Sub Zero Cardigan

A heavyweight cardigan that performs like a puffer jacket in sub zero conditions.

CHF 745
Colour: grey marl edition

Model is 5ft 11 / 180cm with a 38 inch / 97cm chest, and wears size Medium.

  • Made with 1.3 kilos of superfine alpaca and lambswool
  • Tested in sub zero conditions
  • Tailored for a regular fit

Is it possible to design a cardigan that can outperform most puffer jackets? We decided to find out by building the first Sub Zero Cardigan. While the average cardigan weighs under 500 grams, at 1.3kg our Sub Zero Cardigan weighs nearly as much as our Titan Puffer.

Engineered from two incredibly powerful natural insulators – lambswool and superfine alpaca wool – the Sub Zero Cardigan is designed to keep you warm even in sub zero temperatures. We know this because we’ve tested in the same way we test our puffer jackets. By taking it to a cryochamber.

Tailored for a regular fit, it comes with a thick shawl collar that can be raised and fastened at the throat like a built-in scarf, five large bioresin buttons big enough to be done up even with freezing hands, and ribbed cuffs and hem to trap warm air at the wrists and waist.

Technical Details

Yarn made in Italy: 50% superfine alpaca, 50% organic lambswool
Undyed and organic
Wool sourced from South America
Mulesing-free
Knitted in London
Twisted bouclé yarn for an irregular, bobbled finish
Shawl collar with throat fastener
Ribbed cuffs and hem for a snug fit
Two chunky hip pockets
Five button single breasted construction
Material is Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified
Constructed with a 1.5 gauge knit
Cardigan weighs 1300 grams
Hand wash only
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BUILDING A CARDIGAN THAT CAN OUTPERFORM MOST PUFFER JACKETS

Is it possible to design a cardigan that can outperform most puffer jackets? We decided to find out by building the first Sub Zero Cardigan. Engineered from two incredibly powerful natural insulators – lambswool and superfine alpaca wool – the Sub Zero Cardigan is designed to keep you warm even in sub zero temperatures. So we tested it in the same way we test our puffer jackets, by taking it to a cryochamber.

You normally test arctic vehicles or missile components in cryochambers. Not cardigans.

WE TESTED IT IN AN INDUSTRIAL CRYOCHAMBER

You normally test arctic vehicles or missile components in cryochambers, not cardigans. But while the average cardigan weighs under 500 grams, at 1.3kg our Sub Zero Cardigan weighs nearly as much as our Titan Puffer. So we put our test subject in the cardigan in the chamber and told them not to move. With the thermostat set to -6°C, our test subject’s arms, chest, back and neck remained comfortable and warm for over half an hour while standing completely still. We only had to take them out as we hadn’t given them any gloves.

WE STARTED WITH ALPACA, AN ALL-NATURAL SUPERMATERIAL

Alpaca wool is one of the most extraordinary natural materials on the planet. It’s as soft as cashmere, warmer than sheep’s wool, and contains no lanolin so it’s hypoallergenic. Native to the Andean plateau of South America, alpacas have evolved over millennia to survive the harsh conditions of the mountains where altitudes vary between 3,500 and 5,000 metres, and intensely hot days are followed by sub zero nights. Their fleeces have become a livelihood for native Andean communities, providing them with a constant source of warm clothing and income. 

While the average cardigan weighs under 500 grams, at 1.3kg our Sub Zero Cardigan weighs nearly as much as our Titan Puffer.

WARM IN THE COLD AND BREATHABLE IN THE HEAT

Alpaca fibres are hollow. So when it’s cold they are highly effective at trapping and retaining heat. When it’s hot, they quickly absorb and wick away sweat much faster than other natural materials, with some studies showing alpaca fibres outperforming Merino wool fibres by more than 80%. This makes alpaca wool one of the most versatile and adaptive natural materials on the planet. The hollow fibres also give it a high ‘thermal capacity to weight ratio’, so even a small amount of alpaca wool keeps you warm. And we used loads of it.

The Sub Zero Cardigan is so thick and warm it can double as a duvet.

MADE IN THE FOOTHILLS OF THE ITALIAN ALPS

The yarn in our Sub Zero Cardigan is spun by Sesia, a carbon neutral mill in the foothills of the Italian Alps. Known for their responsible approach to fashion, they specialise in organic natural materials and hold multiple ethical and environmental accreditations from bodies including OEKO-TEX, ICEA, and the Better Cotton Initiative. The wool is certified free from the harmful practice of mulesing and the yarn is left totally undyed, so the colours seen in the finished product are a reflection of the natural fleeces of the alpaca and the sheep.

Size + Fit

The Sub Zero Cardigan has a regular fit.

Size XS S M L XL XXL
Fits chest 83 - 90 91 - 98 99 - 106 107 - 114 115 - 122 123 - 130
Fits waist 71 - 76 76 - 81 81 - 86 86 - 91 91 - 96 96 - 101
Size XS S M L XL XXL
Fits chest 33 - 36 36 - 39 39 - 42 42 - 45 45 - 48 48 - 51
Fits waist 28 - 30 30 - 32 32 - 34 34 - 36 36 - 38 38 - 40