Wildhaven Wools was born out of a need and a creative spark. As an Alaskan mom, my kids needed warm base layers but I couldn't find wool ones they wanted to wear. Eventually, my frustration at the "morning dressing battle" pushed me to do something about it.

When my kids were younger, they would wear poly base layers or cotton under their rain and snow suits. They hated getting dressed to go outside. They would complain that they were cold or hot or sweaty. They were uncomfortable. I tried wool ones but all the brands were too itchy for their sensitive skin. It would cut our outdoor play sessions short. They weren't able to be present in nature and neither was I. We were all unhappy.

But I knew how important outdoor play is for kids. I have the most wonderful memories of being lost in the woods as a child. I wanted that for my children. So I pulled out my sewing "superpower" and decided I'd make them some really good wool base layers.

I pulled out some superfine merino wool jersey I was saving for a special project and started to sew. I found a "grow-with-me" pattern that I knew was sized to fit for a few years. If I was gonna make really great base layers (from expensive fabrics!) for toddlers, they'd better fit for more than one season.

From the moment my kids put these layers on, they loved them. They were cute, comfy and warm outside all day. They were even machine washable! I loved how easy it was to get them ready to go outside and they loved how soft and cozy they were. We took some pictures and put them on Instagram, just to brag a little ;). Then some amazing friends reached out to see if I could make some for their kids...

Wildhaven Wools was born.

Turns out those wools layers are not only my kids favorite base layers, they are some of their favorite clothes EVER. I have continued to modify the design over 5 years and 100s of prototypes to make, what I think, are the very best kids base layers possible. Testing over time has helped tweak the grow-with-me design, so I know it fist for years, and refine details like putting darker colors on the cuffs (duh) and reinforced patches on the knees. A lot of thought and years of testing goes into our products and I think our customers would agree with me that it shows.

That is the other AMAZING thing that these wools have built. Our customers are the absolute best! We are building a community of like-minded families who value outdoor play, sustainability and slow fashion. I am so proud of all we are building here at Wildhaven and excited to see what the future brings!

Julia Billings

Founder

Wildhaven Wools