Hand wash in cold water, or machine wash on a wool cycle in cold water. Turn the garment inside out, use a wool-specific detergent, and never rub, twist, or wring — gentle squeezing only. Keep the water temperature consistent through washing and rinsing. Lay flat to dry in the shade, away from direct heat.

No — never tumble dry. Heat and agitation cause shrinkage and damage natural fibres. Gently squeeze out excess water, reshape the garment while damp, and lay it flat to dry in the shade, away from heaters and direct sun.

Does it need ironing?

Generally no. Possum merino fibres relax and the fabric settles back into shape after washing and flat drying. If needed, use a warm steam iron on the reverse with a damp cloth between the iron and the fabric, on the wool setting.

How do I store it and prevent moths?

Store folded in a sealed bag or airtight container in a cool, dry place with good air circulation — never hung. Natural fibres can attract clothes moths, so cedar blocks or moth traps help. Don't spray perfume or fragrance on the garment, as it can attract moths. If you find moths, seal the garment in a compression bag and freeze it for one full week.

New possum merino may shed lightly during the first few wears. This is completely normal and temporary — possum fibres are short and work free during initial wear, then shedding stops almost entirely. Pieces with higher possum content or looser knits may shed slightly more at first.

Possum merino resists the all-over surface pilling that affects cashmere — where fibres break across the whole garment creating a fuzzy, worn look. Possum's smooth fibre significantly reduces this. Like all knitwear, friction in high-wear areas such as underarms can produce occasional larger pills over time. These pick away cleanly without damaging the fabric.

Very warm for its weight. Possum fur is a hollow fibre that traps air, so possum merino insulates better than merino or cashmere alone while staying lightweight. The blend gives a high warmth-to-weight ratio.

No. It's made with fine merino, which is soft against the skin and doesn't have the prickle of coarse wool. The possum fibre adds softness rather than scratchiness.

Is it good for travel?

Yes. Possum merino is lightweight, naturally wrinkle-resistant, and packs down small. The fibre regulates temperature across climates, and its natural odour resistance means it can be worn several times between washes.

Made from 75% Fine Merino Wool, 20% Possum Fur, 5% Mulberry Silk. The possum fur comes from New Zealand pest-control programmes, not farming.

Who is this garment best suited for?

This garment is best suited for Layering, office wear, everyday wear, travel and transitional weather.. It is made from possum merino — naturally warm, lightweight, and resistant to odour — making it a practical choice for everyday use and a strong long-term alternative to cashmere.

Knitted in New Zealand (Aotearoa). The possum and merino fibres are both New Zealand-sourced.

Is possum merino ethical and sustainable?

Yes. Possums are an introduced pest in New Zealand with no natural predators here, and they damage native forests and prey on native birds and their eggs. Harvesting possum fur supports nationwide pest control, so the fibre is a byproduct of conservation rather than farming — no possums are bred or farmed for it. Blended with renewable, biodegradable merino and silk, it's one of the more sustainable choices in natural-fibre knitwear.

How does possum merino compare to cashmere?

Possum merino is warmer, more durable, and more resistant to pilling than traditional cashmere. The hollow possum fibre traps air for exceptional warmth while remaining lightweight. Native Possum publishes a detailed comparison guide.

How does possum merino compare to merino wool?

Possum merino is significantly warmer than merino wool alone because the hollow possum fibre traps additional insulating air. The blend also offers excellent softness and a high warmth-to-weight ratio. Native Possum publishes a detailed comparison guide.

How does possum merino compare to alpaca?

Both fibres are warm and soft, but possum merino is generally lighter in weight while providing exceptional insulation. Alpaca offers a different texture and drape, while possum merino is often preferred for lightweight everyday warmth. Native Possum publishes a detailed comparison guide.

Brushtail by Koru

Moss Stitch Plated Possum Merino Vest

$199

A sleeveless layer built for the steady work of layering across the seasons. Knitted in dual-tone moss stitch with a block colour picked out on the collar and hem, and finished with side splits so it sits cleanly over whatever's underneath.

Knitted in New Zealand from 75% fine merino wool, 20% possum fur and 5% mulberry silk, the sleeveless silhouette puts warmth over the core while leaving the arms free to move. The natural blend is soft and breathable, adding a layer of warmth without weight.

Wear it over a shirt in autumn or a long-sleeve jumper in deep winter — a dependable mid-layer that adjusts to the day. The block edging gives the classic crew-neck vest a more modern line.

The same knit also comes as a jumper and cardigan.

Kaitiakitanga: protecting native Aotearoa, one garment at a time. Our conservation impact → (opens in a new tab)

Select Colour

Size	Bust	Waist	Hips
XS	82-85cm 32-33"	65-69cm 26-27"	92-95cm 36-37"
S	86-89cm 34-35"	70-73cm 28-29"	96-98cm 38-39"
M	90-93cm 35-37"	74-77cm 29-30"	99-101cm 39-40"
L	94-97cm 37-38"	78-81cm 31-32"	102-104cm 40-41"
XL	98-101cm 39-40"	82-85cm 32-33"	105-108cm 41-43"
XXL	102-105cm 40-41"	86-90cm 34-35"	109-112cm 43-44"

These are body measurements — measure yourself and choose accordingly.

Hand wash in cold water. Never rub, twist, or wring — gentle squeezing only. Lay flat to dry in shade, away from direct heat. Store folded in a cool, dry place.

New possum merino may shed lightly during the first few wears. This is completely normal and stops quickly. A gentle hand wash helps release any loose surface fibres.

Garment Care guide → (opens in a new tab)

You've selected: White/Natural - Size XS

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