Knitwear brands and heritage labels have increased their range of all-wool designs. Italian labels with pedigree are stepping out on new paths. Old ways of rearing local sheep for wool and natural dyeing are being explored.

Menswear autumn/ winter 2019-20 layers cosy, comfortable clothes with serious performance in warm high-quality fabrics. Looks ranged from tough, rugged and ready for the outdoors, accessorised with ice-axe, ropes and boots, to a sporty, colorful approach, some featuring flocked logos on knit blousons, stripes and badges, techno features mixing technology with challenge, referencing skiwear old and new.

Wool benefits from the growing use of information and naming of fabric, fiber and its origin; from thick and chunky yarn grown and processed in northern countries and islands, Harris Tweed, Shetland, Finland and Ireland, to fine wool from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Argentina, examples being Escorial soft scarves, Finnish wind-cheating Merino accessories, Spanish on-trend jumpers, Merino inner layers worn next to skin, Irish craft knits.

Many wool fabrics are teamed up with the latest membranes, finishes or fleece-filled duvet jackets. The colorful trend for large and bold pattern seen earlier in the year at important fabric and yarn shows have evolved into stripes, checks, plaids in bright colors like yellow, red, black.