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 50% New Zealand Merino Wool, 40% New Zealand Possum Fur, 10% 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 Everyday wear, winter wear, travel, commuting and outdoor walks.. 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.

Which brand makes this garment?

This garment is made by Koru, a New Zealand knitwear brand known for premium possum merino garments and accessories.

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.

Koru

Fairisle Zip Possum Merino Jumper

$399

Traditional Fairisle detailing brings understated character to this quarter-zip possum merino jumper. The patterned band across the chest and upper sleeves adds subtle contrast against the marled knit, creating a timeless design that's equally suited to weekends away or everyday winter wear.

Knitted in New Zealand from 50% merino lambswool, 40% New Zealand possum fur and 10% mulberry silk, it delivers impressive warmth without unnecessary weight. The natural fibre blend is soft, breathable and comfortable throughout the day, while the quarter zip lets you adjust the stand collar as temperatures change.

Easy to layer over a T-shirt or collared shirt, it also sits comfortably beneath a jacket on colder days. The classic Fairisle pattern offers a considered nod to traditional knitwear while remaining versatile enough for everyday wear.

Also available in a jacket.

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

Select Colour

Size	Chest	Waist
S	92cm (36")	77cm (30")
M	97cm (38")	82cm (32")
L	102cm (40")	87cm (34")
XL	107cm (42")	93cm (37")
XXL	112cm (44")	99cm (39")

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: Riviera/White - Size S

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Koru

Fairisle Zip Possum Merino Jumper

$399

... ›

Also available in a jacket.

Care: Hand wash in cold water. Never rub, twist, or wring. Lay flat to dry in shade and store folded. New possum merino may shed lightly at first — this is normal and stops after a few wears. A gentle wash helps release any loose fibres. Garment Care guide → (opens in a new tab)

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