Loden – a fabric that breathes history. For centuries, it has protected us from wind and weather. Originally developed in the Alpine regions, loden has evolved into a versatile companion for outdoor adventures and everyday life. But what makes this natural fabric so special? We’ll tell you everything you need to know about this fascinating fabric.
Table of contents
What is loden? A comprehensive introduction to the natural fabric
Loden fabrics: production, properties, and differences from other materials
Loden: The perfect companion for outdoor Adventures
Loden clothing from Petromax
Why Petromax relies on mulesing-free Loden
What is loden? A comprehensive introduction to the natural fabric
When you think of robust and durable clothing, loden often comes to mind first. This natural fabric, made from sheep’s virgin wool, has a long tradition and remains very popular today. As early as the 12th century, people valued the special properties of loden, which was mainly used in traditional and hunting clothing back then.
A piece of nature shaped by tradition
Loden is more than just a fabric. It is a product of traditional craftsmanship passed down from generation to generation. Sheep’s wool is spun, woven into a dense fabric, and then condensed through an elaborate fulling process. This creates the typical characteristics of loden: it is robust, water-repellent, windproof, and at the same time breathable.
Why loden is in demand again today
In a time when sustainability and natural materials are becoming increasingly important, loden is experiencing a true revival. Because loden is not just a piece of tradition, but also a sustainable product. The sheep’s wool at Petromax comes from regional agriculture and the production process is resource-efficient. Additionally, loden is extremely durable and can be worn for many years with proper care.
Loden fabrics: production, properties, and differences from other materials
Loden – a fabric that impresses with its production and unique properties. But how is this high-quality wool fabric actually made, and how does it differ from other materials like felt?
The production of loden: From raw wool to finished fabric
The production of loden is a traditional process that requires a lot of handwork. It starts with high-quality virgin wool sourced from sheep. This wool is first cleaned and spun. Then it is woven into a fabric. What makes loden special, however, is the next step: fulling.
During fulling, the fabric is treated in large fulling mills with water, soap, and mechanical processing. Through friction and pressure, the wool fibers mat together and the fabric densifies. This creates the characteristic, densely woven surface of Loden. Fulling gives Loden its excellent properties:
- Durability: The compacted wool fibers make Loden extremely durable.
- Water-repellent: The dense surface protects against moisture.
- Breathable: Loden can absorb and release moisture without feeling clammy.
- Heat insulating: The air trapped between the wool fibers provides good thermal insulation.
- Shape-retaining: Fulling gives Loden its shape stability.
Loden compared to felt: What are the differences?
For many laypeople, Loden and felt are hard to distinguish since both materials are made from wool and have a similar appearance. But there are crucial differences in production and properties:
- Production: While Loden is made from a woven fabric that is then fulled, felt is created by matting loose wool fibers together.
- Structure: Loden has an orderly woven structure, while felt has a rather wild, unstructured texture.
- Material thickness: Loden is generally thinner than felt. Felt can be several centimeters thick.
- Areas of use: Due to its shape stability, Loden is especially suitable for clothing and accessories like jackets, coats, and hats. Felt, on the other hand, is often used for flexible products such as felt bags, felt slippers, or as felt under carpets.
Both Loden and felt are natural and sustainable materials with excellent qualities. The choice between Loden and felt depends on the requirements of the final product. Loden impresses with its robustness, shape stability, and versatility, while felt stands out for its flexibility and natural appearance.
Loden: The perfect companion for outdoor Adventures
Loden is not only a traditional fabric but also a highly functional companion for anyone who loves being outdoors. Its unique properties make it the ideal material for outdoor clothing.
Why Loden is ideal for outdoor use
- Durability: Loden is extremely hard-wearing and withstands tough conditions. Whether hiking, climbing, or cycling – Loden clothing reliably accompanies you through every Adventure.
- Weather resistance: The dense weave and natural impregnation of the wool make Loden water-repellent and windproof. This way, you stay dry and warm even in bad weather.
- Breathability: Loden is breathable and regulates body temperature. Even during physical exertion, no unpleasant sweating occurs.
- Thermal insulation: Loden keeps you warm without being heavy. So you’re well protected even on cold days.
- Natural odor protection: Wool naturally has odor-inhibiting properties. So you stay fresh even after a long day in nature.
Loden clothing from Petromax
Petromax, a brand known for high-quality and robust outdoor gear, also relies on the highest quality and functionality for its Loden clothing. The production of Petromax Loden fabrics takes place entirely in Germany and is based on a traditional process proven over centuries.
100% natural: Fulled virgin sheep’s wool without additives
The heart of Petromax Loden clothing is pure, fulled virgin sheep’s wool. Without any artificial additives, the wool is spun, woven, and finally densified through intensive fulling in a complex process. This traditional treatment gives the fabric its unique properties:
- Natural impregnation: The lanolin contained in the wool acts as a natural impregnation and protects the fabric from moisture and dirt.
- High density: The fulling process creates a dense and compact fabric structure, making the fabric especially robust and durable.
- Breathability: Despite its dense structure, Loden is breathable and ensures a comfortable wearing experience.
- Thermal insulation: The air trapped in the wool fibers acts as insulation and keeps the body warm.
- Spark resistance: The dense structure makes Loden particularly resistant to sparks, making it the ideal companion by the campfire.
Perfect temperature regulation for every Adventure
The hollow structure of the wool fibers allows for efficient temperature regulation. In summer, Loden transports excess heat away, preventing unpleasant sweating. In winter, it stores body heat and keeps you comfortably warm.
No comparison to conventional functional fabrics
Unlike many modern functional fabrics that often rely on chemical coatings, Loden is a pure natural product. The waterproofness of Loden is not measured by a water column, as it is based on natural properties. Nevertheless, Loden can absorb a considerable amount of moisture without feeling wet.
Loden clothing for every Adventure
Petromax offers a wide range of Loden clothing for various outdoor activities. Whether you’re planning a challenging expedition, taking a relaxed hike, or just spending a cozy evening by the campfire – with Loden, you’re perfectly equipped.
The Waldmack Loden anorak is especially noteworthy: With a material weight of 700 g/m, it is the warmest companion in the Petromax Loden collection and is perfect for cold days and demanding tours.
Discover the Waldmack Loden anorak here!
Why Petromax relies on mulesing-free Loden
Besides the outstanding quality and functionality of our Loden products, the ethical origin of the materials is also very important to us at Petromax.
What is mulesing?
Mulesing is a painful procedure in which lambs have a part of the skin around the tail removed without anesthesia. This practice is intended to prevent flies from nesting in the skin folds of the animals and causing severe infections. Although mulesing is still allowed in some countries, this method is criticized because it is extremely painful and stressful for the animals.
Why Petromax relies on mulesing-free wool
At Petromax, we firmly believe that species-appropriate animal husbandry and animal protection are of the highest priority. That’s why we use only virgin wool from sheep that have not undergone the mulesing process. With every Petromax Loden jacket or coat, you not only wear a high-quality product but also support responsible and sustainable animal husbandry.
By choosing Petromax Loden, you make a statement for:
- Animal welfare: You contribute to ensuring that the animals whose wool is used for our products are kept in species-appropriate conditions.
- Sustainability: Sustainable agriculture takes animal welfare into account and protects the environment.
- Transparency: We value transparency in our supply chains and openly inform you about the origin of our materials.
With Petromax Loden, you can rely not only on excellent quality and functionality but also on a clear conscience.
