About us

Nora Laine makes merino and cashmere knitwear and coats for women. Fine knits, soft cardigans and warm outer layers, made to be reached for every day rather than saved for best.

Who it is for

Women who want a wardrobe that works without effort. Our pieces keep their lines simple, from a clean mock neck to a coat that sits well over everything. They pair with tailored trousers as easily as with denim, and they layer without bulk.

The two fibres we work with

Merino

Our merino is grown on family-run farms in the Australian high country. At 17.5 micron it is fine enough to wear against bare skin, soft rather than itchy. Each bale can be traced to its farm, and every farm is mulesing-free. Merino breathes and resists odor, and it warms without weight, so it stays fresh for days between washes.

Cashmere

Our cashmere is combed by hand every spring from the soft winter undercoat of goats on the Mongolian steppe, where winters drop to -40°C. Long, hard winters grow a finer, longer fibre. We keep only fibre of 15.5 micron or finer, which gives our cashmere its lightness and its warmth.

How each piece comes together

The fibre is spun into a soft yarn and knitted at a fine gauge, so the surface is smooth and even and the knit drapes close to the body. Coats are made from denser wool cloth that keeps its shape from the first cold morning to the last.

Some pieces are pure merino or pure cashmere, others are blends chosen for softness or structure. You will find what each piece is made of on its product page, under Fabric and details.

Caring for your knits

Wool asks for less washing than most people expect. Air it between wears and it looks fresh again by morning. When it needs a wash, keep the water cool, wash by hand or on a wool cycle, and dry it flat in the shade. Fold knits instead of hanging them. Lined coats are best taken to a dry cleaner. See our FAQ for more care notes.