What is loden?
Loden is always fulled and is characterised by different surface qualities. Loden is made from 100% new wool.
How is loden made?
Loden is produced from raw new wool in many elaborate steps. Fulling is the most important and essential part of the process. In this unique process, loden is created from a woollen fabric using water, soap and friction.
What is fulling?
Fulling is the controlled and deliberate felting of a woollen fabric. During this process, new properties are created that make loden so unique. This makes loden the ideal functional fabric, as it is made from 100% virgin wool and does not require chemical additives.
Only 100% virgin wool deserves the name loden
Loden containing synthetic fibres is not true loden and, in our view, offers no advantages. The use of synthetic fibres in loden merely points to lower-cost production. We have stood by this deep and sincere conviction for almost 600 years.
Loden variety
There is a wide variety of loden types, we would like to list our main qualities below:
Cloth loden
approx. 460 g/linear metre (300 g/m²)
The probably best known and most widespread loden is cloth loden. This is a plain weave and a rather lighter loden quality in plain or mixed colours. Cloth loden is heavily fulled so that the fabric compacts well and is typically sheared, giving it a smooth surface. Stroke loden, for example, is not shorn, but the fibres are combed in one direction. The loden is given its special shine by the decatur - an ironing press.
Welsh Loden - Glacier loden
approx. 650 g/linear metre (430 g/m²)
Welsh loden, which we call glacier loden, is a loden quality that is woven in a twill weave. This makes it a very robust loden. It is available in different weight classes. Different colours are often used in the warp and weft to emphasise the structure or create effects. We mainly use it for our hunting collection, ski clothing and clothing that is severely exposed to wear and tear. Glacier loden is also suitable for upholstery.
Fine Bouclé Loden
approx. 560 g/linear metre (380 g/m²)
The unique nubby surface of bouclé loden is unmistakable. This loden quality is woven with special effect yarns. The fine bouclé loden is a looser version and is used for lighter garments.
Thick Bouclé Loden
approx. 900 g/linear metre (640 g/m²)
A loden quality that is woven with special effect yarns is a so-called bouclé loden. The thick version has a more robust feel and is suitable for robust jackets and also as upholstery fabric.
Dachstein Coat Loden (DM Loden)
approx. 760 g/linear metre (510 g/m²)
DM loden is a special type of bouclé loden, but with a noticeably more closed surface. Despite its medium to heavier weight, it drapes beautifully and has a soft, fluffy and slightly hairy feel. We particularly like to use this loden quality for unlined garments. Whether for waistcoasts, jackets or coats, DM loden combines a comfortable wear with a beautiful drape.
Women's collection made from DM LodenMen's collection made from DM Loden
Double Loden
approx. 750 g/linear metre (500 g/m²)
A type of loden that is woven with a special double weave, whereby two threads are laid on top of each other. This allows a greater thickness to be achieved on the one hand and different colour effects on the other. We use double loden for our classic woollen blankets and can therefore also offer two-coloured versions.
Wool blanket collection
Loden qualities
in comparison
What is loden?
Loden is always fulled and is characterised by different surface qualities.
Loden is made of 100% new wool.
Loden is produced from raw new wool in many elaborate steps. Learn more about the production of loden. Fulling is the most important and essential part of the process. In this unique process, loden is created from a woollen fabric using water, soap and friction. Fulling is the controlled and deliberate felting of a woollen fabric. During this process, new properties are created that make loden so unique. This makes loden the ideal functional fabric, as it is made from 100% new wool and does not require chemical additives. Discover the advantages of wool.
Wool is one of the oldest fibres used in human history and we are firmly convinced that loden must have been around for almost as long, as wool naturally has the property of felting. Over the millennia, people have learnt to use and apply this natural property. As the oldest existing loden mill in the world, we have been utilising this knowledge for almost 600 years.
Differences between loden, walk & felt
Loden is a woven fabric, that is compacted (felted) through the process of fulling. This makes it more robust, insulating and water-repellent and ideal for weatherproof clothing.
Walk is a knitted fabric that is also compacted by fulling. It is more elastic than loden and is also used for clothing.
Felt is neither woven nor knitted and consists of combed raw wool. Felt is produced by felting the loose fibers. Felt is used for hats or slippers, for example.
100% new wool
The requirement for loden
Only loden made of 100% new wool may be called loden
Loden containing synthetic fibres is not loden and, in our view, provides no advantages. The presence of synthetic fibres in loden only indicates low-cost production. We have held this deep and honest conviction for almost 600 years.
Loden variety
There is a wide variety of loden types, we would like to list our main qualities below:
Cloth loden
approx. 460 g/linear metre (300 g/m²)
The probably best known and most widespread loden is cloth loden. This is a plain weave and a rather lighter loden quality in plain or mottled colours. Cloth loden is heavily fulled so that the fabric compacts well and is typically sheared, giving it a smooth surface. Stroke loden, for example, is not shorn, but the fibres are combed in one direction. The loden is given its special lustre by the decatur - an ironing press.
Welsh Loden - Glacier loden
approx. 650 g/linear metre (430 g/m²)
Welsh loden, which we call glacier loden, is a loden quality that is woven in a twill weave. This makes it a very robust loden. It is available in different weight classes. Different colours are often used in the warp and weft to emphasise the structure or create effects. We mainly use it for our hunting collection, ski clothing and clothing that is severely exposed to wear and tear. Glacier loden is also suitable for upholstery.
Fine Bouclé Loden
approx. 560 g/linear metre (380 g/m²)
The unique nubby surface of bouclé loden is unmistakable. This loden quality is woven with special effect yarns. The fine bouclé loden is a looser version and is used for lighter garments.
Thick Bouclé Loden
approx. 900 g/linear metre (640 g/m²)
A loden quality that is woven with special effect yarns is a so-called bouclé loden. The thick version has a more robust feel and is suitable for robust jackets and also as upholstery fabric.
Dachstein Coat loden (DM loden)
approx. 760 g/linear metre (510 g/m²)
DM loden is a special type of bouclé loden, but with a noticeably more closed surface. Despite its medium to heavier weight, it drapes beautifully and has a soft, fluffy and slightly hairy feel. We particularly like to use this loden quality for unlined garments. Whether for waistcoasts, jackets or coats, DM loden combines a comfortable wear with a beautiful drape.
Women's collection made from DM lodenMen's collection made from DM loden
Double Loden
approx. 750 g/linear metre (500 g/m²)
A type of loden that is woven with a special double weave, whereby two threads are laid on top of each other. This allows a greater thickness to be achieved on the one hand and different colour effects on the other. We use double loden for our classic woollen blankets and can therefore also offer two-coloured versions.
Wool blanket collectionLoden qualities in comparison
There are no limits to creativity
New designs and loden variations will also be created in the future. They only need to be made of 100% new wool.
