This is one of my personal favourite vests. It is knitted in the round, so no side seam. Incredibly light, soft, warm and comfortable. The 176cm size will fit a teenager or small adult. I cannot recommend this vest highly enough!

• 45% organic cotton, 35% organic Merino wool and 20% silk
• ribbed for extra warmth and comfort
• knitted in the round with no side seams

This garment is made from a fabric blend comprising 20 % silk, 35 % wool and 45 % organic cotton. This blend combines the thermo-regulating properties of soft fine wool with the silkiness of pure silk and durability of cotton.

The organic Merino wool used in this garment is certified to GOTS organic standards. These are very high standards which control the organic status of the grass and food that the sheep eat, as well as all aspects of the processing of the wool, and also sets high standards for animal husbandry. In this fabric, Merino wool is combined with pure silk.

The Merino sheep usually thrive in mountainous areas at high altitudes resulting in wool which has many benefits when worn next to the skin and about the body.

• Wool absorbs moisture into the centre of the fibre, so that it still feels dry on the outside. This is very healthy for your skin - your skin stays dry while the wool can absorb up to 33% of its own weight while feeling dry.
• Wool "breathes", releasing its moisture out into the atmosphere. It does this dynamically in response to the environment, so if you or your child is active and sweating more, wool works harder for you. Wonderful.
• Wool is also naturally anti-bacterial, dirt-resistant and very stretchy, making wonderful clothes that are easy to put on and take off, excellent for dressing babies and children.
• Merino wool has also been proven to absorb UV across the whole range of the spectrum, giving excellent lightweight sun protection in the summer too.

Wool is therefore a wonderful temperature-regulator, slowing down the effects of changes of temperature and helping prevent sweatiness by absorbing moisture and releasing it in response to the environment.

Find out more about the properties of wool here in our blog here.

The health benefits of wool are being revealed time and time again. Studies have shown that it's better for the health of premature babies if they are nursed on wool rather than cotton and it's better for the skin of hospital patients if they lie on wool rather than polyester.

Wool helps sleep too. At least two studies show that people get a better night's sleep with wool around them - people go to sleep more quickly, sleep longer and have better quality sleep too.

Please note that under EU labelling regulations, stating the type of wool is not allowed, only a statement of "100% wool" or "new wool" is allowed. However, this garment is certified organic Merino wool.

For centuries, silk has been known as the premier fabric to wear next to the skin. It is very smooth, so it's non-irritating, and it has good insulation properties giving it good warmth for its lightness. It is also naturally antibacterial and healthy for the skin.

Combining the Merino wool and silk gives the thermo-regulating properties of soft, fine wool with the silkiness of pure silk on the skin.

This garment can be machine washed on a 30C wool wash.

Use a detergent designed for wool which protects and replenishes wool's natural oils as sold in our fabric care category here.

Air-dry naturally avoiding direct heat. So, hanging on a drying rack over the bath is good, or on a clothes horse. Mine often end up over the back of chairs or on the washing line in the shade (I haven't had a problem with the the heat of the English being too hot, yet, but direct sunlight is not good for wool).

Re-shape while still damp.

Cosilana is one of the best German brands for high quality Merino wool, silk and organic cotton underwear and sleepwear. Their fabrics are of the highest quality, certified organic by independent regulators including SKAL and IVN.

All of Cosilana's products are made in Germany. All the dyestuffs used are free from heavy metals and free from harmful AZO-dyes. The wool is certified by IVN to be a natural textile of high quality. Cosilana say “The future of our children is in our hands. In addition to a healthy and pollution-free diet, we can improve our personal well-being by wearing environmentally-friendly textiles. Our skin is our largest and most important organ. Our goal is to produce a natural, healthy and eco-friendly product. High quality at a fair price. That is our philosophy.”