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Fashion meets function

The power of wool in urban activewear

This collection seamlessly merges Südwolle Group’s premium Merino wool yarns with cutting-edge functional fashion. Wool, long admired for its luxurious feel, is now being recognised for its high-performance properties such as moisture-wicking, thermal regulation, and odour resistance.

These Merino wool activewear pieces are designed not only for style but to support active lifestyles, offering a perfect blend of elegance and performance. Wool is proving itself to be an essential fabric for those seeking functionality in their everyday urban commutes and outdoor activities. 

Discover more yarns

Inspiration from urban life

In collaboration with the renowned designer Rico Lee, celebrated for his ‘beautiful technology’ approach, this collection brings together technical innovations and stylish design. Lee’s vision for versatile, adaptable clothing fits perfectly with the demands of modern city commuters.

The designs transition effortlessly from casual settings to active environments, underscoring wool’s temperature-regulating properties and enhancing comfort throughout various urban settings. 

A closeup of a blue wool hoodie and a blue wool jacket. A hand holds the jacket by the zipper. It has an Urban Activewear style
A closeup of a blue wool jacket and blue wool trousers with a Rico Lee and Südwolle Group logo on them.
A close up of blue wool trousers with a white Südwolle Group Logo on them

Development of high-performance wool textiles

Creating this collection involved balancing fashion-forward aesthetics with the technical demands of functional textiles. The key challenge was to develop custom wool designs that provide both comfort and performance, with the ability to withstand daily wear while maintaining durability.

By incorporating breathable, moisture-wicking wool, we ensured the garments would excel in active environments without compromising on style. 

A woman wearing a Urban Activewear outfit consisting of a blue wool jacket and a white wool skirt. She is leaning against a wall that reflects her image. The picture has a filter that makes it look like a kaleidoscope
A woman wearing a Urban Activewear outfit consisting of a blue wool jacket and a white wool skirt. She is currently in the movement of putting her hood on
A woman in a blue wool jacket and a white wool skirt caught while running. The outfit has a Urban Activewear style. In the background is a boat which is shaped like a flamingo
A woman in a blue wool jacket and a white wool skirt standing with one hand against her hip. The outfit has a Urban Activewear style. In the background is a boat which is shaped like a flamingo

Yarn selection for maximum performance

The decision to use Südwolle Group’s yarn was pivotal. Known for its soft texture, ideal for sensitive skin, this yarn provides the right balance of performance and comfort, particularly for active use in urban settings.

Its breathability and odour resistance make it a prime choice for functional fashion that meets the rigorous demands of an on-the-go lifestyle. 

Yarns used

Banda TEC
Nm 37/1
100 % Wool, 17.2µ TEC

Stelvio Betaspun®
Nm 100/1
84 % Wool, 16.2µ TEC
11% Polyamide 6.6 filament
5% Elastan

Banda TEC
100 % Wool, 17.2µ TEC | Nm 37/1
Stelvio Betaspun®
84 % Wool, 16.2µ TEC | 11% Polyamide 6.6 filament | 5% Elastan | Nm 100/1
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A closeup of the back of a beige wool jacket with a Südwolle Group and a Rico Lee logo on it's sleeve them.
A closeup of a beige wool jacket with a Südwolle Group and a Rico Lee logo on them.
A closeup of beige wool pants with a Südwolle Group and Rico Lee logo on them
A closeup of beige wool pants with a Südwolle Group and Rico Lee logo on them
A closeup of the sleeve of a beige wool jacket with a Südwolle Group and a Rico Lee logo on them.

Revolutionising wool in activewear

The result is a collection that breaks traditional boundaries. These garments are versatile, offering thermal-regulating properties and seamless transitions between different settings. Each piece is meticulously crafted to enhance user convenience while maintaining the performance standards expected from high-quality wool textiles.

Wool’s anti-wrinkle and elastic properties further ensure a polished look that adapts to the wearer’s body, making it a standout choice for modern sportswear. 

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Exploring new frontiers in wool’s functionality

This project has demonstrated wool’s potential in functional fashion, pushing beyond conventional uses. If given the opportunity, we would explore a more rugged, outdoor-focused series, utilising wool’s thermal-regulating and durable qualities to the fullest, reinforcing its place as a top contender in both fashion and performance wear. 

Designer's insights

“The most exciting part of this project was witnessing how wool can redefine activewear, combining sophistication with high performance,” says Rico Lee.

This collection proves that wool is not only for warmth and comfort but is also an essential fabric in sustainable, eco-friendly activewear, setting a new standard in functional fashion. 

Yarns used

Banda TEC
Nm 37/1 | 47/1 | 60/1
100 % Wool, 17.2µ TEC

Winton
Nm 60/1
100 % Wool, 18.5µ TEC

Banda TEC
100 % Wool, 17.2µ TEC | Nm 47/1
Winton
100 % Wool, 18.5µ TEC | Nm 60/1
Banda TEC
100 % Wool, 17.2µ TEC | Nm 37/1
Banda TEC
100 % Wool, 17.2µ TEC | Nm 60/1
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Interested in more?

At this point, you normally would be able to order your garment or fabric swatches. Since this is our most complex collaboration yet, we only have a limited amount of samples available.

But don’t dispair!

We would be happy to connect you with all the different partners of the supply chain so you can create your own urban activewear collection using the benefits of the world’s most versatile natural fibre there is!

For that just reach out to us via the contact form. We are looking forward to hear from you.

Rico Lee

He was the first Chinese designer to show urban outdoor wear in ISPO Beijing, and in 2016 the first Chinese brand to win the “BRAND NEW” prize at ISPO Munich.

