A gift to her, from nature
Shop Gifts For Her
30 Years of Pioneering Natural Performance: The icebreaker Legacy
From a bold NZ startup to global leader - explore icebreaker's 30-year journey revolutionizing outdoor apparel with merino wool. Discover our innovations, sustainability mission, and limited-edition anniversary collection.
Roots in the Southern Alps: Where It All Began
In 1995, a young entrepreneur named Jeremy Moon made a revelation while standing on New Zealand's rugged South Island:
"Why are we making outdoor gear from oil when nature already perfected the solution?"
🔹The First Prototype: A merino wool base layer tested on Pohuenui Island's extreme slopes
🔹Early Believers: NZ mountain guides who needed Odour-resistant, all-weather performance outdoor gear
🔹Breakthrough Moment: Creating the world's first natural layering system inspired by merino sheep biology
Defining Moments: Three Decades of Innovation
The 2000s: Proving Merino's Potential
â—Ź 2003: Scaled production to meet global demand
â—Ź 2007: Set new industry standards with ZQ animal welfare certification
The 2010s: Technical Advancements
● 2014: Launched Cool-Lite™ blend for tropical climates
â—Ź 2016: Introduced 10-year grower contracts for supply chain stability
The 2020s: Sustainability Leadership
â—Ź 2020: Pledged 100% plastic-free materials by 2025
â—Ź 2023: Expanded global repair and recycling programs
2025: Celebrating 30 Years
â—Ź Retro 150 Tech Lite reissue in original 1995 colors - 100% merino fabric for all-natural performance View Our Anniversary Collection
â—Ź Special anniversary edition of the O-zip - an iconic pullover that's been an icebreaker staple since the beginning
Why icebreaker Still Leads Today
1. Farm-to-Garment Integrity
We maintain direct relationships with 60+ NZ merino stations, ensuring:
â—Ź Regenerative farming practices
â—Ź Industry-leading animal welfare (no mulesing, ever)
â—Ź Full traceability from sheep to shelf
2. Performance Through Nature
Our fabrics outperform synthetics by:
- Adapting to body temperature
- Naturally resisting odours
- Breaking down without microplastic pollution
3. Circular By Design
- Repair programs to extend garment life
- Natural fibres, no microplastic
"We don't make clothes for seasons - we make them for generations." 
Learn more about the icebreaker way
Join the Celebration
1. Share Your Story
Post your oldest icebreaker gear with #icebreaker30 for a chance to be featured
2. Limited Edition Drops
Vintage-inspired pieces with modern performance
3. Behind the Scenes
Exclusive content with our growers, designers, and ambassadors
