Odlo

„Always be one step ahead“

This was Odd Roar Lofterød's motto when he founded ODLO in Oslo in 1946. Initially he started with ladies' underwear, then developed the first functional underwear for his son, who was training in the Norwegian speed skating squad, using Helanca fibres. In 1964 the Norwegian national team wore the resulting cross-country and speed skating suit at the Winter Olympics in Innsbruck; eight years later, Odlo outfitted over 20 teams at the Games in Sapporo.

After the headquarters moved to Switzerland in 1986, the Athletic Clothing System, the three-layer principle, was born. The underwear, also known as the base layer, ensures optimum moisture transport, while the second layer, mid layer, is responsible for insulation and temperature regulation. The outer layer serves as weather protection and is therefore waterproof, windproof and breathable.

„From the skin“

Odlo remained true to this principle in 1994 with its start in the running and outdoor sector: every collection is always designed from the inside out. With the ultra-light knitted construction Cubic, for which Odlo has received several awards, the manufacturer achieved a technical milestone that is still part of the range today.

With Ceramicool and the warming variant Ceramiwarm, Odlo makes use of the cooling and warming properties of ceramics. In 2019, I-THERMIC followed as the first intelligent thermal technology that analyses body temperature and regulates underwear accordingly – now available in an upgraded 2.0 version. The anti-odour technology ZeroScent uses silver ions from recycled sources to reduce bacteria and odours.

Protecting beautiful nature for future generations

The Norwegian family-owned company faces up to this responsibility. The high quality of the products ensures a long service life. As a member of the Fair Wear Foundation, Odlo achieved the highest possible „Leader“ status in its latest Brand Performance Check. Since August 2025, Odlo has also been an official bluesign® System Partner. Rather than relying on its own eco-label, Odlo consistently follows recognised standards such as the OEKO-TEX Standard 100, which its underwear and base layer ranges comply with.

Odlo assures that no „mulesing“ is used in the sourcing of its wool, just as no down from live plucking or force feeding is used. Production is PVC- and nickel-free. From the SS26 collection onwards, Odlo is also eliminating PFAS chemicals that are knowingly added.

Through its repair service, damaged products can be fixed free of charge within the two-year warranty period – giving garments a second life instead of ending up in the bin prematurely.

In 2012, Evolution Greentech launched as the first seamless underwear made from 100% recycled materials, and in 2015 Odlo received the ISPO Gold Award for sustainability for the Blackcomb collection.

(Photos: Odlo)