Swiss clothing brands worth knowing
From a century-old underwear maker and a rope maker turned mountain outfitter to a Zurich running label, a starting map of clothing brands founded in Switzerland.
Switzerland is known for watches and chocolate long before clothes, but plenty of brands you already wear were started here. Some are more than a century old. Others started in a Zurich flat. This guide is a starting map: what each brand does, who it suits, and where to begin. Full reviews of individual pieces follow in separate articles.
Freitag
Founded in Zurich in 1993 by the brothers Markus and Daniel Freitag, who made their first messenger bag from a used truck tarpaulin. Every bag is still cut from recycled tarps, so no two look the same. The brand also makes clothing from F-ABRIC, its own textile made to be composted at the end of its life.
Who it suits: anyone who wants a bag that will outlast them and doesn’t mind that it smells faintly of the road when new.
On
Started in Zurich in 2010, On made its name with running shoes built on hollow pods in the sole. The range now covers running and training apparel and everyday sneakers, and you’ll see the shoes as much in offices as on trails.
Who it suits: runners first, and people who want one pair of trainers that also works for a long day of walking.
Mammut
Founded in 1862 in Seon, Aargau, as a rope maker. Climbing ropes are still part of the business, alongside technical jackets, base layers and mountaineering gear.
Who it suits: people who actually go into the mountains and want shell jackets and layers designed for it.
Zimmerli
An underwear and loungewear maker from Aarburg, founded in 1871 and known for very fine cotton. It sits at the premium end of the market, and the basics are priced accordingly.
Who it suits: people who would rather own three excellent T-shirts than ten average ones.
How to choose
If you want one Swiss piece that will last for years, start with a Freitag bag or a Mammut shell. For everyday comfort, look at Zimmerli basics or On trainers.
We’ll add brands to this guide as we review them. If there’s a Swiss label you think we’ve missed, write to us.