Icebreaker FW12 Press Kit

Fall/Winter 2012 is Icebreaker’s Boldest, Brightest Season Ever 

-‐ Water-‐resistant jackets, stylish trench coats, versatile sweaters and winter bike garments are 

among season’s highlights -‐ 

Wellington, New Zealand (December, 2011) – Fall/Winter 2012 will be merino pioneer 

Icebreaker’s boldest and most technically innovative season ever. 

Icebreaker has two new innovations in water-‐resistant merino outer layers, both based on the 

company’s popular Realfleece – pure merino that has been brushed to create a fabric that is 

lightweight yet exceptionally warm, soft and luxurious. 

Realfleece Nano jackets use bluesign®-‐accredited nanotechnology to resist water, mud and oil, while 

a new range of merino-‐insulated soft shell jackets have a triple-‐layer construction that is windproof 

and water resistant. 

Icebreaker is also launching its first-‐ever collection of trench coats. The stylish fashion pieces are 

designed for travel and city living, yet have a windproof laminate that gives them the same 

functionality as the company’s outdoor garments. 

Visit our online Media Room -‐ media.icebreaker.com – for more information

GT Bike is a tightly-‐focussed range of cycle jerseys, pants and accessories in seasonal colours, while 

the Black Sheep range of fine knitwear features new styles for lifestyle and travel. 

New hoodies, zips and half-‐zip sweaters are so versatile that they work as well on the ski slopes as 

they do in the city. Completing the look are fresh styles of socks, hats and scarves, some of which 

have been hand dip-‐dyed to give an exceptional richness of colour. 

Icebreaker has consolidated its underwear and Bodyfit base layer ranges to create a complete 

collection of next-‐to-‐skin layers made from soft, warm, highly breathable merino wool. 

Rob Achten, Creative Director and Vice President of Product, says Icebreaker offers comprehensive 

top-‐to-‐toe merino layering systems for the outdoors, technical sports and lifestyle. 

“We have a very confident set of new styles with bright, sophisticated colours and bold designs. This 

is the strongest, most innovative collection we’ve ever produced,” says Achten. 

“Our garments are full of functional features, from the hidden pockets on the trench coats to the 

asymmetrical zip on the Carve Zip, our new technical mid layer. We’re also fusing nature and 

technology to create new innovations in merino.” 

Fall/Winter 2012 sees an explosion of colour for Icebreaker. Merino colours tend to be washed out, 

but Icebreaker has widened the colour palette to include rich, deep jewel tones, brights and accents. 

Editors Note: Images from the Spring/Summer 2012 line are available for your use here. For more 

details about the season’s products, see our full media releases here. Please let us know how we 

can help further. 

If you need more information, images or samples of garments, please contact the Icebreaker PR 

contact in your country. 

About Icebreaker 

Launched in 1994, Icebreaker was the first company in the world to develop a merino wool layering system for 

the outdoors. It was also the first outdoor apparel company in the world to source merino directly from growers, 

a system it began in 1997. Icebreaker merino clothing for the outdoors, technical sports and lifestyle includes 

underwear, mid layer garments, outerwear, socks and accessories for men, women and children. Icebreaker is 

based in Wellington, New Zealand, and is sold in more than 3000 stores in 43 countries. 

### 


Icebreaker Creates High-‐Tech Line of Water-‐Resistant Merino Jackets 

-‐ Merino innovator uses nanotechnology and triple-‐layer construction to increase performance -‐ 

Wellington, New Zealand (December, 2011) – Icebreaker is breaking new ground by fusing 

nature and technology to create water-‐resistant jackets made from the world’s best merino wool. 

The New Zealand-‐based 

company has two innovations in 

water-‐resistant merino outer 

layers for Fall/Winter 2012: 

Realfleece Nano jackets, and 

merino-‐insulated soft shell 

jackets. 

Both lines feature Icebreaker’s 

popular Realfleece fabric, 

nature’s alternative to a 

synthetic fleece. The pure 

merino in Realfleece has been 

brushed to create a fabric that 

is lightweight yet exceptionally 

warm, soft and luxurious. 

