Schöffel

Swabian jelly bag caps become high-tech outdoor clothing

What began in 1804 with Georg Schöffel as a hosiery trader with stockings, socks, night caps and pointed caps in Schwabmünchen south of Augsburg is continued by son Josef and his wife Theresa as a itinerant trade during wartime and later as a sedentary textile trade.

After the Second World War a new chapter begins for the family business. When Ludwig Schöffel was killed in Russia, his younger brother Hubert took over the company in the sixth generation. He and his wife Lydia initially set up a clothing store and, after purchasing other companies, began producing children's and men's trousers in their own production hall. Hubert Schöffel saw the trend towards hiking early on, which is why he expanded production of sportswear as early as 1967.

This decision ensures the success of the company, as he recognizes the exact needs of his customers by producing outdoor clothing. By 1971, Schöffel was already the market leader in the sale of waistband trousers, and a little later also for jackets and hiking clothing. Schöffel is also the inventor of the "Jethose", the first trousers that can be fastened over ski boots.

Schöffel continues to develop. New materials are tested, new methods of textile processing are found and work is carried out together with GORE-TEX on new membranes which are both windproof and waterproof. With a new welding process, the first mountain anorak "Tibet" with a Gore membrane was born in 1983, which became a bestseller almost overnight. In the 1990s the management of the company was handed over to son Peter Schöffel, who still runs the company today.

What Schöffel stands for

Even in the seventh generation, the customer is still the number one priority at Schöffel. In order to be able to enjoy nature to the full, he should receive exactly the products he needs. And that pays off. Schöffel became a premium brand and is now one of the leading manufacturers of functional ski and outdoor clothing both nationally and internationally.

The combination of tradition and modernity makes a significant contribution to its success. This is why Schöffel, as one of the oldest family-owned companies in Bavaria, continues to focus on regionality. This means that everything from planning to the presentation of the collection is handled by its own tailors in Germany. The factory in Schwabmünchen currently (as of 2019) employs around 200 people who perform precision work. The company logo is only applied to products that have been thoroughly tested and meet the company's own standards.

Well equipped all year round

The Schöffel product range extends from hiking and ski clothing to leisure jackets and coats. One of the top sellers is the year-round jacket Schöffel ZipIn! Depending on temperature and activity, the jacket can be adjusted and individually assembled at any time using a universal zip. In this way, a wide variety of jackets such as down, PrimaLoft or fleece can be inserted into a wind and waterproof outer jacket. Thus the jacket is not only the ideal companion for all weather conditions, but also offers variety through trendy colour combinations.

The WINDSTOPPER®Active Shell jacket is the perfect lightweight companion. It's ideal in good weather, in windy conditions in the mountains or on the bike, as it takes up very little space. If you need it even smaller, choose the Everywear Superlite jacket.

Outdoor and trekking jackets are made of Venturi or GORE-TEX® Performance Shell® to ensure maximum comfort while being windproof, waterproof and breathable. In addition, these materials are not only durable, but also easy to care for. Welded seams and sealed zippers prevent the jackets from leaking in very wet conditions. The Venturi developed by Schöffel is a very high-performance laminate which, with a water column of 10,000 mm, is one hundred percent waterproof even in heavy rain.

Schöffel takes responsibility

Schöffel relies on the principle of quality rather than quantity. Good, timeless products with a long service life are intended to counter the trend of abundance. The company also offers a good repair service. Damaged products do not have to be thrown away immediately. Strict rules are also followed in production, for example in the choice of suppliers. Peter Schöffel faces up to responsibility: "A perfect garment stands for the entire supply chain, from the responsible selection of raw materials, the management of harmful substances and resource-saving production to social responsibility towards our employees in Schwabmünchen, but also towards the employees of our production partners all over the world". This is why Schöffel has been a member of the Fair Wear Foundation since 2011. Furthermore, parts of the collection are certified according to the bluesign® system, which stands for sustainable textile production.

(Photos: Schöffel)