Inspired by Nordic sports and our founder's passion to push boundaries, Odlo exists to heighten every outdoor experience. We design base layers without equal and all-season apparel that drives outdoor devotees to go for more, more often, in comfort.
We live for the limitless potential of personal podiums and shared experiences. And from the Swiss Alps, we develop clothing for those who know that whatever lies ahead – there’s always more out there.
WHO WE ARE
Founded in 1946 in Norway by Odd Lofterød Sr., we made our first mark in the performance apparel industry by developing an elastic, heat-regulating suit for cross-country skiers and speed skaters unlike anything athletes had ever seen. Those nylon race suits were used by Olympic teams starting in 1964, and by the 1972 Sapporo Olympics, over 25 teams wore the Odlo Thermic: the first fully synthetic base layer that kept athletes comfortable and dry. In this pre-sponsorship era, athletes and teams paid out of pocket to race in the revolutionary Odlo apparel.
Innovations continued over the next several decades as we launched the groundbreaking three-layer principle, introduced the first base layers using "Effect" fabric with odour-reducing silver ions and expanded our offerings into other sports and activities.
Today, we continue to push boundaries and collaborate with like-minded partners who share our passion for rewarding outdoor challenges. We’re proud to outfit the likes of the Swiss-Ski Nordic teams, Team Odlo X-Alpi and a variety of elite athletes across a wide spectrum of disciplines with unrivalled base layers and all-season performance apparel.
KEY EVENTS
1946 Odd Roar Lofterød founds Odlo in Norway.
1964 Odlo’s nylon cross-country race suit revolutionises the sport. It is proudly worn by the entire Norwegian national team at that year’s Olympic games.
1972 At the Sapporo Olympics, 25 teams wear the Odlo Thermic - the first fully synthetic base layer that keeps athletes comfortable. Athletes and teams (in this, the pre-sponsorship era) pay to race in the apparel themselves.
1986 Odlo moves to Switzerland and launches the groundbreaking three layer principle.
1994 The Company expands into running and outdoor products. That same year, Odlo introduces a recycling guarantee.
2002 Odlo “effect” fibre fabric breakthrough becomes first underwear on market to contain odour reducing silver ions.
2008 Odlo joins the Fair Wear Foundation.
2011 Odlo completes its first Life Cycle Assessment on one of its base layers – the Evolution Greentec. It’s the first seamless base layer made from 100% recycled materials.
2016 Odlo celebrates its 70th anniversary and introduces a new brand claim, “Engineers of Active Layers since 1946.”
2017 Odlo launches the pioneering Ceramicool technology which uses the cooling properties of ceramic in clothing.
2018 More innovation follows with Ceramiwool, Ceramiwarm and F-Dry. Also that year, a ground-breaking collaboration with Zaha Hadid Design.
2019 Odlo introduces I-THERMIC, the first intelligent Thermal Technology that analyses body heat to regulate when needed.
2021 Odlo invests heavily in solar panels at its German distribution facility as it prioritises clean energy use. That same year, Odlo is awarded Leader status by the Fair Wear Foundation for the 6th consecutive year.
2023 Martin Fourcade is named global brand ambassador. The company rebrands with the tag, “There’s More Out There.” Meanwhile, under CEO Daniel Eppler, the company sets six strategic priorities – Sustainability among them. Additionally, the Company commercialises a base layer partnership with Burton Snowboards.
2024 Odlo celebrates its partnership with Team Odlo X-Alpi with the release of Out For More, a web series. Later in the year, it furthers its brand awareness with a campaign that celebrates the joy of the outdoors with champion biathletes, the Gasparin Sisters.
2025 Odlo continues to advance its sustainability priorities, reaching 83% to recycled polyester use by end of year. The Company targets 100% non-virgin polyester in collection by 2028.