Montana State launches wool apparel line from Duckworth

BOZEMAN - Montana State University launched a new line of Bobcat apparel today, Nov. 4, in partnership with Duckworth, a Montana-based wool brand.

The line is available at the MSU Bookstore and includes wool beanies, sweatshirts, T-shirts and socks with MSU branding. Duckworth products are made from Merino wool, which is known for its softness and moisture-wicking abilities. The wool is grown in southwest Montana by the Helle family, who are fourth-generation sheep ranchers in Dillon, founders of Duckworth and proud MSU Bobcats.

"Montana's winters are cold, and the late-season football games are frigid - the perfect use for our Montana-grown wool product," said Duckworth President Daniel Mouw. "To be able to offer these high-quality, winter-busting garments to the MSU community is an exciting opportunity."

Duckworth is a longtime partner of the Montana Wool Lab on MSU's campus, housed in the Department of Animal and Range Sciences. During shearing time each year, the lab helps Duckworth test its wool for factors such as comfort and crimp, which allows the company to sort the grades of wool precisely.

The Bobcat apparel line is Duckworth's first collegiate collection. About 70% of Duckworth employees are MSU alumni, including multiple members of the Helle family, Mouw said.

"This collaboration with Duckworth brings together two Montana brands that share a deep connection to our land, our people and our spirit of innovation," said Amy Kanuch, MSU's interim chief marketing officer and director of trademarks and licensing. "We're proud to offer Bobcat fans apparel that's not only high quality and Montana born, but that also celebrates our state's agricultural roots and the excellence of our alumni."

Duckworth is the latest in a line of MSU apparel collaborations, which have included iconic Western brands such as Wrangler and Simms.