The Brass Monkeys Strong Wool Comfort range is a 100% natural-fibre jacket and pullover line, made in New Zealand from a blend of NZ strong wool, fine merino, and Tencel. The combination delivers strong wool's classic durability with a soft merino feel against the skin and Tencel's breathability — a fully natural alternative to synthetic outerwear.
If you’re looking for a versatile and durable jacket that can keep you warm and comfortable in any weather, you’ll love the Strong Wool Comfort range from Brass Monkeys. These jackets are made in New Zealand from 100% natural fibres that provide premium comfort while protecting you against the elements. They are also a great way to support the local wool and manufacturing industry while preserving a unique part of our heritage and culture.
Strong Wool Comfort: Reinventing a Kiwi Classic
Strong wool is a hard-wearing fibre that many people only know from the cosy but scratchy blanket at their grandparents’ house — the one that has been passed down for generations and never wears out. It’s a wonder of timeless durability, and the perfect material for resilient clothing when used right. But this hidden gem of the New Zealand wool industry is being bred out of existence as farms shift to sheep that shed their wool rather than grow it for garments. We're working in the other direction. With the Strong Wool Comfort range, we’re celebrating and preserving a unique part of New Zealand’s heritage — enabling you to enjoy the benefits of strong wool with a soft-touch blend that's gentle against the skin.
Nature’s perfect blend
We’ve combined three natural fibres to make the ultimate everyday jacket. We start with a tough outer layer of 32-micron strong wool, ethically sourced from our partners at Cape Campbell Farm in Marlborough. Inside that is a soft 19-micron fine merino layer that sits comfortably against the skin. Holding the two together is a layer of Tencel™ fibre made from wood pulp — a 100% natural binder that gives you the confidence to work and play anywhere with the comfort only nature can provide.
The result is a jacket that is:
- Warm. The strong wool outer layer traps air and creates an insulating barrier against the cold, while the merino wool inner layer regulates your body temperature and wicks away moisture.
- Breathable. The Tencel™ fibre allows air to circulate and prevents overheating, keeping you cool and dry.
- Soft. The merino wool inner layer feels smooth and gentle on your skin, while the Tencel™ fibre adds a silky touch.
- Durable. The strong wool outer layer resists abrasion and tearing, while the merino wool inner layer maintains its shape and elasticity.
- Odour-resistant. The merino wool inner layer naturally inhibits the growth of bacteria that cause odour, keeping you fresh for longer.
- Sustainable. The strong wool, merino wool and Tencel™ fibre are all renewable, biodegradable resources.
Made in New Zealand
This product is the result of Kiwi ingenuity and craftsmanship. We make it in New Zealand from start to finish, using our own designs and cutting and sewing the fabric here in Aotearoa. This supports our local supply chain partners and the families behind them. We also test our products for quality and adaptability across all seasons.
Product details
Two options: the Strong Wool Comfort Pullover and the Strong Wool Comfort Jacket. Both are available in Storm Grey or All Black, in sizes Small to 3XL.
The Strong Wool Comfort Pullover has a quarter zip for ventilation and style. It’s ideal for layering over a shirt or under a coat, and easy to pack and carry on the go.
The Strong Wool Comfort Jacket has a full zip for more flexibility and protection, plus two zippered pockets. It’s designed as an outer layer when you need extra warmth and coverage.
Both have a fabric weight of 420 gsm — thick enough for genuine warmth without being heavy — and a fabric composition of:
- Strong wool exterior, 32 microns (50%)
- Merino wool inner layer, 19.5 microns (35%)
- Tencel™ wood-pulp binder fibre (15%)
Frequently asked questions
What is strong wool?
Strong wool is the coarser wool from New Zealand sheep — typically 30+ microns. It's the wool historically used for carpets, blankets, and outerwear because it's hard-wearing and well-suited to garments that need to take abuse. Recent demand for natural alternatives to synthetic carpets and packaging has revived interest in it.
Will strong wool feel scratchy?
On its own, possibly. That's why our Strong Wool Comfort range pairs the strong wool outer with a fine merino inner layer. The strong wool sits on the outside doing the protective work; the merino sits next to your skin where softness matters.
What is Tencel and why is it in the blend?
Tencel™ is a fibre made from sustainably sourced wood pulp — a natural cellulose fibre, not a synthetic. It binds the wool layers together, adds breathability, and gives the fabric a silky drape. Importantly it lets us keep the entire garment 100% natural fibre, no plastic.
How does this differ from a synthetic jacket?
The main differences are: it breathes better, it doesn't trap odour, it doesn't shed microplastics in the wash, it self-extinguishes rather than melting if exposed to flame, and at end of life it biodegrades. Synthetic jackets often win on rain-shedding and weight; this is a different category of garment.
How do I wash a Strong Wool Comfort jacket?
Cool gentle cycle, wool detergent, dry flat. Don't tumble dry. The jacket should rarely need washing thanks to merino's natural odour resistance — spot-clean and air between wears.
Is the strong wool sourced ethically?
Yes. Our strong wool comes from Cape Campbell Farm in Marlborough — a known, traceable source. We can tell you exactly which farm grew the wool in your jacket.
Available at smartmerino.co.nz/strong-wool.
