ISPO Award Winner 2024: Second Cut Fleece Jacket by Smartwool

The Second Cut Fleece Jacket by Smartwool is more than just a piece of apparel; it’s a milestone in sustainable innovation. Crafted with 79% upcycled materials, including 22% pre-consumer Smartwool Merino wool scraps and 57% upcycled GRS-certified recycled polyester, it represents a significant step in the brand’s commitment to circularity. By repurposing 350,000 pounds of fabric waste from their Classic Thermal Merino Base Layers production, Smartwool not only extends material lifecycles but also transforms a zero-waste vision into a tangible reality. 

This achievement aligns with Smartwool’s dedication to reducing pre-consumer waste while delivering high-performance products. The Merino wool component adds natural temperature regulation, moisture wicking, and odor resistance, ensuring practicality alongside its eco-conscious design. Luke Cebula, Smartwool’s Global Brand Marketing Manager, highlights the importance of this milestone: “Winning an ISPO Award for our new apparel fabric made from pre-consumer waste shows that our circularity efforts do not go to waste.” 

Engineered with sustainability and comfort in mind, the Second Cut Fleece Jacket offers a blend of Merino wool and recycled polyester that feels as good as it performs. The super-soft fabric is both cozy and durable, catering to all-weather wear. Merino wool’s natural properties enhance the jacket’s functionality, providing moisture management, temperature regulation, and odor resistance—critical features for outdoor and active lifestyles. 

This isn’t Smartwool’s first foray into circularity. Over the last four years, the brand has collected and recycled socks to combat post-consumer waste, earning its first ISPO Award. The Second Cut Fleece now builds on this legacy, winning another ISPO Award for its innovative use of pre-consumer waste. As Cebula explains, “This new apparel fabric reinforces that sustainability and circular design can work hand in hand without compromising on performance.” 

Notably, the jacket achieves a CLO Fabric Warmth Rating of 1.15, demonstrating its ability to provide reliable warmth in varying conditions. For retailers and consumers, it’s a product that bridges environmental responsibility and high performance, offering a tangible solution to modern sustainability challenges. 

The Second Cut Fleece Jacket is a testament to what’s possible when innovation meets responsibility. By incorporating 79% upcycled content and emphasizing zero-waste production, Smartwool continues to lead the way in sustainable apparel. For consumers, it’s a versatile, high-performing choice. For the industry, it’s a blueprint for the future of circular design. 

Smartwool’s commitment to reducing waste while delivering premium quality proves that sustainability and performance are not mutually exclusive but complementary. With the Second Cut Fleece, the path to a circular future feels warmer, softer, and more durable than ever. 

• Made up of 79% upcycled content (22% pre-consumer Smartwool Merino wool scraps combined with 57% upcycled GRS certified recycled polyester) 
• Designed with circular principles