Smartwool Sales

About SmartWool

SmartWool’s affinity for the great outdoors isn’t surprising considering it was founded by two ski instructors. Some 10 years later, Timberland purchased the company and continues to craft SmartWool to its founders’ exacting standards. The process generally starts in the bucolic New Zealand high country where most merino sheep are now raised. They graze on grass, staying happy and healthy by covering miles at a time. Through the seasons discerning farmers, often known as growers, consider the health and the quality of their herd’s wool. The care of each animal is critical, and SmartWool refuses to source its wool from growers who mistreat their sheep.

Once their fuzzy coats are ready, the sheep are sheared, their fleeces cleaned and combed, and finally the wool is spun into yarn. From a single sheep some 10 pounds of wool can be harvested, enough to make 40 socks, and each year SmartWool gathers enough yarn to encircle the planet 500 times. The company’s experienced workers stitch it all together, creating a host of garments for you to enjoy whenever a SmartWool sale drops.

Just like the individual rams and ewes from which its wool is harvested, SmartWool cares about its workers. Each is protected by SmartWool’s strict code of conduct, which according to the company’s website, “does not allow employees to work more than 60 hours a week” and “requires overtime wages be paid at a premium rate.” In addition to caring for its workers, SmartWool’s General Advocacy Fund helps nonprofits teach youngsters to protect and care for the environment.