
|
% of consumer acceptance for comfort level |
Comfort level (WCM) |
Comfort level (WCM) |
|
90 |
< 450 |
< 250 |
|
80 |
450 - 510 |
250 - 320 |
|
70 |
510 - 600 |
320 - 400 |
|
60 |
600 - 660 |
400 - 480 |
|
50 |
660 - 730 |
480 - 550 |
|
40 |
730 - 810 |
550 - 620 |
The quest for comfort
The Wool ComfortMeter can be used by a retailer to test existing products or as part of their innovation and development process.
A retailer simply specifies their preferred Wool ComfortMeter score to its supply chain partners. The supply chain is able to produce the products to the Wool ComfortMeter specification via wool sourcing, processing and fabric finishing techniques.
Retailers can monitor the consistency of the garment’s comfort quality by testing batch samples and compare against the acceptable Wool ComfortMeter score thus ensuring consistent quality between shipments and even from one season to the next.
Dialling up comfort
Retailers can target a level of comfort that satisfies the requirements of both their target consumer and production costs.
There are three broad levels of comfort for fashion and active wear within which a retailer can be certain they will bestocking a comfortable next-to-skin product.
The Sheep CRC’s advice recommends that Wool ComfortMeter scores outside this specified range will have anoticeable level of prickle and many consumers would find these uncomfortable, resulting in dissatisfaction.
Dialling up comfortable fashion and everyday wear
Extensive wearer trials have identified three levels of comfort which have been found to satisfy 70% of consumers wearing woolnext-to-skin for fashion and everyday purposes.
|
COMFORT LEVEL |
COMFORT LEVEL DESCRIPTION |
HOW TO SPECIFY A COMFORT LEVEL |
|
Luxurious comfort |
Wearer trials conclude 90% of consumers find garments in this range comfortable when worn next-to-skin. A product in this range will provide the wearer with the indulgent comfort experience expected from a luxury brand offering. |
To source products that satisfy this comfort level specify a score of WCM 450 or lower. |
|
Premium comfort |
Wearer trials conclude 80% of consumers find garments in this range comfortable when worn next-to-skin. A product in this range will provide the wearer with a premium wearer experience, suitable for leading high street brands and retailers offering premium quality. |
To source products that satisfy this comfort level specify a WCM score between 450 and 510. |
|
Everyday comfort |
Wearer trials conclude 70% of consumers find garments in this range comfortable when worn next-to-skin. The product provides a comfortable, entry level garment for consumers wishing to experience the elite attributes of a Merino wool garment. Garments in this range have been associated with a minor sensation of prickle but from our research possibly not enough for the consumer to not like the fabric. |
To source products that satisfy this comfort level specify a WCM score between 510 to 600. |
Above: Specifying comfort for Merino wool fashion and everyday garments.
Dialling up comfortable active wear
Extensive wearer trials have identified three levels of comfort which have been found to satisfy 70% of consumers wearing wool next-to-skin for active performance.
|
COMFORT LEVEL |
COMFORT LEVEL DESCRIPTION |
HOW TO SPECIFY A COMFORT LEVEL |
|
Elite Performance |
Wearer trials conclude 90% of consumers find garments in this range comfortable when worn next-to-skin whilst engaged in performance activities. The Elite Performance level supports wearers engaged in extreme sports or related activities, providing a comfortable next-to-skin experience which performs even during intense activity under challenging conditions. |
To source products that satisfy this comfort level specify a WCM score of 250 or lower. |
|
Performance Enhanced |
80% of consumers consider this garment comfortable when worn next-to-skin whilst engaged in performance activities. The Performance Enhanced level is the ideal foundation for outdoor wear, providing a comfortable next-to-skin experience suitable for use in activities such as trekking, climbing and kayaking. |
To source products that satisfy this comfort level specify a WCM score between 250 and 320. |
|
Active Everyday |
70% of consumers consider this garment comfortable when worn next-to-skin whilst engaged in performance activities. The Active Everyday level provides perfect next-to-skin comfort for urban performance, an entry level garment for consumers wishing to experience the elite attributes of a Merino wool garment. Garments in this range have been associated with a minor sensation of prickle but from our research possibly not enough for the consumer to not like the fabric. |
To source products that satisfy this comfort level specify a WCM score between 320 and 400. |
Above: Specifying performance for Merino wool active wear garments
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