Interview with Nuyarn CEO Andy Wynne: Redefining What Merino Wool Can Do
Nuyarn has reinvented merino wool for the trail. In this exclusive interview, CEO Andy Wynne reveals how their patented twist-free technology delivers stronger, lighter, and more sustainable performance gear.
If you’ve ever slipped into a merino wool base layer and wondered how it could possibly get any better, meet Nuyarn! A textile innovation that’s changing the game for hikers, backpackers, and outdoor athletes. Unlike traditional merino, Nuyarn uses a unique twist-free spinning technology that makes wool stronger, stretchier, and more breathable, while staying unbelievably soft against the skin.
To learn more about how this groundbreaking fabric came to life, we sat down with Andy Wynne, CEO and co-founder of Nuyarn. In this exclusive Q&A, Andy shares the story behind Nuyarn’s creation, what makes it so different from standard merino wool, and how it’s paving the way for a more sustainable and high-performance future in outdoor gear.
Q&A with Andy Wynne, Co-Founder & CEO of Nuyarn
Q: Let’s start at the beginning. What inspired the creation of Nuyarn, and what problem were you trying to solve in the outdoor apparel industry?
Andy: The merino wool most active and outdoor consumers wear today wasn't engineered for the demands of their lifestyles—Nuyarn was. Conventional ring spinning and core-spun techniques twist fibres in one direction, creating a rope-like construction. It's an old, generic approach to making yarn that literally twists the performance benefits out of the wool. The results from that are as you would suspect; heavier, slower to dry, prone to itchiness, pilling, and holes. Nuyarn was developed to fix these fundamental problems. Our twist-free yarn technology corrects what conventional ring spinning and core-spun methods get wrong for wool, dramatically improving merino apparel performance. The outcome is a high-performance, long-lasting product that's unrivaled in the market.
Q: For people new to Nuyarn, how would you explain what makes it different from traditional merino fabrics, and why that difference matters for performance?
Andy: Nuyarn® is a patented spinning technology that creates unparalleled yarn structures. Our technology creates two-ply yarn structures that are 35% finer than a conventional ring frame to create a single yarn. Nuyarn's twist-free spinning is mechanically simpler and more efficient. It uses less energy during manufacturing, requires fewer processing steps (which means fewer emissions), and produces less fibre waste because the yarn is more stable during spinning and knitting. Nuyarn is also more durable—up to 50% stronger and 8.8× more abrasion-resistant, making it twice as long-lasting in wear tests.
Q: What do you think surprises people most when they first try on a Nuyarn garment?
Andy: How thin, light, and soft the fabric feels. How quickly it dries, the natural stretch of the fabric, and how it doesn't pill, develop holes, or wear over time like traditionally spun merino garments tend to do.
Q: Sustainability is often used as a buzzword. How does Nuyarn approach it in a truly measurable way?
Andy: Outside of being a natural fibre, conventional spinning (ring-spun or core-spun) requires high tension, twist, and often chemical treatments. Nuyarn's twist-free spinning is mechanically simpler and more efficient. It uses less energy during manufacturing, requires fewer processing steps (which means fewer emissions), and produces less fibre waste because the yarn is more stable during spinning and knitting. Nuyarn is also more durable—up to 50% stronger and 8.8× more abrasion-resistant, making it twice as long-lasting in wear tests. This means garments last longer, reducing how often consumers need to buy new ones—one of the biggest sustainability wins in apparel.
Q: You've partnered with some standout outdoor brands that we love! What do you look for in a company before sharing the Nuyarn technology with them?
Andy: Brands wanting better performance in their product collections with a commitment to quality. We also need to share values around sustainability, natural fibres, and ethical sourcing.
Q: Is there a particular collaboration or product that, in your opinion, really captures what Nuyarn can do?
Andy: Our partners are category leaders in the outdoor industry. There are really no limits to what Nuyarn can do, but some of our biggest product accolades have come from our collaborations with KUIU and their Nuyarn Ultra Merino line, IBEX and their Pro Tech Woolies Nuyarn baselayers, Artilect baselayers, and Le Bent Nuyarn Featherweight Hoodie. We're also thrilled to be working with HOKA. It's a perfect transition to have the best performance fabric in the upper of a performance shoe, offering durability, 4-way stretch, and thermoregulation properties—naturally!
Q: How do you see Nuyarn shaping the future of outdoor apparel as the industry shifts toward natural performance fibres?
Andy: The hope is that other brands will start to understand not only the natural high-performance attributes of wool but the potential for broader applications and product categories. And it's the right thing to do in the textile industry.
Q: Looking ahead, what excites you most about the future of Nuyarn, or the outdoor gear world in general?
Andy: Product extensions. We're seeing incredible opportunities in footwear, women's activewear, and what I'd call outdoor luxury—athleisure, sweaters, and accessories where performance meets everyday style. The technology we've developed doesn't have to be confined to technical baselayers. Wool, when spun correctly, belongs everywhere—from trail runners, hikers, cyclists, and skiers to staple everyday pieces that are comfortable, breathable, and durable.
Southwest Hikes’ Favorite Nuyarn Gear
We’ve tested a ton of gear over the years, and the pieces made with Nuyarn stand out for their comfort, durability, and how effortlessly they handle backcountry miles. Here are a few of our top picks to help you experience Nuyarn for yourself:
- IBEX Woolies Pro Tech Crew – Lightweight, high-performance base layer that stays soft and odor-free for days on end.
- KUIU Ultra Merino 120 Hoodie – Built for backcountry layering with impressive moisture management.
- Minus33 1/4 Zip Sun Hoodie – Ultra-breathable and stretchy, perfect for 3-season hiking and alpine starts.
- Black Diamond Solution Lineup – Buttery-soft, featherlight layers with impressive thermoregulation.
Packing It Out
Nuyarn has proven that innovation doesn’t have to mean synthetic. By rethinking how wool is spun, Andy Wynne and his team have created something that feels familiar yet performs far beyond expectations. For hikers, backpackers, and explorers who want to cut down on gear waste while upgrading their comfort, Nuyarn is setting a new standard in sustainable outdoor apparel.
This article is independent of the supplier and reflects my own opinions. Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission if purchases are made through those links at no additional cost to you.
