Bridgedale Outdoor Ltd.

Bridgedale is a producer of woolen outdoor socks. The factory most Bridedale socks are made in is located at the tip of the Strangford Lough, Newtownards, near Belfast in Northern Ireland. It has been knitting socks since the First World War, when it was producing them for the army.

The Bridgedale brand itself was launched in the 1980’s with just a very small range of 12 products. Since then, the brand has grown significantly to offer over 500 products (socks in various sizes and compositions). Still, although some of their socks are made overseas, mainly in South Africa and some in China, most of their socks are still made in that same factory.

Aside from their heritage they focus on quality and animal welfare, ensuring all their wool yarn suppliers follow the IWTO guidelines. These provide five freedoms to all animals:

1. Freedom from hunger and thirst – access to fresh water and a healthy diet.
2. Freedom from discomfort – appropriate environment which includes shelter and a comfortable resting area.
3. Freedom from pain, injury or disease – by prevention or rapid diagnosis and treatment.
4. Freedom to express normal behaviour – sufficient space, proper facilities, and company of the animal’s own kind.
5. Freedom from fear and distress – treatment and conditions should minimize any mental suffering.

The wool Bridgedale uses in their socks is Merino wool, which is known for its softness and lack of scratchiness. They combine the wool and other natural yarns, with synthetic microfibres to create Fusion Tech blends that offer exceptional performance.