The Frontier Tuque is a question and a statement.
The result is a product conceived over 18 months of research and development. It is an exploration of Canadian history, material science, fabrication techniques, production processes, and economic systems. The Frontier Tuque is an argument against disposable fashion and for a return to craftsmanship in every sense.
Conceived in Toronto by a small team at Frontier including a local master knitter, our tuque employs a double-walled construction with a Merino wool exterior, a Qiviut blend interior, and single thickness brim. The design mitigates conduction through a custom Qiviut blend base layer combined with an external Merino wool layer that protects from external wind while also guarding against convection-based heat loss.
Qiviuq or qiviut; Inuktitut syllabics, ᕿᕕᐅᖅ; is an Inuktitut word commonly used to indicate the wool of the muskox. Unlike sheep’s wool, this rare fibre doesn’t shrink in water at any temperature. It is eight times stronger and warmer than sheep's wool, and softer than cashmere. It has excellent longevity and with good care can last over 20 years.
It has been tested by ice sculptors, Zamboni drivers, butchers, and backcountry hikers. It is designed for the city as well as for the remote wilderness. The emblem sewn on the brim of all our tuques means Start of Trail. It’s derived from the language of blaze wayfinding found on hiking trails all across North America. We designed this tuque with the spirit of that starting point in mind. Whether you’re hiking a remote rocky peak or diving deep in the trenches of a creative project, this tuque is made for adventure.