Dale of Norway Influences Ski Fashion Then and Now
When you head to the hill this winter, you’re bound to see someone sporting a Dale of Norway sweater in the lodge. The brand’s influence on snow sport fashion speaks volumes, as many people identify Dale of Norway sweaters as quintessential, classic winter sports style. A myriad of trends have come and gone in the niche of snow sport fashion; neon, stretchy pants, tall tees to name a few… yet the iconic and unmistakable Dale sweaters continue to remain embedded in skiing culture, as many skiers consider the Norwegian sweaters both staple and statement pieces in their gear kits.
While the Norwegian company was founded in 1879, Dale of Norway did not begin making fashion garments until much later. The connection between Dale of Norway and snow sport fashion began in 1956, when the Norwegian Ski Team commissioned the company to produce their team sweaters. This partnership sparked a long lasting collaboration that continues today, and also grew to create opportunities for Dale to design sweaters for the Winter Olympics as well as many other international winter sport championships over the last 50 years. Dale of Norway’s foothold in the world of snow sport fashion was solidified by these relationships; the designs, functionality, and high quality spoke to the culture and history of skiing.
Honoring this tradition, one of Dale of Norway’s newest additions to the collection was inspired by a look through their archives. The Garmisch sweater is truly vintage Dale, as it was originally crafted exclusively for the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships in 1978. The updated Garmisch embraces the company’s Norwegian roots, as it features the Selburose and Lusekofte design found on the original.
The Garmish sweater modeled in 1978
However unlike its predecessor, the new Garmisch is made of 100% Merino wool (for those unfamiliar with Merino, it is like cashmere’s cousin… extremely soft!) Merino wool naturally possesses the ideal high performance qualities desired of a baselayer or midlayer that alpine and cross country skiers require for cold days. Merino is an incredible insulator, wicks sweat if worn next to skin, is easy to wash and does not retain stinky sweat odor like synthetic, petroleum derived fibers.
If you are attending any Nordic event this winter, the Garmisch sweater is the perfect layer for both competitors and spectators. Not only will this piece help keep you toasty in the notoriously frigid month of February, but you’ll also nail the style points in this vintage piece at the après scene. Skål and cheers!
*WIN YOUR OWN DALE OF NORWAY SWEATER - During the month of January, 2016, you can enter to your very own Dale of Norway Rondane sweater when you visit skivermont.com/contest. The Rondane Sweater is the official sweater of Ski Vermont and is made with a 100% skinsoft super fine Merino and features a pattern that was inspired by the St. Moritz Championship sweater. The 1/4 zip Rondane Sweater is available in men's and women's sizes and colors and can easily be worn as a first or second layer. Enter now and wear your new sweater this winter!
Written by Kerrie Lohr, Marketing and Media Coordinator for Dale of Norway
