Dale of Norway is introducing garments knitted from natural, undyed wool. Sourced from sheep with a variety of fleeces ranging from light to dark tones, this wool offers a rich, naturally heathered appearance. The wool is visually sorted by color, creating a stunning palette of brown and gray shades that highlight the wool’s raw authenticity.
Now featured in iconic pieces like the 1994 women’s sweater, the Setesdal unisex sweater and jacket, and in a trio of newcomers, these garments are crafted from premium, lightweight, undyed wool sourced from Uruguay. The wool utilizes the natural tones of the animal fiber, which is sorted and blended into beautiful mélanges, resulting in a limited range of natural colors that showcase the purity and versatility of undyed wool.
The process behind this wool is minimal — it’s carefully washed to remove odor but remains completely untouched by dyes. Eliminating the dyeing process reduces water and energy consumption and removes the need for dye-related chemicals. This brings forth a new generation of garments with an authentic and fresh look.
“The authenticity and natural quality of undyed yarn align perfectly with our brand,” says Håkon Dyngeland Solem, Creative Director at Dale of Norway. “These primordial colors have a unique brilliance and represent something authentic and natural, adding a sense of uniqueness to the garments. Introducing undyed wool to our collection is a natural step for Dale of Norway, as it reconnects us with our early beginnings and a time when wool was available only in its natural, undyed form.”
“Over time, however, technological advancements and changing consumer preferences shifted the focus away from naturally pigmented wool. For a long time, it was avoided by the textile industry. Knitting garments with this material once again restores value to a resource that is often discarded as waste,”
he continues. “At the same time, it is a complex process that places greater demands on our design team. They only have a limited number of natural colors to work with, and shades can vary from batch to batch. As a result, designs that work well one year may not translate as effectively the next. Still, the advantages far outweigh the challenges,” he concludes.
This approach preserves the integrity of the wool, resulting in pieces that are as stylish as they are thoughtful. By embracing this natural process, Dale of Norway is not only honoring the tradition of craftsmanship but also encouraging customers to invest in high-quality pieces that align with their values, all while enjoying the exceptional quality, durability, and style for which Dale of Norway is renowned.