The new Realfleece Nano jackets are the Kodiak Zip and Kodiak Hood for men, and the Arctic Zip and 

Arctic Hood for women. Conventional water-‐resistant fabrics use chemical coatings that reduce 

breathability, causing clamminess and overheating, but Realfleece Nano jackets contain tiny nano 

particles that attach themselves to the merino fibre -‐ leaving tiny pockets of air to maintain 

breathability. 

While most fabrics have a large surface area for water droplets and dirt particles to cling to, nano 

particles have a ridged surface that reduces contact area and increases resistance to abrasions. 

Water, oil and mud simply run off, and any remaining dirt can be easily rinsed off with water. 

The technology used in Realfleece Nano is accredited by bluesign®, an independent global standard 

for low-‐pollutant textiles, environmentally-‐friendly production and responsible management of 

resources. 

Icebreaker’s second technological innovation, the merino-‐insulated soft shell jacket, uses triple-‐layer 

construction to create garments that are warm, windproof, water-‐resistant and machine-‐washable. 

The Teton Zip and the Teton Hood for men and the Kenai Zip and the Kenai Hood for women have 

pure merino Realfleece fabric next to the skin, a windproof polyurethane layer in the middle, and a 

water-‐resistant polyester layer on the outside. 

Visit our online Media Room - media.icebreaker.com – for more information

Rob Achten, Icebreaker Creative Director and Vice President of Product, says Realfleece Nano and 

merino-‐insulated soft shell jackets were designed in response to customer demand for stylish, 

water-‐resistant merino jackets. “Lightweight insulation is a major trend this winter,” he says. 

“We’re combining the best of merino with added technology for even greater protection against 

what nature throws at you.” 







CONTACT 

Jo Miller 

+64 (4) 901 5203 

jo.miller@icebreaker.com 

### 


Icebreaker Launches Best-Ever Kids Collection and Reduces Prices 

- Mountain-tested ski socks, cosy hats and a music-enabled jacket are among season’s highlights – 

- Suggested retail prices of key styles reduced by up to 25 percent - 

Wellington, New Zealand (January 2012) – Icebreaker’s Fall/Winter 2012 range is the 

company’s strongest-ever Kids collection, with tops, tanks, leggings, jackets, socks and hats for ages 

one to 14. With the introduction of this assortment, Icebreaker has reduced the prices of many of its 

key styles by up to 25 percent. The popular Bodyfit 200 Mondo Zip had a suggested price of $55, 

now its MSRP has been lowered to $45, and the suggested retail price of Bodyfit 260 Tech Top is 

reduced from $70 to $55. 

Michelle Mitchell, General 

Manager of the Kids collection, 

says, “Once kids try our clothing, 

they love the warmth and 

softness of the garments. Parents 

soon discover that Icebreaker 

clothing not only keeps kids 

warmer and happier when 

playing in winter’s playgrounds, 

but it also lasts multiple seasons 

and through multiple kids.” She 

adds, “We reduced our prices so 

more parents will invest in highquality 

merino apparel for their 

kids.” 

Here’s an overview of the new prices: 

Merino Weight Garment Style Previous Suggested Retail Price New Suggested Retail Price 

Bodyfit 200 Tank $35 $30 

LS Top - Little Kids $50 $35 

LS Top - Big Kids $50 $40 

Legging $45 $40 

Oasis Crewe $45 $40 

Mondo Zip $55 $45 

LS Hoody $60 $50 

Bodyfit 260 Legging $60 $50 

LS Crewe $60 $50 

Tech Top $70 $55 

Adventure Hoody - $55 

Realfleece 260 Camper Jacket - $90 

Camper Hoody $100 $100 


New this season is the Camper Jacket, which features a chest pocket with a buttonhole to allow easy 

access to the cords of an MP3 player. Made from soft, luxurious Realfleece fabric – a favourite with 

Icebreaker’s adult customers – the pure merino Camper Jacket is warm and cosy yet super 

lightweight. The Camper Jacket can be layered under a waterproof shell, but when worn alone it 

withstands drizzle and damp - making it an ideal choice for kids who refuse to wear rain jackets. 

