There's more out there

Born in Norway in 1946 and refined through Swiss precision, Odlo is driven by a pioneering spirit to elevate human potential and enjoyment in the outdoors.

Rooted in next-to-skin expertise, everything we create starts from the inside out. Comfort comes first, then building layer by layer to support movement, regulate temperature and remove distraction.

The result is performance apparel that works seamlessly with the body, so you can move freely and stay focused on the experience. Because when nothing comes between you and the outdoors, there’s always more out there.

We create for those who value movement, connection and the sense of fulfilment that comes from being outside. Whether the moment is quiet or demanding, shared or solitary, our role is to help make time outdoors more meaningful.

Not defined by a single sport, but by a mindset that seeks more from every moment outside.

Odlo was founded in Norway in 1946 by Odd Roar Lofterød, in an environment where harsh winters and demanding conditions left no room for compromise. From the beginning, his focus was simple. Clothing needed to work with the body, not against it.

Driven by curiosity and a hands-on understanding of fabrics and construction, he set out to solve real problems outdoors. When his son began training with the Norwegian junior speed skating team, the cold exposed the limits of existing gear. Watching athletes struggle, he saw an opportunity to create something better.

Drawing on his technical knowledge, he developed a new kind of training suit using innovative synthetic fibres that delivered warmth, stretch and freedom of movement. The impact was immediate. Athletes noticed the difference, and demand quickly followed.

What began as a practical solution became a defining principle. Performance starts next to the skin, built from the inside out.

Today, that thinking remains at the core of everything we do. Each layer is designed from the inside out to work in harmony, building a complete system that performs best when worn together.

Explore our founders’ story here.

Our origins lie in Norway, where demanding conditions shaped a mindset focused on function, resilience and performance.

Based in Switzerland since 1986, that thinking is refined through precision, technical expertise and a deep attention to detail.

Across Europe, our products are crafted with care, combining high quality manufacturing with responsible practices and a commitment to durability.

Together, this defines how we create. Performance apparel built to last, designed to support every moment outdoors.

Our story is one of purposeful innovation. Ideas born from real needs and refined over time.

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. In this pre-sponsorship era, athletes and teams paid 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.

2026 Odlo celebrates 80 years of pioneering performance by honouring what defines the brand: performance born of heritage, elevated by design and inspired by the outdoors. Find out more here.

At Odlo, sustainability is part of how we work. It is built into everything we do. It’s not a label or a campaign - it’s part of our heritage and built into everything we do.

From the beginning, we’ve balanced performance with responsibility: pioneering recycled fibres in the 1990s, launching our first fully recycled base layer in 2011 and committing to fair working conditions as a Fair Wear Foundation member since 2008. Milestones that remind us that caring for people and planet has always been part of who we are.

As an outdoor brand, we feel a deep responsibility toward the people who make our products and the natural world that inspires us. That means we design for durability, make careful choices about materials and energy and ensure fairness and dignity across our supply chain. ‘We can do more’ is our commitment to protecting the people and places we love by focusing on the areas where we can make the greatest progress.

Our approach is guided by three simple principles:

• Make it Fair – supporting safe and fair working conditions everywhere our products are made.

• Choose with Care – reducing our environmental footprint by selecting better materials and managing resources responsibly.

• Close the Loop – designing for long life, repair, and circular solutions so our products stay in use longer.

We don’t claim to have all the answers. But we are committed to transparency, continuous learning and progress step by step. For us, sustainability isn’t about perfection. It’s about taking responsibility in every decision we make.

We can do more, and this is just the start.

Find out more

Our invitation to step outside and feel more. To experience the outdoors without distraction and rediscover the confidence, clarity and connection that comes from being in nature.

Whatever the outdoors awakens in you, or however it rewards you, it becomes something deeply personal. A feeling that stays with you, draws you back and reminds you there is always more to explore.

Daniel Eppler (Chief Executive Officer)

Julien Barbedette (Chief Finance Officer)

Cecile Banz-Brodt (Chief People Officer)

Kilian Breuer (Chief Product Officer)

Davide Arsie (Chief Operations Officer)

Janne van der Laan (Chief Marketing Officer)

Andreas Hindelang (Chief E-Commerce Officer)

Stefan Solfors (Chief Retail Officer)

Tom Clive (Chief of Staff)

Marcus Mielke (Chief Wholesale Officer)

Johanna Heimlicher (Sustainability Director)

Since 2020 Odlo has been part of the Monte Rosa Sport group which includes Janus, the Norwegian-based premium Merino wool producer, and Henri-Lloyd, the iconic British sailing brand.