The American Great Plains Bison - Bison Down Accessories
All the benefits of wool that you have grown to love, but better!
Raising bison for generations, the Miskin family have spent the past thirteen years developing a supply chain that brings together small mills, local designers, and large ranches. The mission of this partnership: preserve America's national mammal, the American Plains Bison.
Bison down is insulating, lightweight, wicking, durable and comfortable. From high end fashion accessories to functional outdoor apparel and accessories, this fabulous fiber is versatile and benefits many lifestyles.
PEOPLE "IN THE KNOW, KNOW BISON DOWN
Hands down bison down is the best protection from the elements. Even if a bison is covered with ice and snow, it is still warm. Its coat is insulating, lightweight, moisture wicking, durable, soft against the skin, cozy and comfortable. The fiber has a micron count of about 15, comparable to a good cashmere. Plus, the fiber is hypo-allergenic.
BISON DOWN IS INSULATING
No matter the temperature or conditions, bison naturally possess the perfect coat to keep them comfortable. In the winter, they grow a fine, soft undercoat that keeps them insulated in extreme conditions. It only takes up to 8oz of this fiber to keep bison comfortable in below -60 F temperatures. Its natural texture creates air pockets and traps dead air, creating a fantastic buffer against cold. In the spring, bison shed this undercoat allowing them to easily manage warmer temperatures.
BISON DOWN IS MOISTURE WICKING
Bison can absorb over 35% of their dry weight before feeling wet, outperforming synthetics which feel wet after absorbing less than 7%. Since bison manages moisture so efficiently, odor-causing bacteria do not have the moist environment they need to thrive.
BISON DOWN IS EASY CARE
Just toss your American bison down apparel and accessories in the washing machine. You can even toss them in the dryer. The fiber is a solid protein, so they will not shrink.
BISON DOWN IS NOT WOOL
Bison down fiber is not wool, it is wholly different. It has a short crimpy fiber, with a very minimal scale scructure, much like a coiled spring. When you touch a bison, you are compressing the springiness, so it feels soft. The texture is not prickly and rough making a much more comfortable wear than wool.
BISON DOWN & SILK
WHY WE LOVE BISON DOWN
Exceptional Warmth: Bison down is known for its incredible insulating properties, providing superior warmth in cold weather.
Softness: It's as soft as cashmere, making it incredibly comfortable to wear against your skin.
Hypoallergenic: It's naturally hypoallergenic and less likely to cause irritation or allergies.
Moisture-Wicking: It effectively wicks moisture away from the body, keeping you dry and comfortable.
Temperature Regulation: It helps regulate body temperature, keeping you warm in winter and cool in summer.
Durability: It's incredibly strong and long-lasting, ensuring your accessories will stand the test of time.
Sustainability: It's sustainable choice as bison are raised for meat, and their wool is a byproduct.
Eco-Friendly: The production of bison down has a lower environmental impact compared to traditional wool production.
Natural Insulation: Bison down has a unique fiber structure provides superior insulation without the bulk.
Luxurious Appearance: Its natural sheen and soft texture give it a luxurious and sophisticated look.
A TIMELESS TALE OF BISON DOWN WARMTH & STYLE
Indigenous Wisdom
The story of bison down begins with the indigenous peoples of North America. For centuries, Native American tribes on the Great Plains revered the bison, not only for its sustenance but also for its warm and luxurious coat. Bison down, often referred to as "buffalo wool," played a vital role in these communities' survival during the harsh winters of the plains.
Indigenous artisans skillfully transformed bison down into clothing and blankets, capitalizing on its remarkable insulating properties. The inherent softness, often likened to cashmere, made it a comfortable choice for everyday wear. Beyond its practicality, bison down garments held cultural and spiritual significance, reflecting the profound connection between indigenous people and the bison.
The Fur Trade Era
The arrival of European settlers in North America marked the beginning of the fur trade era, triggering a surge in demand for bison hides and down. Bison down blankets, in particular, became highly coveted items in the fur trade. These blankets were prized not just for their warmth but also for their lightweight and compact nature, making them ideal for trading and transport.
