Do you dress yourself, or do you buy clothes?

In our atelier we regularly receive requests to copy items. These are often garments that people have owned for years and that are no longer available in stores. You notice that a lot of quality clothing that used to be readily available in retail simply no longer exists. This is because quality products require a great deal of time, money and expertise.

Unfortunately we must conclude that we live in a zeitgeist where it is no longer about dressing people but simply about selling textiles with a whole lot of marketing. The result: poorly made and fitting clothing at a far too high price.

In this video you see how it can also be done, after years of wearing a jacket, we copy it (simply) so that the favourite garment can often be realised with improvements, gained through the progressive insight that comes from years of wearing it.

What is a loden coat?

A loden coat is a long overcoat traditionally made from tightly woven and felted wool known as loden. Due to its specific finishing process, the fabric becomes naturally wind-resistant, water-repellent thanks to lanolin, and exceptionally durable. The cut is generous, allowing freedom of movement around the shoulders and back, often featuring a back pleat or cape-like shoulder construction. It is a coat born from function, not fashion, and that is precisely what gives the loden coat its understated, almost academic presence.

Origins and history of the loden coat

The loden coat originates from the Alpine regions of Austria and Southern Germany. Shepherds, hunters and landowners relied on this heavy wool coat to withstand rain, wind and cold. Later, it was adopted by the European hunting aristocracy and estate owners as part of their countryside attire during hunting weekends and outdoor gatherings.

From practical garment to discreet luxury

While other coats evolved towards decorative or fashionable expressions, the loden coat stayed true to its roots. Even when refined by noble tailoring houses, it retained its core values: function, material and silence. No shine, no theatrical details – just a coat made to work.