Also new this season is the Adventure Hoody, a great everyday cover-up with a kangaroo pocket, 

and the Camper Hat, made of non-itch Realfleece fabric. 

New prints on long-sleeve tops and hoodies include skateboarding bears, a shattered ice graphic and 

a hand-drawn Japanese bird illustration. Kids’ prints are split into two categories: cute, animal-based 

prints for ages one to four, and funkier, more sophisticated prints for ages five to 14. 

Icebreaker has widened its Kids colour range to include rich, jewel-like shades. New colours are 

Cherub, a rich pink; Grass, an intense green; and Gulf, a vivid blue that gives girls a great alternative 

to pink. 

The company has bought bold new colours to refresh its Snow Mid over the calf ski sock, which was 

recently tested in the mountains by Icebreaker’s alpine team. The team - five kids aged from five to 

12 - wore the ski socks for nine days straight. The Snow Mid socks passed the test with flying 

colours, resisting odour and preventing blisters and chafing. 

Mitchell says seeking kids’ opinion on Icebreaker garments is vital.“We always listen to feedback 

from kids and their parents to help us make sure our garments will be worn again and again – and 

won’t just stay in the closet,” she says. “Fall/Winter 2012 is our strongest season for Kids ever. 

We’ve created the safest and most comfortable clothing for families who play outside in the cold 

this winter.” 

Icebreaker merino is the perfect layering system for kids because it regulates temperature, is 

firesafe and sunsafe, breathes to prevent overheating, is soft and non-itch against the skin, resists 

odour, dries fast and is machine washable. 







CONTACT 

Jo Miller 

+64 (4) 901 5203 


### 


Icebreaker Creates the Perfect Winter Cycle Collection 

- Merino wool innovator launches New Fall/Winter 2012 Collection of 

Core Garments for Serious Cyclists - 

Wellington, New Zealand (December, 2011) –Icebreaker has created the essential 

winter riding collection with its latest line of merino cycle jerseys, tops, pants and 

accessories. 

Matching performance with style, Icebreaker’s Fall/Winter 2012 GT Bike collection is a 

tightly-focused range of cycle garments in fresh seasonal colours. 

The new LS Viva Jersey for women and LS Circuit Jersey for men are built from midweight 

fabric, to be worn solo or layered for warmth. Both jerseys bristle with functional features, 

including a three-panel pocket, reflective piping for visibility, and a loophole to 

accommodate cords from MP3 players. 

Icebreaker also introduces ¾-length pants for cycling in fall, winter and spring. The Halo ¾ 

Pant for women and the Cadence ¾ Pant for Men have anatomical cushioning, Ponte-knit 

fabric for durable and shape retention, and a gripper hem to prevent ride-up. 

Both ¾-length pants have ergonomic, multi-panel construction, with eight panels in the 

Halo and six in the Cadence. 

The New Zealand-based merino pioneer continues its dynamic, nature-inspired prints and 

introduces a fashion-forward colour palette of neutrals, saturated brights and accents. 

New women’s bike colours for Fall/Winter 2012 are Cherub, a jewel-like pink, and Ruby, a 

rich red, while the men’s range sees the introduction of Turf, an intense green, and Nova, a 

darker blue-green. 

GT Bike is constructed from the world’s best merino, enhanced with LYCRA® for a fit and 

shape retention. Icebreaker’s core garments for serious cyclists regulate temperature, 

resist odour and are highly breathable to prevent clamminess and overheating. 

Rob Achten, Creative Director and Vice President of Product - and a veteran of the gruelling 

transcontinental Race Across America bike race - says the new collection is ideal for 

winter cycling. “We’ve extensively wear-tested our Fall/Winter 2012 garments to ensure 

they give riders unbeatable performance during those freezing cold morning rides,” he 

says. 

“When you’re out on a bike this winter, nothing will feel better against your skin than 

Icebreaker merino.” 