The fur trade significantly impacted the bison population, almost pushing these majestic creatures to the brink of extinction. However, it also heightened awareness of the value and warmth that bison down provided, making it a sought-after commodity across continents.
The Revival of Bison Down
The conservation efforts that followed the near-extinction of bison in the late 19th and early 20th centuries led to the recovery of the American bison population. As bison numbers rebounded, so did the interest in their down. Ranchers recognized the potential of bison down as a sustainable, luxurious, and environmentally friendly material for fashion.
A Sustainable Choice
Bison down's resurgence in the fashion industry is rooted in its sustainability. Bison are well-suited to the North American climate and landscape, requiring fewer resources and less human intervention compared to sheep farming. Bison are natural grazers, feeding on native grasses, which can help maintain healthy ecosystems. As a result, the production of bison down has a lower environmental impact, aligning with the growing demand for sustainable fashion.
Luxurious Comfort
In the realm of fashion, comfort is a pivotal consideration. Bison down not only meets but exceeds expectations in this regard. Its natural softness, often compared to cashmere, elevates it to a premium status. Whether it's a bison down sweater, scarf, or pair of gloves, wearing bison down is akin to wrapping oneself in a cocoon of warmth and luxury.
Exceptional Warmth
When it comes to warmth, bison down reigns supreme. Its exceptional insulating properties make it the perfect choice for winter fashion. The structure of its wool fibers creates tiny air pockets that trap heat, providing superior warmth even in the most frigid weather.
This innate warmth makes these versatile accessories a must-have for those who reside in cold climates or enjoy outdoor activities during the winter months.
Hypoallergenic Nature
For individuals with sensitive skin or allergies, bison down offers a hypoallergenic alternative to other animal fibers. Unlike some wool varieties that may cause itching or skin irritation, bison down is less likely to trigger allergic reactions. Its natural hypoallergenic properties make it a comfortable choice for people of all skin types.
Moisture-Wicking Abilities
Beyond warmth, bison down excels in moisture management. It efficiently wicks sweat and moisture away from the body, keeping the wearer dry and comfortable, even during strenuous activities or unpredictable weather conditions. This moisture-wicking quality is particularly valuable in accessories like socks and base layers, where staying dry is crucial for comfort and well-being.
Temperature Regulation
In addition to its insulation, bison down boasts exceptional temperature-regulating abilities. It adapts to the wearer's needs, keeping them warm in winter and cool in summer. A versatile choice for fashion all year round.
Durability and Longevity
Fashion is not just about aesthetics; it's also about durability and longevity. Bison down is incredibly strong and long-lasting. Products made from bison down are designed to withstand the test of time, providing enduring style and functionality.
Bison down's journey from a vital survival tool for indigenous communities to a sustainable and luxurious choice in modern fashion is a testament to its enduring appeal. Its exceptional warmth, comfort, and eco-friendly nature make it a material that not only stands the test of time but also aligns with contemporary values of sustainability and style. As you embrace this luxury wool in your fashion choices, you're not just indulging in warmth and elegance but also honoring a timeless tradition that has made its mark on history and continues to captivate the fashion and outdoor industry today.
Elevate Your Style: Discover Global Fashion Trends at L'Atelier Global. We truly believe that age has no limit in fashion and beauty and were built on one premise: shop the world for uniqueness, high quality, effortless style and luxury fashion. Handcrafted and artisan-made, our designers create masterpieces using a blend of modern and old world craftsmanship. Honoring century old traditions, they use their hands to weave, cut and mold designs into timeless treasures. We know that high quality comes in any price-point and refuse to match the high mark ups of luxury brands. We use a mix of factory-direct models and cost-cutting measures to shorten the supply chain, remove middlemen and cut costs. Think affordable luxury. Our collections are created for women and men who expect high quality, natural materials, ageless design and sustainable practices. Our brand offers a wide range of products from apparel to accessories, jewelry, factory-direct Italian leather bags and wallets, swimsuit cover ups, upscale home scents such as candles, diffusers and room spray, elevated and organic bath and body essentials, luxury blankets and throws, outdoor tools, bison wool accessories and more – all reflecting a high level of quality. L'Atelier Global is presently distributed in the USA via direct channels and social media. E-Gift cards are available.