On climb in Argentina, Human Material Loop tests prototype parka filled with human hair

Human Material Loop, a textile innovation company, just announced that it's testing its first high-performance clothing made using human hair. Instead of wool, down or synthetics, the prototype parka and pants are filled with human hair for insulation. They'll be worn by HML's co-founder Leonardo Avezzano on an expedition to Aconcagua, Argentina, where he'll be able to assess the material's thermal properties in a harsh mountain environment.

Zsofia Kollar and Avezzano founded Human Material Loop to create textiles that have zero negative impact on the environment: "no animal cruelty, no water pollution, no soil degradation, no plastic." The startup aims to develop sustainable materials that other brands and designers will be able to use.

The hair keeping Avezzano warm was sourced from local hair salons in the Netherlands and then treated to improve its thermal insulation. Human hair is highly similar to wool — a keratin protein fiber — with the added benefit of being non-allergenic.