Frequently Asked Questions
How do you Ship?
For all information on our shipping please click here.
What is your Returns Policy?
For all information on our returns policy please click here.
How can I Contact Someone at Wilderling?
The best way to contact us is via email: info@wilderling.co.nz or through our contacts page. Please no direct messages on our social media channels. We will aim to respond to emails within 24hours - excluding weekends and public holidays.
Where are Wilderling Products Made?
All Wilderling clothing and accessories are made in New Zealand. We have a highly skilled team of cutters and sewers based in Christchurch, New Zealand that make all our baby and children's wear. Our knitwear is crafted in Auckland, New Zealand by a talented knitwear expert.
Is Wilderling a New Zealand Brand?
Yes, Wilderling is a family owned and operated business. All clothing is designed in Queenstown - a town situated in the lower South Island of New Zealand. And all Wilderling clothing and accessories are cut and manufactured in New Zealand by a skilled team of craftspeople.
Where is Wilderling Located?
Wilderling is located in Queenstown, a town in the lower South Island of New Zealand. We do not have a physical store and sell exclusively online. All orders are shipped from Queenstown. People who live in Queenstown have 'Free Local Delivery'. If you wish to see Wilderling products in store, head to our 'Stockists' page for further details.
What if what I want is Sold Out?
We may have sold out online, but be busy in the background making more. If what you want is sold out, please get in touch with us and we will be able to let you know if we will be restocking this product. Because we make limited numbers of each style, we do not hold a huge amount of stock - therefore making sure you are on our mailing list will ensure you are up to date with current drops.
What Type of Merino Wool does Wilderling use?
We only use certified, ZQ Merino wool. ZQ is an established grower standard, owned and operated by The New Zealand Merino Company Ltd. ZQ Merino is recognised by the ISO/IEC 17065:2012 standard. The merino is guaranteed to be sustainably farmed, ethical and quality wool. ZQ Merino wool is audited by a third party to prove the high standards are maintained. All wool which Wilderling sources, is 100% from New Zealand Merino sheep. Not only is it a world class, quality fibre - but it is also ensures the quality of life for its animals. For more information on ZQ merino, please visit their website here.
Is Merino Wool Ethical?
For those of you not familiar with New Zealand farming practices, merino sheep are an especially resilient breed, which means they can be raised in geographies that are too extreme for other domesticated breeds without becoming stressed. For example, Merinos thrive in New Zealand’s South Island high country. The natural characteristics of their wool keep them cool in the summer when temperatures climb to 35 degrees celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit) and warm in the winter when they drop to -15 degrees celsius (5 degrees Fahrenheit). The sheep are typically brought to lower country in the spring for shearing. This relieve's them of their heavy winter coats in time for the warmer season. Sheep shearing is the process by which the woollen fleece of a sheep is cut off them. Similar to a human having their head shaved at a hair salon. The person who removes the sheep's wool is called a shearer. This process happens typically once a year and like human hair, the fleece of a sheep grows back. Meaning it is a naturally renewable resource. At Wilderling we take this a step further and only source ZQ Certified Merino Wool. This certification means that the wool is audited by a third party to ensure the following standards are met: animal welfare, environmental sustainability, quality of fibre, wool is traceable to the source, and socially responsible (the farmers). To find out more about our ZQ Certification, please visit the ZQ Merino Website here.
Is Merino Good for a Baby?
Yes, Merino wool is one of the safest fibres to use on babies. As the main function of clothing is to enable us to be comfortable under a range of climate conditions, merino wool fibres knitted into a jersey fabric are highly recommended to be worn close to skin. Knitted fabrics are ideal because of their extensible nature, not restricting movement and soft to touch feel. Merino fibres have the added properties of being able to wick moisture from the skin, meaning a baby will not overheat while wearing a lightweight merino fabric fabric against the skin. In addition merino fabrics can be machine washed, to ensure good hygiene is maintained.
Do Babies Sleep in Merino Wool?
Yes, it is recommended to clothe a baby and children in fabrics with low flammability and high breathability for nightwear. To ensure low flammability clothing must be close-fitting and be made up of fibres such as wool. Wool fibres have low flammability properties because they have a Limiting Oxygen Index (LOI) of 26, a high ignition temperature and high moisture content. At Wilderling we only use fabrics made from 100% Merino fibres. We do not use blends and as a result can rely on our fabrics to be proven to have low flammability and therefore extremely safe to use in sleepwear for kids and young babies. In fact, merino wool clothing which fits closely to the body is recommended for everyone, as a safe option for pyjamas and clothing. In addition, merino and natural fabrics will not omit a harmful smoke, when ignited and therefore add to their safety in flammable situations.
Can Babies Wear Merino in Summer?
Yes, the unique characteristics of merino fibres enable them to be a trans-seasonal fabric able to keep babies warm in winter and cool in summer. The property that allows this is the fibres ability to absorb moisture (perspiration) and expel or wick it to the outside of the fabric, where it is evaporated into the atmosphere. This not only limits the chance of a baby overheating but also keeps them cool while in warmer temperatures.
Can Merino Clothing Be Worn in Hot Weather?
Yes, merino wool fabrics can be worn in warmer temperatures. As merino wool fibres have the ability to absorb moisture and wick it away from the body, keeping the skin dry and free from perspiration. However, comfort is a very personal preference and depending on the temperature other aspects of garment construction such as fit and design can come into play. For instance a long sleeved merino top worn as a base layer under a top is the ideal layering piece for cooler temperatures, to keep a child warm. In warmer climates a merino singlet or t-shirt would be more appropriate on their own.
Does Merino Wool Shrink?
Merino wool fabrics can be machine washed and will keep their shape and not shrink when correct laundering practices are adhered to. Merino clothing must be washed in cold water, on a special 'wool wash cycle', using only specifically formulated wool detergents. To dry it is recommended to line dry out of direct sunlight. Sunlight can damage the fabric and cause fading of colour, especially for light coloured merino fabrics, which will fade to yellow.
Why Can't I put Merino Clothing in the Dryer?
Merino clothing and accessories cannot be put in a dryer to dry them. The heat causes shrinkage and will not extend the life of your precious merino garment. To ensure longevity of merino clothing, it is recommended to line dry hanging or flat on a towel and to avoid direct sunlight. For a more comprehensive guide to washing your merino clothing and accessories please click here.
Who stocks Wilderling products?
We have partnered with a wonderful local stockist in Arrowtown who shares similar values to us around supporting local, and buying quality, natural products. Please see our Stockist page for further details.
Do you Wholesale?
Yes, we are open to discussion around wholesaling partnerships, please get in touch to see if our values align and we could work together.
Am I able to follow you on Instagram or Facebook?
Yes, come along and see how it is all done.
Any Unanswered Questions?
Please feel free to contact us here.