material index


This page provides an overview of the primary materials used in Wheat's products. The index is divided into sections with information about raw materials, coatings, components, membranes and insulation, as well as technical properties.



material index


This page provides an overview of the primary materials used in Wheat's products. The index is divided into sections with information about raw materials, coatings, components, membranes and insulation, as well as technical properties.



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.

Wheat is certified to the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) by Control Union, certificate number: GOTS-20398. The GOTS standard is recognized as the leading processing standard for textiles made from organic fibres worldwide. It defines high level environmental criteria along the entire supply chain of organic textiles and requires compliance with social criteria as well.

Only products which carry the GOTS label and claim are certified.

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.

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 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), and is primarily used for rubber boots in Wheats collection. We are in the process of FSC-certifiying our rubber boots to ensure the rubber is derived from responsible and traceable forestry.

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


TR stands for thermoplastic rubber and is a synthetic rubber used in outsoles for footwear. TR rubber is used for its good elasticity and grip.

Wool is a natural fibre derived from sheep. It has been used for centuries for its ability to insulate in cold weather, stay breathable, regulate body temperature, and hold its shape wash after wash. We consider wool the perfect base layer, especially for Autumn and Winter.

SYNTHETIC MATERIALS

The main materials used in Wheat’s outerwear collection is recycled polyester and recycled nylon made from pre-and post consumer plastic waste.

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.

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 Polyurethane 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

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.

Buttons made from coconut shell are used in Wheat’s ready-to-wear collection.

Silicone is a synthetic material primarily derived from silica (sand) and oxygen, combined with organic compounds

To ensure that our jackets are waterproof, all seams are taped on the inside. For this taping, we use TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) and PU (polyurethane).

TPU and PU are flexible and durable materials that effectively prevent water from penetrating the seams, even during movement and repeated use.

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 thermo wear, thermo rainwear and technical outerwear is 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 used in footwear designed to resist water penetration while allowing moisture to pass through and allow for breathability.

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

water resistance describes a material’s ability to resist water penetration. water resistance 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.

CHEMICAL REQUIREMENTS

Products certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard adhere to the chemical limit values defined in the standard's Restricted Substances List.

Read about the chemical restrictions of GOTS in section 7 of the standard here.

Certified by Control Union, GOTS-20398

Products certified by the Global Recycled Standard (GRS) contain recycled content that has been independently verified at each stage of the supply chain, from the source to the final product. In addition, social, environmental, and chemical criteria related to processing are required.

Read about the chemical restrictions in section D of the GRS here.

Certified by Control Union 1198955

Products certified by OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 adhere to the chemical limit values defined in the standard's Restricted Substances List.

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.

Download the OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 to read more here.

Certified by the Danish Technological Institute, certificate no: 1876-283 and 2476-421R