This is exactly why I love boiled wool so much. You get the warmth of a wool coat, but the comfort of a cardigan. The IRIS from MADNESS sits right in between: sturdy enough to wear as a transitional coat, soft and flexible enough to just keep on indoors.
The IRIS is made from 100% organic merino wool (kbT), is GOTS-certified, and the wool has been boiled. This creates that beautiful, compact wool fabric that you can see clearly in the detail photos. And it is MEGA soft. It's truly the kind of coat you can't help but keep stroking with your hand.
We have it in two great colors: bright green and dark blue that leans slightly towards petrol blue.
Why is the MADNESS IRIS such a wonderful wool coat?
Because it actually serves two functions at once. On crisp autumn and spring days, you wear it outside as a coat. When it gets colder, it's wonderful as a warm wool cardigan under a roomier winter coat or simply indoors.
The high ribbed collar, wide ribbed cuffs, and soft boiled wool make it lovely and cozy. And fortunately, it also has pockets. Because a coat without pockets... well, that doesn't really work for us.
- 100% organic merino wool
- Boiled wool
- Wool from controlled organic animal husbandry (kbT)
- GOTS-certified
- Mega soft and warm
- Oversized fit
- High ribbed collar
- Wide ribbed cuffs
- Convenient side pockets
- Two-way zipper
- Can be worn as a cardigan and a transitional coat
- Available in bright green and dark/petrol blue
How does the MADNESS IRIS fit?
Roomy. Truly roomy. This style is intentionally designed to be oversized, with dropped shoulder seams and plenty of room around the body and arms.
I am wearing a size 40 in the photos and, as you can see, there is quite a bit of room in it. If you want the style to be nicely oversized, stick to your own size. If you prefer it less roomy, you can certainly consider choosing a size smaller.
Actually, that extra space is exactly what makes the IRIS so great as a transitional coat: you can easily fit a sweater underneath without feeling like you can barely move.
What exactly is boiled wool?
Boiled wool—also known as boiled felt—is created by felting knitted wool fabric using heat, moisture, and movement. This causes the wool fibers to interlock, making the fabric more compact and sturdier.
The result is a warm, breathable wool fabric that holds its shape beautifully while still being flexible to wear. And because wool is naturally temperature-regulating, such a coat provides wonderful warmth without making you feel like you've wrapped yourself in a synthetic sleeping bag.
Is the MADNESS IRIS a coat or a cardigan?
Both. And that is actually exactly the charm of this style.
In the autumn and spring, the IRIS is a fantastic wool transitional coat. On colder days, you can wear it as a thick cardigan. Are you going for a drive, cycling into town, or are you someone who gets cold easily indoors? Then this is exactly the type of garment you will keep reaching for.
The IRIS is unlined, which makes it feel much more flexible and more like a cardigan than a traditional winter coat.
Why does this wool coat have a two-way zipper?
It's one of those details you only realize is useful once you have it: the zipper can be opened from both the top and the bottom.
Convenient when cycling, in the car, or while sitting down. You can open the bottom part a bit while the coat stays closed at the top. And because the zipper can open completely, you can of course also wear the IRIS as an open cardigan.
What is kbT merino wool?
The abbreviation kbT stands for kontrolliert biologische Tierhaltung (controlled organic animal husbandry). This means that within the organic production chain, requirements are set for, among other things, the way the sheep are kept and cared for.
The IRIS is also GOTS-certified. This means it doesn't just look at the organic fiber, but at multiple steps within the processing and production.
Which IRIS color will you choose?
Bright green if you believe a coat can handle a bit of color. It is such a bright, rich green that even with just jeans underneath, your entire outfit is ready to go.
The dark blue version is calmer, but definitely not boring. The color has a petrol-like quality, making it just a bit more interesting than standard navy blue. Very easy to combine with denim, gray, neutrals, green, and basically half of your wardrobe.
How do you maintain a boiled merino wool coat?
The most important advice: wash as little as possible. Wool naturally absorbs fewer odors, and often just airing it out is enough. It is best to treat small spots locally and carefully.
If the IRIS does need a full wash? Always follow the care label and handle wool with care. Use only a suitable wool detergent, such as our Lanalicious wool detergent with lanolin, and let the coat dry in shape after washing. Never put wool clothing in the dryer.
Also, watch our wool washing video and carefully read the washing guide that comes with your order.
Can boiled wool pill?
Even with high-quality wool, some pilling can occur over time due to friction, for example under the arms or in areas where a bag rubs against the fabric. This is part of natural wool fibers and is easy to maintain.
With a Gleener fabric shaver, you can carefully remove any fuzz and pills. Especially for a coat that you will wear often, we think it’s one of those things you really want to have at home.
Frequently asked questions about the MADNESS IRIS
How does the MADNESS IRIS fit?
The IRIS has a very roomy, oversized fit. In the photos, I am wearing size 40. If you want it less oversized, you can consider taking a size smaller.
What is the MADNESS IRIS made of?
From 100% organic merino wool (kbT). The wool fabric is boiled/felted and feels wonderfully soft and compact.
Is the MADNESS IRIS GOTS-certified?
Yes, the IRIS is GOTS-certified.
Is the IRIS suitable as a winter coat?
We mainly see it as a warm transitional coat or thick wool cardigan. How long you can wear it outside as a coat depends, of course, on the temperature, what you wear underneath, and how easily you get cold.
Does the IRIS have pockets?
Yes, there are two nice side pockets on the front.
What is the advantage of the two-way zipper?
You can also open the coat from the bottom. That gives more freedom of movement during, for example, cycling, driving, and sitting.
Does boiled merino wool itch?
The wool of the IRIS feels remarkably soft. Sensitivity to wool remains personal, so if you are very sensitive to itching, we recommend coming to our store to feel and try it on.
It's one of those coats where you think in October: "Lovely for outside." And then you find out in January that you keep putting it on inside too. That is the IRIS. Warm, soft, roomy, practical, and made from 100% organic merino wool. As far as we are concerned, exactly how a good wool transitional coat should be.
