A great classic Kiwi Yarn

A Great Classic Kiwi Yarn: Merino Possum, Reimagined

At NZ Charly, we don’t just design knitwear — we knit stories, values, and heritage into every piece. Working in the fashion industry for many years, I’ve seen the excessive waste and unsustainable practices that are far too common, from overproduction to landfill-bound leftovers. That’s why I founded NZ Charly with a deep commitment to creating slow fashion — thoughtfully designed, ethically made, and built to last.

I believe it’s the collective responsibility of designers and manufacturers to change the course of fashion — to move away from fast trends and toward garments that honour people and planet. We’re proud to do just that with every NZ-made knitwear piece we release.

Where It All Begins: Conscious Yarn Sourcing

I'm proud to partner with Perino Yarns, who responsibly source and blend our natural fibres. And, full circle moment — our knitwear is produced on-site at Auckland University of Technology, where I also studied fashion and experimental textiles.

Introducing the Great Kiwi Classic

Over the next few weeks, I’ll be introducing you to our yarn and colour selections — each with a memory, story, or feeling attached. First up: “Chocolate” — a rich, earthy yarn that’s more than just a colour. It’s a connection to my childhood. Think fishing trips to Tolaga Bay Wharf, sausages on sticks crackling over a beachside fire, and thick knit jumpers that felt like home.

This heavier-weight yarn is made from 100% New Zealand-sourced fibres: 50% ZQ-certified Merino wool and 50% Possum down. The combination creates a luxurious, insulating knit that’s both rugged and refined — perfect for winter layering or snuggling up in front of a fire.

Why Merino Possum?

• Thermoregulating: Keeps you warm in winter and cool in autumn's transitional chill.
• Hypoallergenic: Naturally gentle on sensitive skin.
• No Pilling: Thanks to the hollow structure of possum fibres, garments resist wear and stay looking new for longer.
• Lightweight Yet Warm: Warmer than cashmere and lighter than standard wool.
• Anti-microbial: Merino wool resists odour and bacteria, so garments stay fresher for longer.

Together, these fibres transport moisture away from the skin and regulate body temperature, making them ideal for all-day comfort in New Zealand’s cooler seasons.

At NZ Charly, this “Chocolate” fibre blend represents the very best of Kiwi craftsmanship — a nostalgic nod to simpler times, reimagined for a conscious future.