Warm and soft loden fabric: an overview of properties, areas of use, approximate cost

Since ancient times, people have treasured the warm and velvety texture of loden fabric. This fabric, which originated in the Alpine regions, is well-known for having superior insulating qualities, which makes it a popular option for apparel intended for colder climates. The distinct blend of warmth and softness distinguishes loden from other woolen materials.

The ability of loden to repel water without losing its breathability is one of its primary characteristics. Because of this, it’s perfect for outdoor clothing like coats and jackets, keeping you dry and comfortable even in damp weather. Because of its strength, loden garments can endure a long time with the right maintenance.

The versatility of Loden goes beyond its outerwear. It’s also utilized in fashionable home décor pieces, hats, and blankets. Depending on your needs, the fabric can be used for a variety of applications because it is available in a range of colors and weights.

In terms of price, loden is typically seen as an inexpensive luxury. Although the cost varies according to thickness, quality, and type of wool used, it is still affordable for individuals seeking durable, high-quality fabric. Loden fabric provides a classic solution whether you’re looking for warmth, comfort, or style.

What type of fabric is this

Made from the wool of sheep, loden is a soft, warm, and dense material. Though it is light and soft, the fabric has the appearance of cloth, drape, and felt. Boiling woolen fabrics in soap solutions is the process used to produce loden, hence its alternate name.

Factories in Korea, Austria, and Italy produce loafen.

  1. Sheep wool is cleaned and washed.
  2. Yarn is made on spinning machines.
  3. Yarn is formed into loose, lumpy webs on felting machines.
  4. In other production methods, the linen is made on looms or knitting machines, then felted.
  5. The fabrics are boiled in soap solutions until a dense, smooth fabric is obtained.

When it’s boiling:

  • the wool becomes soft and flexible;
  • density increases;
  • breathability decreases;
  • water-repellent properties appear.

The final canvases are handled:

  • paint;
  • dried;
  • comb out with a scraper, trim.

Origin story

A Tyrolean peasant washed his sheep’s wool clothes in a hot, soapy solution, according to an old Austrian legend. Clothes are getting warmer but smaller. The peasant was shielded from wind and rain by the fabric.

Boiling wool was first produced by hand in Austria in the 18th century, and it was mass produced in the 19th century. European nations were supplied with Austrian loden. The material was used to create clothing for walking, horseback riding, traveling, and agricultural work.

Fabric composition and its properties

Today’s natural loden is created by:

Properties of boiled wool:

You get blended loden. Natural wool is blended with viscose, synthetic fibers such as polyester, elastane, lycra, and polyamide.

Blended fabric examples include:

  • 95% wool, 2% mohair, 3% polyamide;
  • 55% wool, 45% viscose;
  • 80% wool, 20% polyester.

Blended materials appear natural on the outside. cheaper, shrink less, and require less maintenance than natural ones. Blended fabrics have less thermal protection than natural fabrics.

Types of fabric

By means of production techniques:

  1. Felted with impregnations, which provide wear resistance, enhance water repellency.
  2. Felted without impregnations.
  3. Felted fabric or knitted. Made on weaving or knitting machines, then felted.
  4. Felted wool knitwear.
  5. Non-felted. Knitted fabrics do not go through the felting stages. The result is materials with a high pile directed in one direction.
  6. With the addition of synthetics, technical. In technical fabrics for workwear, about half is polyester.

The manufacturing processes have an impact on the materials’ characteristics and texture:

  • thick, dense;
  • soft, plastic;
  • smooth;
  • fleecy.

Breakdown of pile types:

  • cloth, with a short pile;
  • with long pile directed in one direction.

By finishing methods of materials:

Warm and soft, loden fabric is perfect for outerwear like coats, jackets, and hats because of its water resistance, durability, and insulating qualities. Traditionally crafted of wool, this adaptable fabric is prized for both its comfort and timeless style. Although loden varies in price according to quality and origin, it is still a well-liked option for people looking for chic, dependable protection from the cold.

Pros and cons of the fabric

Benefits of boiling wool:

  • beautiful, unusual;
  • natural;
  • soft, comfortable to wear;
  • repels water, dirt;
  • retains heat, warms, protects from the wind,
  • plastic, suitable for complex styles;
  • does not crumble when cutting, no need to process the cuts;
  • the surface structure allows you to sew clothes without lining and with the seams outward.

Drawbacks:

  • shrinks when wet;
  • decating (wet-heat treatment) is required before cutting;
  • delicate care is required;
  • lanolin, which is contained in sheep wool, causes allergies.

What standards are used in manufacturing? What is taken into account in them?

Loden is covered by GOST 28000-2004 for finished clothing made of wool and semi-woolen fabrics.

Technical specifications for wool materials were set by GOST:

  • coloring;
  • raw materials;
  • permissible deviations in size;
  • physical and mechanical properties;
  • packaging.

The GOST clarifies:

  • safety requirements;
  • testing methods;
  • acceptance rules;
  • storage, transportation.
Property Description
Material Loden is a warm, thick woolen fabric, known for its softness and durability.
Insulation Excellent heat retention makes it ideal for cold weather clothing.
Uses Commonly used for coats, jackets, and blankets.
Care Hand wash or dry clean to maintain quality.
Cost Approximately $50-$150 per meter, depending on quality and origin.

Loden fabric is a great option for cold-weather apparel because of its exceptional warmth, softness, and durability. Despite its traditional origins, this material has become popular in contemporary fashion because of its cozy texture and inherent insulating qualities.

Whether it’s for blankets, coats, or jackets, loden provides both fashion and utility, keeping you toasty without compromising style. Its adaptability to a range of applications—from outdoor gear to casual wear—makes it a dependable fabric for winter necessities.

Loden is generally inexpensive and provides good value for a material of excellent quality. Depending on the blend and thickness, prices can vary, but overall, it’s still a reasonable choice for people wishing to spend money on warm-weather clothing that looks good.

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Maria Vlasova

Fabric researcher and collector. My passion is finding rare and unique materials that can inspire me to create something special. I travel a lot to find new fabrics and learn about the traditions of their production. On this site I share my discoveries and talk about how to choose and use fabrics in different areas of life.

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