Loden – Tradition meets diversity

What is loden actually made of?

Loden is a dense, robust fabric traditionally made from virgin wool , making it a purely natural product. The wool comes from sheep and is processed using a special technique. It is naturally water-repellent and windproof. The special processing enhances these properties and makes the fabric durable.

Our Loden:

mulesing-free

Mulesing is a practice used primarily in sheep farming in Australia to protect sheep from flystrike. This involves removing part of the skin around the animals' tails without anesthesia—a method that has been heavily criticized worldwide.

Our Merino wool comes exclusively from animal-friendly farms where mulesing is not practiced . This means you can be assured that our loden is not only functional but also ethically sourced.

Oeko-Tex® certified

The Oeko-Tex certification is a globally recognized seal for textiles that have been tested for harmful substances. It ensures that our materials do not contain harmful chemicals and have been produced in an environmentally friendly manner. Our loden bears this seal, making it a safe and sustainable choice for you and your four-legged friend.

Manufactured in Germany

Our loden is made in Germany, where traditional craftsmanship is combined with modern, sustainable production methods. This guarantees the highest quality and short transport routes, thus reducing our environmental impact.

Sustainability at Loden

Wool is a natural, renewable raw material that is obtained once or twice a year through shearing. This process is carried out by traditional handcraft, just as it was 100 years ago. Wool production requires significantly less energy than cotton or synthetic materials and does not require the use of pesticides or petroleum. After use, wool products can be easily disposed of, for example, through composting. These properties make loden an extremely sustainable material.

History and manufacturing process:

Since when has loden been used?

Loden has a long history and has been used for several centuries. The origins of loden fabric can be traced back to the Middle Ages , approximately the 6th to 8th centuries . At that time, people in the Alpine regions, particularly in Austria and Bavaria, used the robust material to protect themselves from the harsh weather.

Originally, loden was produced and used by rural populations, as sheep farming was widespread in these regions. People developed techniques to process the wool to make the fabric water-repellent and warm, which was especially important for life in the mountains.

Over the centuries, loden evolved from a simple rural work fabric to a more refined material, worn by the nobility and wealthier classes, especially in the 19th century. Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria, for example, often wore loden clothing, which contributed to the material's spread and popularity.

Today, loden is still used for high-quality clothing, especially traditional costumes and weatherproof clothing. Accordingly, it is also used for dog clothing, because dogs also need weatherproof and robust clothing if they have short fur without an undercoat or are of advanced age.

How is loden made?

Before loden is made, you only have virgin wool. The most important steps in loden production are:

1. Fulling: The new wool is spun and fulled, meaning it is intensively processed using heat and moisture to make the fibers denser. This gives loden its special density and weather resistance. Fulled loden is therefore even more robust than pure new wool.
2. Fluffing: After fulling, the surface of the fabric is roughened, creating a soft, velvety texture. This roughening also contributes to water repellency, as the fine fibers allow water to bead off.

Loden is often used for traditional clothing such as traditional jackets or coats because it provides particularly good protection against adverse weather conditions and is extremely durable.

Properties of Loden

• Water-repellent: Loden is naturally water-repellent. The fulling process during production further enhances this effect, making it even more water-repellent. This property makes it an excellent outdoor fabric for inclement weather.
• Windproof: Because loden is processed without chemical additives, its windbreaking properties are retained. It remains windproof up to wind force 10.
• Temperature-regulating: Due to its natural wool fibers, loden can both retain heat and dissipate excess heat. In winter, the fabric keeps the body warm thanks to its dense structure, which provides insulation. At the same time, it remains breathable and allows excess heat and moisture to escape, preventing overheating.
• Robust: The fulling process compacts the wool fibers, making loden resistant to abrasion, tears, and external influences.
• Antibacterial: Loden has antibacterial properties due to the natural structure of the wool fibers. It contains wool grease, which has antibacterial properties and inhibits the spread of bacteria.
• Natural dirt resistance: Wool has the property of not absorbing dirt easily. Loden is therefore relatively easy to care for and can be easily brushed or cleaned if necessary.

In summary, loden is an extremely easy-care fabric. Dirt and particles can usually be brushed out without any problems, and the fabric's special structure means it absorbs very little dirt. With proper care, loden is also extremely durable. It's important to note that loden should not be washed. For optimal cleaning, we recommend having the garment treated by a professional dry cleaner.

Loden in combination with other materials

Loden & Fleece:

Loden and fleece go well together and complement each other in functionality, making them a popular combination for outdoor clothing. Here are some reasons why they work well together:

1. Heat storage:

• Loden provides excellent insulation and keeps the body warm, even when wet.
• Fleece is lightweight and provides additional thermal insulation. It can be worn as an inner lining or as an additional layer to increase insulation from the cold.

2. Breathability:

• Both fabrics are breathable and ensure that moisture is transported to the outside, which creates a comfortable wearing climate.

3. Comfort and freedom of movement:

• Fleece is lightweight and flexible, while loden is robust and durable. Together, they offer optimal protection and comfort without being too heavy or bulky.

4. Protection from the weather:

• Loden is naturally water-repellent and windproof, while fleece dries quickly and provides an additional layer of protection against the cold.

5. Versatility:

• Both materials are available in a variety of colors and styles, so they can be combined well to create both functional and fashionable clothing.

Our loden coats with detachable fleece combine these features to create the perfect winter coat.

Dog accessories made of loden for dachshunds and small dogs

Thanks to its weather-resistant properties, loden is particularly suitable for dogs. Whether on an autumn walk through wind and weather or during the deepest winter months, loden offers optimal protection and comfort for your four-legged companion.

• Dog bag made of loden: Due to its robustness, loden leather makes it an ideal material for dog carriers. Since dog carriers are often carried and set down everywhere, it's especially advantageous to choose a dirt-repellent material. Our loden dog carrier meets these requirements and is suitable for both on the go and for safe transport in the car.
• Dog clothing made of loden: Loden is also ideal for dog clothing. Dogs who need a coat in colder temperatures particularly benefit from a loden coat. With its warming, temperature-regulating, and breathable properties, it's ideal for cooler days and foul weather. This way, your four-legged friend will always be well protected and comfortable.
• Dog beds made of loden: Since dogs often scratch, roll, or bite their beds, it's important to choose a durable material. Despite its warming properties, loden also offers breathability, preventing excessive heat or moisture in the dog bed. This ensures a comfortable climate without causing the dog to overheat. Furthermore, loden absorbs odors less quickly, making it easier to care for. Overall, loden combines comfort, robustness, and functionality, making it an ideal choice for durable and easy-care dog beds.

Can you wash loden in the washing machine?

Loden should never be washed in the washing machine. Because loden is a very durable and robust fabric, dirt can be easily brushed off. Furthermore, drying loden in the fresh air is sufficient to remove odors.

Why do hunters wear loden?

Hunters prefer loden because the fabric is weatherproof, quiet, and extremely robust, making it ideal for outdoor use. It offers reliable protection from wind, rain, and cold, yet remains breathable and warm. The natural, muted colors of loden allow for optimal camouflage. Thanks to its durable structure, it withstands harsh conditions and protects against undergrowth. Furthermore, the noiseless fabric allows for silent movement, making it perfect for hunting without scaring game.