Why the collaboration between Woolmark and Luna Rossa is unique

The first days of September are always a bit nostalgic, summer is almost coming to an end, it's back to the office, classes at school and university begin again, holidays already seem like a distant memory and it's back to the usual routine. September, however, in the sailing world is a crucial month, especially this year, when the America's Cup races are back on the water in Barcelona. So, together with Woolmark, we flew to the heart of Catalonia, with destination La Barceloneta, having the chance to admire at close quarters the peculiar work of an Italian team that represents excellence in the world, but above all to deepen the technical partnership between the non-profit organisation that gathers together wool producers from over 30 countries and Prada. In fact, Woolmark has been supporting the Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli team as a Technical Partner since 2019, working closely with the Italian team to push the boundaries of wool, developing cutting-edge technical kit that the sailors wore during training. 

The absolute novelty and the reason why this collaboration is truly unique is the fact that the technical uniforms are made of merino wool. A material that may seem light years removed from the world of sport, but which Woolmark has instead revolutionised, highlighting the unique properties of Merino wool, including elasticity, breathability, comfort, insulation and water resistance. A material that the world of sport has long since put aside, the last trace of wool in the world of sport dates back to the old football shirts produced in the 70s and 80s, sympathetically nicknamed "in lanetta". However, those were other times and the suppliers did not produce or design the kits in relation to the needs of an athlete or the conditions in which they competed.

On the contrary, today Woolmark and the Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli team have joined forces, also producing an innovative fabric used in the interlock cycling suit, which offers better temperature regulation and moisture management benefits, excelling in different weather conditions and intensity levels, and is specifically designed to meet the challenging conditions faced by the Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli team. But the kit doesn't stop at the tracksuit alone; it also includes t-shirts, hoodies, shorts, leggings, a waterproof jacket and a revolutionary ultralight windbreaker. The latter, which weighs only 60 g/m2, is completely windproof thanks to the density of the chosen weave, while the 55% Merino wool ensures superior breathability during sports performance.

In the words of John Roberts, Managing Director of The Woolmark Company, ‘this partnership not only underlines the functional superiority of Merino wool, but also reaffirms our dedication to promoting its use in high performance sports. By outfitting the Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli team with these specialised garments, Woolmark is redefining sportswear and demonstrating that natural fibres can excel in any condition. We are honoured that the team is sporting our logo and wish them the best of luck.’