Launched in 1994, Icebreaker was the first company in the world to develop a merino wool layering 

system for the outdoors. It was also the first outdoor apparel company in the world to source merino 

directly from growers, a system it began in 1997. Icebreaker merino clothing for the outdoors, technical 

sports and lifestyle includes underwear, mid layer garments, outerwear, socks and accessories for 

men, women and children. Icebreaker is based in Wellington, New Zealand, and is sold in more than 

3000 stores in 43 countries. 

### 


Black Sheep Merino – the Ultimate Winter Travel Collection 

-‐ Icebreaker adds new travel and lifestyle pieces to its exclusive Black Sheep knitwear range -‐ 

Wellington, New Zealand (December, 2011) – Merino innovator Icebreaker has boosted its 

premier Black Sheep knitwear range with versatile new garments for lifestyle and travel. 

Black Sheep was an instant classic when it was launched in Spring/Summer 2012, and Icebreaker has 

now added even more style elements to the range for Fall/Winter 2012. 

Combining lightweight luxury with 

contemporary design, new Black 

Sheep styles for women have extra 

features designed specifically to 

enhance travel. 

The Athena Funnel is warm enough to 

withstand chilly airports, has a tunnel 

neck that cinches to become a cosy 

hood, and boasts a hand-‐warming 

kangaroo pocket. It’s also long enough 

not to ride up while you’re lifting your 

suitcase into the plane’s overhead 

lockers. 

To cut down on luggage, the invertible Athena Wrap is one garment that doubles as two: it can be 

worn as a long sweater, or as a shorter wrap. With hidden pockets, ribbed sleeves and an inner 

pocket with a hold for a media cord, the Athena Wrap couldn’t be more functional or versatile. 

Also in the women’s Black Sheep collection are the sleek, geometrically-‐patterned Aurora Zip and 

the stunning dip-‐dyed Aurora Half Zip. Both are crafted from a super-‐soft rib knit and feature a mock 

turtleneck. 

For men, two new Black Sheep garments make strong style statements without compromising on 

functionality. The Orion Cardigan has a bright horizontal stripe, while the Orion Sweater has a 

colour-‐contrasting shawl colour. 

Two garments launched in Spring/Summer 2012 have been refreshed with vivid new colours: the 

women’s LS Athena V now comes in Ruby, a rich, jewel-‐like red; while the men’s Aries Hood is now 

available in grey Jet with horizontal stripes in Grass, a fresh green. 

Black Sheep is made from best-‐quality merino wool, with the yarn knitted into a fine gauge to create 

the softest, finest fabric Icebreaker has ever made. 


Rob Achten, Creative Director and Vice President of Product, expects the Fall/Winter 2012 styles to 

be even more popular than the previous season’s Black Sheep garments. “We’ve hidden functional 

details in stylish silhouettes to create high-‐end, versatile pieces for lifestyle and travel.” 







CONTACT 

Jo Miller 

+64 (4) 901 5203 


### 


Icebreaker Consolidates Its Merino Underwear And Base Layer Ranges 

-‐ Merino innovator creates comprehensive collection of next-‐to-‐skin layers for Fall/Winter 2012 -‐ 

Wellington, New Zealand (December, 2011) – Merino pioneer Icebreaker is consolidating its 

underwear and base layer ranges to create a complete range of next-‐to-‐skin layers made from soft, 

warm and highly breathable merino wool. 

The New Zealand-‐based company previously had three weights of Bodyfit active base layers made 

from pure merino wool: ultralite 150, for all-‐season wear; lightweight 200, for cool conditions; and 

midweight 260, for cold conditions. Icebreaker also offered Nature underwear for women and Beast 

underwear for men. 

From Fall/Winter 2012, Icebreaker 

has taken the best styles from Bodyfit 

150, Nature and Beast to create a 

premium underwear collection called 

Bodyfit Underwear. 

The consolidated Bodyfit collection 

will consist of Bodyfit Underwear, 

Bodyfit 200 and Bodyfit 260. 

Icebreaker’s move will make it easier 

and quicker for consumers to choose 

the right next-‐to-‐skin layers for their 

needs, and will strengthen the 

Bodyfit range – which is Icebreaker’s core collection. 

