Montana State University has introduced a new collection of Bobcat-branded apparel in partnership with Duckworth, a wool clothing company based in Montana. The line, which became available on November 4, features items such as beanies, sweatshirts, T-shirts, and socks made from Merino wool sourced from southwest Montana.
The wool used for the apparel is produced by the Helle family in Dillon. The Helles are fourth-generation sheep ranchers who founded Duckworth and have longstanding ties to MSU. Daniel Mouw, president of Duckworth, commented on the collaboration: “Montana’s winters are cold, and the late-season football games are frigid — the perfect use for our Montana-grown wool product. To be able to offer these high-quality, winter-busting garments to the MSU community is an exciting opportunity.”
Duckworth works closely with the Montana Wool Lab at MSU’s Department of Animal and Range Sciences. Each year during shearing season, the lab assists Duckworth in testing its wool for comfort and crimp characteristics so that it can be accurately graded.
This marks Duckworth’s first collegiate apparel collection. According to Mouw, about 70% of Duckworth employees are MSU alumni, including several members of the Helle family.
Amy Kanuch, interim chief marketing officer and director of trademarks and licensing at MSU, 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. 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 joins other well-known Western brands such as Wrangler and Simms in collaborating with MSU on branded apparel lines.
