MERINO D'ARLES

A product of European Heritage and Artisanship

Posted: April 16, 2024

Two years ago, our ambition to design an insulated outer layer from Merino wool set us on an unexpected journey through the tapestry of European heritage and artisanship. The discovery of Merino d'Arles has led us down ancient pastoral trails in France and into the workshops of Italian master craftsmen. Our ambition has been translated into a vest that truly fulfils the needs of it's designed purpose and is circular in every aspect. Head down below to learn how the Padded Vest weaves together the threads of environmental stewardship, circular design, and the enduring legacy of European craftsmanship.

A close-up of the textured wave knit structure of the Merino d'Arles padded vest.

Circular Design

Together with Knitwear Lab, we set out to design an insulating vest that fully embodies the principles of circularity — an approach ensuring that every element, from fiber to final form, aligns with environmental conservation. Our journey began with a commitment to mono-materiality, a fundamental principle of circular design.


This lead to the discovery of the Merino d’Arles fibre and the search for the perfect marriage between innovative knitwear engineering for enhanced thermal properties and a aesthetically pleasing pattern structure. The outcome of this design, a wave like pattern, pushes the boundaries of conventional knitting to meet contemporary needs,  while the use of high-quality, single-source Merino wool simplifies fiber recovery and processing.

Environmental Stewardship

The Merino d'Arles wool, integral to our vest, has its roots in the ancient transhumance practices of Southern France, where herds are moved seasonally between the lowland and highland pastures. This age-old rhythm, upheld by the "Circle de Qualité"—a dedicated group of around 70 breeders and 100 shepherds—ensures the wool not only exemplifies superior insulation and resilience but also carries with it a deep connection to the land and traditional pastoral life.


These shepherds, like Sergio in Barcelonnette, embody a commitment to preserving this heritage, which is crucial in maintaining the ecological balance and supporting sustainable grazing practices that benefit the region's biodiversity. This wool's story is one of environmental stewardship, economic resilience, and a dedication to European craftsmanship, making it a cornerstone of our design philosophy.


This lead to the discovery of the Merino d’Arles fibre and the search for the perfect marriage between innovative knitwear engineering for enhanced thermal properties and a aesthetically pleasing pattern structure. The outcome of this design, a wave like pattern, pushes the boundaries of conventional knitting to meet contemporary needs,  while the use of high-quality, single-source Merino wool simplifies fiber recovery and processing.

A shepherd overlooking his flock of Merino d'Arles sheep on a mountain slope with trees
Close-up of a person inspecting the fleece of a Merino d'Arles sheep to assess fiber quality.

The Merino d’Arles Fibre

The Merino d'Arles fibre reveals a story written by nature's own design. These sheep produce a wool that is robust yet soft, bearing a thicker diameter of 21 microns that lends itself to superior insulation properties. At the core of the fibre lies its remarkable natural crimp factor.


This natural crimp, a series of uniform bends in the fiber, is more than a textural feature; it is the secret to the wool's expansiveness. This exceptional loft is matched by a higher tensile strength, a testament to the durability that is essential for a truly circular product.

European Craftmanship

The entire production process, from Merino sheep to finished garment, takes place within a controlled European supply chain, reducing carbon emissions associated with long-distance transportation.


This project brings together the skills of French shepherds and Italian artisans, each contributing their knowledge and passion for quality to create a garment that stands as a testament to the legacy of European artisanship.

"A seamstress attaching a UNBORN brand label to the Merino d'Arles padded vest.

Keep on reading

Merino d'Arles: A Product of European Heritage and Artisanship

Merino d'Arles: A Product of European Heritage and Artisanship

An circular design ambition led to the discovery of Merino d'Arles and has taken us down ancient pastoral trails in France and into the workshops...

Read the article..
Uncovering Merino d'Arles PT2 - Une Narration De La Source

Uncovering Merino d'Arles PT2 - Une Narration De La Source

This contemplative short film immerses viewers in the serene and reflective world of a shepherd living in the picturesque valleys of Parc Mercantour. Exploring themes...

Read the article..
Natural Narratives - A lookbook amidst the elements

Natural Narratives - A lookbook amidst the elements

Our maiden venture amidst the elemental beauty of Bergen aan Zee, a realm in the North-West of the Netherlands where the serenity of the beach,...

Read the article..
Uncovering Merino d'Arles - PT1

Uncovering Merino d'Arles - PT1

Merino d’Arles: A breed with a rich history that produces more for the region than  the quality yarns for our upcoming products.

Read the article..
Introducing - The Awareness Collection

Introducing - The Awareness Collection

in 2022, For the first time in our existence, we partook in the barrage of Black Friday deals with a one-off collection, designed for every...

Read the article..
A Casual Glimpse - UNBORN's Inaugural Studio Session

A Casual Glimpse - UNBORN's Inaugural Studio Session

Natural, unscripted moments - no frills, no pretence, just quality knitwear that stands the test of time.

Read the article..
Healing the planet through design - A conversation with Melle Koot

Healing the planet through design - A conversation with Melle Koot

Meet Melle Koot, a Dutch furniture and interior designer, trained in the Cradle 2 Cradle® methodology. His designs are inspired by stories and values and...

Read the article..
UNBORN: The Road to Circularity

UNBORN: The Road to Circularity

Revisit our origin story, a testament to our commitment to creating responsible, long-lasting clothing. A journey from the heart of nature to the heart of sustainable...

Read the article..