Reflecting noble luxury and refinement, new lightweight materials are of key interest to designers, retailers and bespoke tailors. Beyond demanding perfected fits and wool’s signature aesthetic, discerning consumers expect emotional, sensorial tactility in garments. Responding to luxury market demands, leading Italian and English spinners and weavers are introducing exclusive fine-micron and fabrics, derived from rare Australian merino. Stylesight explores Baruffa Group’s finest wool yarns for first-class sweater knits, cut-and-sew , and wovens. Vogue Australia December 2012 / Elizabeth Debicki in wool, on location at Haddon Rig, a Merino wool farm in New South Wales.

With seductive, magnetic charm, lighter weight but often still densely constructed wovens and knits are key on men and women's runways and at trade shows. Wool—traditionally a winter —evolves with cutting-edge superfine qualities from 150s and 180s up to 250s. Offering noble refinement and unique trans-seasonal possibilities, wool moves beyond its pastime connotations. Gossamer knits / Posh / Lightweight jerseys / Dense, hefty yet lightweight Finest wool Fabrics F/W 13

Limited Edition - finest wool yarns Zegna Baruffa Lane Record Bale - finest wool fabric Borgosesia Finest wool Fabrics Taylor & Lodge

Meticulous fiber selection from choice breeds, along with revolutionary and , is core to new noble wool productions. Wools characterized by strength, elasticity, fluidity, low pilling and extraordinary soft touch / Prestigious wools position against cashmeres / Only vicuna, made from Andean goat fleece, compares with these elite wools / Top wool yarns and fabrics: Record Bale super 250s, 11.1 micron (Loro Piana); super 200s, 13 micron; Taylor & Lodge super 200s, 13.5 micron / Limited Edition super 200s, 13.75 micron (Baruffa) / Ambassador super 180s, 14.5 micron (Dormeuil) / Super fine merino Finest Wool Trophy (Ermenegildo Zegna)

Made from carefully selected Australian flocks, Limited Edition by Zegna Baruffa is one of the world's finest wools. 100% super 200s / Nm 2/80 / Guaranteed sheep nutrition and pasture quality / interference is reduced to a minimum / Only calm sheepdogs are used, avoiding herding operations / Sheep receive high protection from parasites / Yarns for unique garments / Soft, light, sophisticated and seductive Botto Poala offers precious wool yarns for knitwear, wovens and hand knits; at 15.75 micron, its fine Absolut is a standout. 100% superfine 160s / Superior soft hand / Nm 2/60, 2/80, 3/80, 2/100, 3/100 / For flat machine knitwear, fineness 16 to 18 / Wet finishes / Unique mélange color effects / Comprehensive color card Fine, elegant Millennium yarns by Zegna Baruffa Lane Borgosesia have unique softness, superior whiteness and subtle shine. 100% superfine 120s / Nm 2/60 and 2/80 / Superior whiteness of raw materials permits infinite color opportunities / Regular and round yarns for perfect plains and classic jersey Introduced for S/S 13 knitwear, Brandnew Wool derives from an exclusive spinning process. 100% superfine 120s / Nm 2/60 and Nm 2/80 / Smart wool performances like moisture management, pilling resistance, easy machine washing, easy tumble drying / Contemporary knitwear, loungewear, yogawear, travelwear, sportswear Created in the late 1970s by Zegna Baruffa Lane Borgosesia, Cashwool blends top quality with a high-design aesthetic. Extrafine merino of medium fineness less than 19.5 micron / 100% extrafine wool / Cashwool Solid, Melange, Supermelange and Mouliné; Nm 2/30, 2/36, 2/48 / Long-lasting knitwear / Normal pressing finish with a lot of steam for excellent regular effects and to enhance yarn softness and bulk / Light milling in water using wool softener at temperatures below 35°C, centrifuge, tumble dry / Cashwool Candies: bright pastel nuances for baby and womenswear