Bodyfit Underwear will include tops, camis, tanks, leggings, briefs and bras for women, and tops, 

tanks, leggings, briefs and boxers for men. Garments are made from 150-‐weight merino wool -‐ the 

company’s lightest weight of fabric – and most contain a touch of LYCRA® for fit and comfort. 

Rob Achten, Creative Director and Vice President of Product, says bringing premium underwear into 

the same range as Bodyfit 200 and Bodyfit 260 creates a comprehensive collection of base layers 

and underwear that customers can easily find in stores on a single fixture. 

“These sporty, sexy and classic next-‐to-‐skin styles were created by nature to be soft, breathable and 

odour resistant. They regular body temperature, so they’re warm in the cold and cool in the heat,” 

says Achten. 

“Everyone who tries our underwear and active base layers loves the way they feel against the skin.” 


Fall/Winter 2012 is also Icebreaker’s brightest, boldest season ever, with core neutrals, deep jewel 

tones and lively brights featuring across the Bodyfit underwear and base layer collection. 

Seasonal colours for women include: Wisteria, a mid purple; Cherub, a rich pink; and Gulf, a strong 

blue jewel tone. Cadet, a mid-‐tone blue, and Turf, an intense green, are among the vivid new 

colours for men. 

It’s also a season for technological innovation for Icebreaker, with the introduction of dip dying and 

photographic digital printing on many of its lightweight Bodyfit 200 garments. 







CONTACT 

Jo Miller 

+64 (4) 901 5203 


### 


Merino Trench Coats Star in Icebreaker’s Fall/Winter 2012 Collection 

-‐ Elegant merino trench coats and jackets combine functionality with classic tailoring -‐ 

Wellington, New Zealand (December, 2011) – Merino innovator Icebreaker has winter covered 

with its new range of wind-‐resistant trench coats, jackets and hooded coats. 

Icebreaker’s sophisticated lifestyle pieces have sharp urban styling teamed with the warmth, 

softness and luxury of the world’s best merino. 

Women’s coats often have fewer functional features than men’s, but all the garments in 

Icebreaker’s Skyline collection for women and Legacy collection for men feature equally high-‐quality 

hardware, trims and detailing. Each also has a windproof membrane to ward off the chilliest winter 

gusts. 

Highlights of the collection are Icebreaker’s first-‐ever trench coats – the Skyline Trench for women 

and the Legacy Trench for men. 

“Everyone is getting excited about our trench coats,” says Rob Achten, Creative Director and Vice 

President of Product. “They’re stylish fashion pieces designed for city living or for travel, but the 

windproof laminate gives them the same functionality as our outdoor garments.” 

Both trenches feature stretchy internal cuffs for further protection against cold, heavyweight zips 

and a collar that can be worn up or down. The trenches also have a roomy inside pocket – large 

enough for a map or passport – that contains a small, secret zipped pocket, ideal for cash or cards. 

The Skyline Jacket for women and the Legacy Coat for men have the same internal cuffs, along with 

a double inside pocket and zipped chest pockets. 


With the added comfort of a lined hood with a drawcord for the perfect fit, the Skyline Hood for 

women and the Legacy Hood for men have a handy inside stash pocket and a two-‐way front zip with 

a storm flap. 

The lining on all Skyline and Legacy garments features a subtle topographical map of New Zealand’s 

Southern Alps, with bright accents showing the location of the sheep stations that provide 

Icebreaker with the fine merino wool for its premium garments. 







CONTACT 

Jo Miller 

+64 (4) 901 5203 


### 


Icebreaker Adds New Colours and Styles to its 

Everyday Thermal Underwear Range 

-‐ Entry-‐level thermal underwear is the perfect weekend-‐wear for Fall/Winter 2012 -‐ 

Wellington, New Zealand (December, 2011) – New styles, fresh colours and the performance 

benefits of nature’s merino will give more consumers a reason to make the switch from synthetic 

fabric to Icebreaker this season. 

