Duckworth
Duckworth is a Montana outdoor apparel brand co-founded by the Helle family, fourth-generation sheep ranchers. It makes Merino wool clothing from its own sheep through an American Sheep to Shelf supply chain.
| Founders | Helle family |
|---|---|
| Origin | Dillon, Montana |
| Material | Merino wool |
| Supply chain | Made in USA, Sheep to Shelf |
| Website | duckworthco.com |
What is Duckworth?
Duckworth makes men's and women's Merino wool clothing for outdoor and everyday use. The brand is distinctive for controlling its fibre at the source: wool comes from the Helle family's open-range Merino flock in Southwest Montana.
History
The company was co-founded by the Helle family of Dillon, Montana, who have ranched sheep for four generations on public and private land at elevations between 5,000 and 9,500 feet. According to the brand, the idea was born on a ski lift.
Products and positioning
Under its Sheep to Shelf model, fleeces are graded on the ranch and spun into a proprietary yarn, with spinning, knitting and dyeing done by American partners and garments sewn on the East Coast and in the Midwest. The range includes:
- Shirts, tops and sweatshirts
- Bottoms, joggers and briefs
- Jackets and vests
- Socks, hats and mittens
Distribution
Duckworth sells through its own website and through outdoor and specialist retailers in the United States.
Why it matters
Duckworth is one of the few apparel brands with a fully domestic wool supply chain from ranch to finished garment, a model that offers strong traceability.
Frequently asked questions
Where does Duckworth wool come from?
Duckworth's Merino wool comes from the Helle family's ranch in Southwest Montana, and garments are made in the United States.
Who owns Duckworth?
Duckworth was co-founded by the Helle family of Dillon, Montana, fourth-generation sheep ranchers.