Long johns come to mind when many think of thermal underwear, but what about something silkier?
You don’t actually need itchy, bulky layers to keep toasty when the temperature drops. A smooth silk number can do the trick.
“Silk is the best natural fibre in the world for thermal protection. We sell to skiers, hikers, motorbike enthusiasts, horseback riders, older people that have a hard time keeping warm,” says Kim Allan of her versatile and lightweight silk undergarments, which feel like a second skin.
Silk is one of the top three most breathable and moisture wicking materials in existence, she adds.
Garments made from 100 per cent knit silk are hard to come by these days, explains Allan, due to a worldwide silk shortage.
The insects are under attack from a virus in mulberry leaves, the only food the silkworms feast on before they spin their smooth threads.
Silk has an ancient history, with evidence of the natural fibre found buried in 8,500-year-old tombs in China. Allan’s clothing designs are also steeped in that history, given her threads come from a 2,000-year-old silk worm farm in China.
Allan designs her undergarments from her home studio with all ages and genders in mind.
Simple and classic is how she describes the pieces. Her collection includes long-sleeve crew neck tops, unisex pants and V-neck sleeveless shirts – in black, cream and nude colours.
The upper Dundarave resident has cultivated an international client base of 4,000 customers since starting Kim Allan Silk 15 years ago, as well as a celebrity following.
Actors who have kept warm wearing Kim Allan undergarments on set include Liam Neeson, Laura Dern, Leonardo DiCaprio and Keanu Reeves.
“I grew the company organically,” says Allan. “That was my intention – word of mouth is the best advertising. I will sell to a customer in a small town in Australia and then see 10 more customers in a short period in the same town.”
More than 140 stores across Canada carried Kim Allan’s undergarments at one point, but now it’s mostly an online business for the entrepreneur.
In the face of a silk shortage, Allan’s plan is to stockpile three years’ worth of fabric, or as much as she can afford, to keep up with the demand for her undergarments.
Allan is also considering bringing in bamboo fabric, another natural fibre, to recreate the designs at a fraction of the cost.
“If silk does dry up I will still be able to stay in business this way,” says Allan. “Darwin didn’t say the strong and the fittest will survive; he said, those that can adapt to the changing world will.”
