materiel index


This page provides an overview of the materials, technologies, and standards used in Wheat’s products. The material index is divided into sections where you can find facts about raw materials, coatings, components, membranes, and insulation, as well as their technical properties.

materiel index


This page provides an overview of the materials, technologies, and standards used in Wheat’s products. The material index is divided into sections where you can find facts about raw materials, coatings, components, membranes, and insulation, as well as their technical properties.

SS26 primary materials by sourcee.g. if a tshirt contains organic cotton as its primary material it is categorized as "plantbased"

PLANT-BASED MATERIALS

Organic cotton is grown without the use of genetically modified seeds and with limited use of synthetic pesticides and artificial fertilisers, in accordance with applicable organic farming standards.

Organic cotton that is third-party certified according to the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) meets an internationally recognised high standard for cultivation, chemical use and social conditions in the production chain, as well as traceability from raw material to finished product. When a product is GOTS-certified, this means that materials, chemical management, social criteria and traceability are documented and third-party verified in accordance with the GOTS standard.

GOTS conducts annual audits at both Wheat and Wheat’s suppliers.

Elastane in which a share of the fossil raw materials is replaced with plant-based raw materials. The material is not biodegradable.

Natural fibre derived from the flax plant. Typically requires fewer inputs during cultivation compared to conventional cotton.

MATERIALS FROM ANIMALS OR FORESTRY

Leather and suede are made from animal hides originating from animals raised for food production. Wheat uses leather from tanneries certified by the Leather Working Group (LWG), and we primarily use LWG-certified leather classified as GOLD standard, which indicates documented environmental practices in accordance with LWG’s scoring system.

LWG is an association of leather manufacturers committed to responsible leather production, with requirements relating to:

  • Use of chemicals
  • Wastewater management
  • Energy consumption
  • Waste management
  • Traceability and documentation

The purpose is to reduce the environmental impact of leather production. LWG certification is a process and production standard and does not constitute a guarantee of animal welfare or climate neutrality, but documents improved environmental practices at the tannery level.

Wool comes from sheep and is known for its temperature-regulating properties. Many of Wheat’s wool styles are certified according to the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS), which sets requirements relating to, among other things:

Animal welfare: Prohibition of mulesing, requirements for animal health, feeding, access to water, proper shearing and handling of the animals.

Land and nature: Requirements for grazing practices, soil protection, biodiversity and prevention of overgrazing.

Social conditions: Requirements relating to working conditions, wages, working hours and rights of agricultural workers.

Traceability: The wool must be traceable from farm to scouring facility, spinning mill and all the way to the finished product.

Silk is a natural protein fibre with a fine structure and low weight. In our silk–wool blends, silk is used solely to increase the material’s softness, durability and shape retention. The combination of silk and wool results in a material with good temperature-regulating properties and a smooth surface that reduces friction against the skin.

Natural rubber is derived from rubber trees (Hevea brasiliensis). Natural rubber is primarily used for rubber boots. Our natural rubber comes from FSC-certified forestry and is therefore traceable.

Rubber made from rubber waste from production or from used products. Recycled rubber is primarily used for shoe soles.

Synthetic rubber used in outsoles, known for durability and grip.

SYNTHETIC & RECYCLED FIBRES

41% of Wheat’s outerwear collection consists of recycled nylon or recycled polyester certified according to the Global Recycled Standard (GRS).

Recycled nylon and recycled polyester may be made from recycled plastic sources such as fishing nets, industrial waste or PET bottles, depending on the supplier and raw material stream.

Nylon is a synthetic fibre made from oil. It is known for its high strength and abrasion resistance.

Synthetic fibre made from oil. Used for strength, shape retention and quick drying.

Synthetic fibres with high elasticity, providing stretch and freedom of movement.

Elastane in which a share of the raw material comes from recycled sources.

Regenerated cellulose fibre made from wood pulp through a chemical process.

Regenerated cellulose fibre made from wood pulp through a process in which the majority of the solvent is recycled during production.

Durable, flexible plastic material used in footwear, often in soles and protective layers.

Top 10 Material split SS26

COATINGS & FINISHES 

Fluorine-free water-repellent finish that makes a material water-repellent without the addition of PFAS. Used on, for example, thermal wear and technical outerwear.

Oil derived from cotton seeds from organic agriculture. The oil is used as a water-repellent coating on outerwear. Found in the ss24 spring jackets Magda and Lefi.

A polyurethane coating in which water is used as the carrier instead of organic solvents and oil.

Polyurethane-based water-repellent coating. The material is a synthetic polymer made from fossil-based raw materials and is typically produced using organic solvents. Wheat’s PU coating is produced by a supplier certified according to the Global Recycled Standard (GRS), which sets requirements for chemical management, wastewater handling and the working environment in production.

COMPONENTS

Zippers and buttons

Metal buttons are made from a combination of copper and stainless steel, selected for strength, durability and resistance to corrosion. These components are in frequent contact with the skin and are therefore tested for heavy metals and nickel release. All metal components comply with EU chemical requirements for children’s products.

Plastic buttons are made from POM, a hard and durable type of plastic known for its stability and durability. As plastic components in children’s clothing, they are tested for restricted substances such as phthalates, formaldehyde residues and other chemicals regulated under EU legislation.