Focusing on the concept of ‘beautiful technology’ Rico keeps developing high-standard technical products for modern lifestyles.

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    A woman in wool urban active wear clothes (a blue wool jacket and a wool skirt) standing in front of a boat which is shaped like a flamingo
    A man dressed in a green wool t-shirt a blue wool jacket and a white wool skirt all styled in an urban activewear style
    A man dressed in a green wool t-shirt and a white wool skirt all styled in an urban activewear style leaning against a wall that reflects his image
    A man dressed in a green wool t-shirt and a white wool skirt all styled in an urban activewear style leaning head first against a wall that reflects his image
    A man dressed in a green wool t-shirt and a white wool skirt all styled in an urban activewear style with his hands behind his back
    A man dressed in a green wool t-shirt and a white wool skirt all styled in an urban activewear style with his hands behind his back his body is slightly leaning to the left
    A man dressed in blue including a wool hoodie and a long wool jacket which has a Südwolle Group logo on it and wool trousers. He is wearing a black hat and has an Urban Activewear style. He is leaning against a wall.
    A closeup of a blue wool hoodie and a blue wool jacket. A hand holds the jacket by the zipper. It has an Urban Activewear style
    A closeup of a blue wool jacket and blue wool trousers with a Rico Lee and Südwolle Group logo on them.
    A close up of blue wool trousers with a white Südwolle Group Logo on them
    A man dressed in blue including a wool hoodie and a long wool jacket which has a Südwolle Group logo on it and wool trousers. He is wearing a black hat and has an Urban Activewear style. He is leaning against a wall.
    A woman wearing a white wool jacket with green highlights on the shoulders and a Südwolle Group and Rico Lee Logo on the chest. The Jacket has an Urban Activewear style
    A woman wearing a white wool jacket with green highlights on the shoulders and a Südwolle Group and Rico Lee Logo on the chest. The Jacket has an Urban Activewear style. She is also wearing a white wool skirt and is lying leaning in a corner which reflects her image.
    A woman wearing a white wool jacket with green highlights on the shoulders and a Südwolle Group and Rico Lee Logo on the chest. The Jacket has an Urban Activewear style. She is also wearing a white wool skirt and is standing in a corner which reflects her image
    A woman wearing a white wool jacket with green highlights on the shoulders and a Südwolle Group and Rico Lee Logo on the chest. The Jacket has an Urban Activewear style. She is also wearing a white wool skirt and is standing in a corner which reflects her image and has her arms raised as if they were wings
    A woman wearing a Urban Activewear outfit consisting of a blue wool jacket and a white wool skirt. She is leaning against a wall that reflects her image
    A woman wearing a Urban Activewear outfit consisting of a blue wool jacket and a white wool skirt. She is leaning against a wall that reflects her image
    A woman wearing a Urban Activewear outfit consisting of a blue wool jacket and a white wool skirt. She is leaning against a wall that reflects her image. The picture has a filter that makes it look like a kaleidoscope
    A man in a green wool shirt and brown wool pants standing with his arms crossed. The outfit has an Urban Activewear style
    A closeup of a green wool shirt with a Südwolle Group Logo on the chest.
    A closeup of beige wool pants with a Südwolle Group and Rico Lee logo on them
    A closeup of the sleeve of a beige wool jacket with a Südwolle Group and a Rico Lee logo on them.
    A closeup of the sleeve of a beige wool jacket with a Südwolle Group and a Rico Lee logo on them.
    A woman dressed in a beige urban activewear outfit made out of wool. She is in the middle of taking a step forward. On the leg you can see a Südwolle Group and a Rico Lee logo
    A closeup of beige wool pants with a Südwolle Group and Rico Lee logo on them
    A closeup of a beige wool jacket with a Südwolle Group and a Rico Lee logo on them.
    A closeup of a beige wool jacket with a Südwolle Group and a Rico Lee logo on them.
    A closeup of beige wool pants with a Südwolle Group and Rico Lee logo on them
    A woman dressed in a beige urban activewear outfit made out of wool. On the leg you can see a Südwolle Group and a Rico Lee logo
    A closeup of the back of a beige wool jacket with a Südwolle Group and a Rico Lee logo on it's sleeve them.
    A man dressed in blue including a wool hoodie and a long wool jacket which has a Südwolle Group logo on it and wool trousers. He has an Urban Activewear style. Behind him is a boat which is shaped like a flamingo
    A man dressed in blue including a wool hoodie and a long wool jacket which has a Südwolle Group logo on it and wool trousers. He has an Urban Activewear style. He is currently in the movement of putting his hood on
    A man dressed in blue including a wool hoodie and a long wool jacket which has a Südwolle Group logo on it and wool trousers. He is leaning against a woman with a white wool skirt and a blue wool jacket. Both their styles are very Urban Activewear. He is sittingon a boat which is shaped like a flamingo. The woman is standing on the ground and leans against the boat
    A woman in a blue wool jacket and a white wool skirt caught while running. The outfit has a Urban Activewear style. In the background is a boat which is shaped like a flamingo
    A woman in a blue wool jacket and a white wool skirt caught while jumping. The outfit has a Urban Activewear style. In the background is a boat which is shaped like a flamingo
    A woman in a blue wool jacket and a white wool skirt standing with one hand against her hip. The outfit has a Urban Activewear style. In the background is a boat which is shaped like a flamingo

    Interested in a collaboration?

    If you’re not sure where to start, we can connect you with one of our supply chain managers to find the right innovation for your business.

    Get in touch now
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