For Fall/Winter 2012, merino wool pioneer Icebreaker is 

extending its entry-‐level Everyday range of pure merino 

thermal underwear. 

New this season is a Long Sleeve Zip for men and women, a 

Boy Short for women, and a super-‐comfortable Boxer Brief 

with Fly for men. 

Icicle (light blue) and Peony (pink) join Everyday’s colour 

palette for women, while Planet (navy blue) and Cave (grey) 

extend the men’s range. 

“Once consumers try Everyday, they’ll never reach for 

synthetics again,” says Rob Achten, Creative Director and 

Vice President of Product. 

“Whether you’re camping, taking the dog for a walk or standing on a windswept pitch watching the 

football, these layers will keep you warm and comfortable. Everyday thermal underwear pieces 

quickly become your go-‐to garments when the weekend rolls around.” 

Made from stretchy rib fabric for comfort, Icebreaker Everyday tops and bottoms are soft, non-‐itch, 

and easy care. These lightweight layers are warm in the cold and cool in the heat. 

Unlike synthetics, Everyday layers resist odour naturally and are highly breathable to prevent 

clamminess and overheating. 







### 


CONTACT 

Jo Miller 

+64 (4) 901 5203 



Icebreaker’s Fall/Winter 2012 Sweaters 

Equally at Home in the City and the Outdoors 

-‐ Expanded range of sporty, versatile merino hoodies and sweaters 

bring an explosion of colour to winter -‐ 

Wellington, New Zealand (December, 2011) – New Zealand-‐based merino wool pioneer 

Icebreaker has launched its boldest, brightest winter ever with a stunning new collection of mid 

layers. 

The merino adventure apparel company has created a Fall/Winter 2012 line of soft, lightweight, 

pure merino sweaters that are versatile enough for any occasion – from a hike in the hills, to an 

après-‐ski celebration, to winter travel. 

These streamlined hoodies, zip and half-‐zip sweaters team with Icebreaker’s base layers to create an 

essential winter core layering system that’s equally at home in the city as it is roughing it in the 

outdoors. 

For women, new sweater styles include the Solstice Half-‐Zip, the Nexus Half-‐Zip, the Lily Zip, the 

Tempest Zip and the Tempest Hood, all in Icebreaker’s warmest weight of fabric. The Lily Zip has 

bouclé-‐knit construction and ribbing, while both Tempest styles include a kangaroo pocket with 

media cord port. 

Midweight styles for women include the cosy Zephyr V and Zephyr Hood, both of which have cover 

stitch details for added flair, and the Crush Hood, with its drawcord hood and terry loop fabric. 

For men, the new Carve Zip is creating buzz with its bright asymmetrical colour accents on the left 

shoulder and arm. A technical mid layer made from GT320 terry fabric, the Carve has an internal 

cuff with a watch window, raglan sleeves for mobility, and an offset zip to prevent zip stacking. 

Joining our alpine-‐inspired mid layers are the Legion Zip, with contrasting sleeve and collar panels, 

and the Polaris Zip and Crosscut Zip, both with sleek alpine styling. All three sweaters are made from 

Icebreaker’s warmest weight of fabric, yet the highly breathable merino wool prevents overheating. 


The explosion of new styles comes with an explosion of colours: core neutrals and melanges, rich 

jewel tones, and striking brights and accents. Rob Achten, Creative Director and Vice President of 

Product, says the theme is Stealth: “Powerful colour that sneaks up on you from the dark recesses of 

the palette”. 

Seasonal colours include five blues -‐ navy blue Admiral, dark blue Nova, royal blue Cobalt, mid-‐blue 

Cadet and vivid blue Gulf – in addition to red Ruby and pink Cherub. There’s an army green, Cargo, 

an intense green, Turf, and the zesty Mandarin as a bright accent. 

“We’re on trend with our boldest, brightest winter ever. The design is classic but sporty, with a 

strong après-‐ski vibe,” says Achten. 







CONTACT 

Jo Miller 

+64 (4) 901 5203 


###

Icebreaker FW12 Press Kit

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?