The textile tape in our zippers is made from PET polyester, selected for strength and flexibility. The material is tested to ensure compliance with chemical requirements for textiles used in children’s clothing.

Zipper sliders and certain end stoppers are made from stainless steel for durability and abrasion resistance. These components are tested for nickel release and heavy metal content due to regular contact with the skin.

Some zipper teeth and end components are made from resin-based plastic, selected for strength and smooth functionality. These components are tested for phthalates, PAHs and other restricted substances relevant to plastic components in children’s products.

In Wheat’s clothing collection, buttons made from coconut shells are used.

PADDING & LINING

Wheat’s puffer jackets are padded with a synthetic insulation material developed as an alternative to down and feathers. The material traps air in fine fibres and provides effective thermal insulation, even in damp conditions. It is used as padding in outerwear to deliver lightweight, soft and reliable warmth.

Wheat’s thermal wear, thermal rainwear and technical outerwear are padded with an insulating material made from 100% recycled polyester.

The lining in Wheat’s winter boots and slippers is made from a combination of wool and polyester (50% / 50%), providing both warmth and durability.

MEMBRANES

Tex is a functional membrane designed to resist water penetration while allowing moisture to pass through.

TECHNICAL FEATURES

Abrasion refers to a material’s resistance to wear. It is measured using the test method ISO 12947-2:2016, also known as the Martindale test. Abrasion resistance is measured in cycles, where the material is rubbed against a rough surface until it begins to wear through.

Abrasion resistance scale:

5,000 – 10,000 Light use

10,000 – 20,000 Normal clothing

20,000 – 40,000 Durable outerwear

40,000+ Very high abrasion resistance

Waterproofness describes a material’s ability to resist water penetration. Waterproofness is stated as water column pressure measured in millimetres. The test method measures how high a column of water can stand on the material before water begins to penetrate.

Water column scale:

1,000 – 3,000 mm Water-repellent / light rain

3,000 – 5,000 mm Waterproof in showers and light rain

5,000 – 10,000 mm Suitable for play in the rain

10,000 – 20,000 mm Very waterproof – heavy rain

20,000+ mm Extremely waterproof (outdoor, skiing, etc.)

Breathability indicates a material’s ability to breathe, meaning to allow moisture and vapour to escape so the child remains dry and comfortable during movement. Breathability is measured in grams per m² per 24 hours. Wheat’s technical outerwear, for example, has a breathability of 8,000 g/m²/24h, meaning that up to 8,000 grams of water vapour can pass through one square metre of fabric over a 24-hour period.

Breathability scale:

3,000 – 5,000 Low – suitable for light use

5,000 – 8,000 Normal breathability

8,000 – 12,000 Good – suitable for active play

12,000 – 15,000 Very good

15,000+ Extreme – sports and high-performance

The recommended temperature for outerwear is determined using a CLO laboratory test, which measures a material’s insulation capacity. You can see how much cold Wheat’s outerwear is designed to withstand by clicking on the relevant product on the website and scrolling down to the overview of technical features.

CHEMICALS & PRODUCT SAFETY

50% of Wheat’s SS26 collection is GOTS-certified.

For GOTS-certified products, strict requirements apply to the use of chemicals throughout the entire production process. GOTS prohibits the use of toxic and problematic substances, including chemicals known to be harmful to human health or the environment, including but not limited to:

  • PFAS (fluorinated substances)
  • Heavy metals (e.g. lead, cadmium, mercury)
  • Azo dyes that can form carcinogenic aromatic amines
  • Formaldehyde
  • Phthalates
  • Nonylphenols and nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEO/APEO)
  • Chlorine bleaching
  • Organic solvents and other problematic auxiliaries


Compliance with the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is ensured at the supplier level through a control system in which only approved chemicals may be used, all chemicals and processes are documented before and during production, wastewater and environmental impact are monitored, finished products are laboratory-tested for residual chemicals, and the entire system is verified through annual—and in some cases unannounced—third-party audits. This ensures that both the process and the finished product comply with GOTS’ chemical and environmental requirements.

35% of Wheat’s SS26 collection is GRS-certified.

For GRS-certified products, requirements apply to the use of chemicals throughout the entire production process in order to protect both people and the environment. This means that a wide range of problematic substances—including PFAS, heavy metals, formaldehyde, phthalates and APEO/NPEO—are prohibited or strictly limited in production. The finished product is verified through laboratory testing to ensure that residual chemicals do not exceed the established limit values.

OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 is an internationally recognised product safety and chemical testing standard that verifies that textiles and product components have been tested for harmful substances in amounts that may pose a risk to human health.

When a product is OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certified, this means that all its components—fabric, thread, prints, buttons, zippers, coatings, etc.—have been laboratory tested for hundreds of problematic chemicals, including:

  • PFAS and other fluorinated substances
  • Pesticides
  • Heavy metals
  • Formaldehyde
  • Phthalates
  • Allergy-causing dyes
  • Carcinogenic and endocrine-disrupting substances

Limit values are particularly strict for products worn close to the skin, and even stricter for baby and children’s textiles. OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 focuses on the finished product—not on whether the fibre is organic or recycled, but on whether it is chemically safe to wear.

SS26 products certified by Oeko-Tex Standard 100