On Monday, the Kontoor Brands-owned heritage label launched a collection of fleece outerwear made with Hay Away. The patent-pending fabric technology delivers the comfort and insulation of traditional sherpa while actively repelling hay, straw, mulch and grass from clinging to the high-pile fleece.

The technology was named the Category Winner in Fast Company’s 2026 Innovation by Design Awards in the fashion and beauty category.

Hay Away is engineered specifically around the real experiences of people who spend their days outdoors. The technology, which pairs “bonded sherpa warmth with proactive debris-repellent functionality,” is built directly into the fabric construction rather than relying on a surface coating, wash or finish.

Dhruv Agarwal, vice president, sustainability, innovation and development at Kontoor Brands, said the collection reflects Wrangler’s “commitment to practical, real-world material innovation.”

“Historically, wearing plush fleece around livestock or outdoors meant dealing with constant debris,” he said. “We developed Hay Away specifically to eliminate that friction. By preventing debris from clinging to synthetic fibers, we have delivered high-performance warmth without the cleanup.”

While Hay Away targets Wrangler’s farm and ranch segment , the technology also provides a practical solution for families, enabling children to play freely outdoors while shielding garments from leaves, mulch and grass. It also serves the outdoor enthusiasts like hikers and campers. Wrangler noted that the collection bridges the workwear and outdoor categories, aligning with its strategy to expand beyond traditional denim.

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