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, yet soft and supple enough to 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 clearly see in the detail photos. And it is MEGA soft. It's truly the kind of coat you’ll automatically keep running your hand over.
We have it in two amazing colors: bright green and dark blue that leans slightly towards petrol blue.
Why is the MADNESS IRIS such a great wool coat?
Because it actually fulfills two functions at once. On crisp autumn and spring days, you can wear it outside as a coat. If it gets colder, it’s wonderful as a warm wool cardigan under a roomier winter coat or just for wearing indoors.
The high knitted collar, wide knitted cuffs, and soft boiled wool make it lovely and cozy. And fortunately, it also has pockets. Because a coat without pockets... well, we don't have much use for that.
- 100% organic merino wool
- Boiled wool
- Wool from certified organic animal husbandry (kbT)
- GOTS-certified
- Mega soft and warm
- Oversized fit
- High knitted collar
- Wide knitted cuffs
- Handy 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. Really roomy. This model 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 to wear the style comfortably oversized, stick to your own size. If you prefer it less roomy, you can certainly consider sizing down.
In fact, 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 actually is boiled wool?
Boiled wool – also known as boiled felt – is created by subjecting knitted wool fabric to 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 remaining flexible to wear. And because wool is naturally temperature-regulating, this coat provides lovely warmth without feeling like you’ve wrapped yourself in a synthetic sleeping bag.
Is the MADNESS IRIS a coat or a cardigan?
Both. And that is really the charm of this design.
In autumn and spring, the IRIS is a fantastic wool transitional coat. On colder days, you can wear it as a thick cardigan. Are you hitting the road in the car, cycling into town, or just someone who gets cold easily indoors? Then this is the kind of garment you'll find yourself reaching for constantly.
The IRIS is unlined, which makes it feel much more flexible and cardigan-like than a traditional winter coat.
Why does this wool coat have a two-way zipper?
It’s one of those details you only realize you need once you have it: the zipper can be opened from both the top and the bottom.
Useful when cycling, in the car, or when sitting down. You can open the bottom slightly while the coat stays closed at the top. And because the zipper opens all the way, you can easily wear the IRIS as an open cardigan too.
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 regarding the way the sheep are kept and cared for, among other things.
The IRIS is also GOTS-certified. This certification looks not only at the organic fiber but also at multiple steps within the processing and production.
Which color IRIS should you choose?
Bright green if you think a coat deserves a little color. It’s such a clear, rich green that even with just jeans underneath, your entire outfit is ready to go.
The dark blue version is more subdued, but definitely not boring. The color has a petrol-like quality, making it a bit more interesting than standard navy blue. Very easy to combine with denim, gray, neutrals, greens, and practically half of your wardrobe.
How do you care for a boiled merino wool coat?
The most important advice: wash as little as possible. Wool naturally resists odors, and airing it out outdoors is often sufficient. Small stains are best treated locally and with care.
Does the IRIS need a full wash? Always follow the care label and handle wool gently. Use only a suitable wool detergent, such as our Lanalicious wool detergent with lanolin, and let the coat dry in its original shape. Never put wool clothing in the dryer.
Also, check out our wool washing video and read the washing guide that comes with your order carefully.
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 a natural characteristic of wool fibers and is easy to manage.
With a Gleener fabric shaver, you can gently remove any lint or pills. Especially for a coat you plan to wear often, we consider this an essential item 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. I am wearing a size 40 in the photos. If you want it less oversized, you can consider sizing down.
What is the MADNESS IRIS made of?
Of 100% organic merino wool (kbT). The wool fabric has been 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 see it primarily as a warm transitional coat or a 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. This gives more freedom of movement while cycling, driving, or sitting.
Does boiled merino wool itch?
The wool of the IRIS feels remarkably soft. Sensitivity to wool is subjective, so if you are very sensitive to itching, we recommend coming to our shop to feel and try it on.
It's that type of coat where you think in October: "Great for outside." And then in January, you realize you're still putting it on indoors too. That’s the IRIS. Warm, soft, roomy, practical, and made from 100% organic merino wool. As far as we’re concerned, it’s exactly what a good wool transitional coat should be.
