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Nestled between the mountains in Bergsdalen valley lies the small town of Dale. At first glance, you’d never assume that this place is steeped in woolen history, dating back to the late 1800s.
But it is indeed the birthplace of Dale of Norway - one of the most popular Norwegian sweater brands on the market.
The sweaters, worn by Olympic teams and celebrities alike, are taking the international market by storm with their classic yet modern designs.
Let’s dive deeper into the history to learn what exactly is so special about the brand (and why a Dale of Norway sweater should be your next purchase this winter).
Shop Dale of Norway Mens and Womens and find your perfect Norwegian sweater this winter season.
Dale of Norway history: The birth of a one of a kind Norwegian wool sweater
Dale Factory in 1910.
In 1872, way ahead of his time, industrialist Peter Jebsen understood how the rivers and waterfalls around Dale could power what would soon become a textile empire. He bought the water rights, set up power stations, and founded what would soon become Norway’s largest textile enterprise.
In 1879, the factory facilities were completed, fueled by the valley’s natural hydro power - paving the way for new wool and knitting traditions.
But throughout the 20th century, Norway's textile industry saw significant changes, particularly after World War II. A decline was inevitable as increased competition from low-cost labor markets, shifts in consumer preferences, and the rise of synthetic fibers influenced the market. Eventually, the demand for traditional wool textiles diminished and many local manufacturers struggled to adapt.
Dale of Norway, however, managed to not only survive - but thrive - by making strategic decisions. The company focused on maintaining high quality craftsmanship and embracing its heritage. Still to this day, the brand is steeped in Norwegian culture and traditions.
More than 140 years later, the iconic Norwegian wool sweaters and distinct Norwegian sweater patterns are recognized around the world.
The power of wool
Norwegian wool
Norwegian wool makes for one of the best insulators on the market. Its strength and longevity is celebrated worldwide for creating garments that last a lifetime. Plus, Norwegian sheep roam freely atop mountains and by the fjords, making Norwegian wool one of the world’s most animal-friendly textile fibers.The exceptional durability of Norwegian wool means: Garments have a longer lifespan and contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle
The wool is less susceptible to pilling so garments will maintain a fresh appearance year after year
Garments retain their fit and shape over time
Dale of Norway uses two types of Norwegian wool, Plover and Heron. Plover wool is celebrated for its softness and comfort, while Heron wool is known for its strength and durability.
Merino Wool
The unique properties of wool, and specifically merino wool, are unmatched. Thanks to its fine fibers, Merino wool is much softer than regular wool. This is what makes it so comfortable while reducing itchiness and irritation.
One of the standout features of Merino wool is its breathability. It can effectively regulate temperature by allowing moisture to evaporate, keeping you dry and comfortable in varying conditions. In short, making it your ideal companion in the UK’s temperamental weather.
Speaking of British weather, Merino wool can absorb moisture - without feeling wet. The absorbed moisture is released into the air, which helps you stay dry, making it perfect for active lifestyles. Plus, this type of wool provides excellent insulation, keeping you warm in cold conditions while remaining cool in warmer temperatures.
Merino wool has natural antimicrobial properties that help prevent the buildup of odor.
This means garments can be worn longer without developing unpleasant smells, which means multi-day outdoor expeditions won’t be a problem.
Despite its softness, Merino wool is also strong and resilient. When cared for properly, it can last for many years without losing its shape or performance.
Merino wool is a natural, renewable resource, as sheep produce new fleece annually. It is also biodegradable, making it a more sustainable option compared to synthetic fibers.
With the knowledge of merino wool top of mind, let’s take a look at how Dale of Norway sweaters are made.
A look behind the scenes: Making the sweaters
Dale of Norway is one of the few brands that still has production in Norway. In the impressive “Knitting Room,” 40 machines run in shifts 5 days a week from Monday to Friday, 24 hours a day.
Nina Singer, Customer Service Specialist at Dale of Norway, explains that “each machine is set up with yarn cones and some of them are even tandem machines, which means it can knit two of the same exact pieces at once. That's why there's cones on both sides and they're fed into the machine. It requires a specific amount of tension to make sure that it's knit on the right side. Not too close together, not too loose. They're fed in, and the computer has a program which has been made by the design team.”
Safe to say, this process has come a long way since the sweaters used to be knitted by housewives all around Norway.
But it’s in the “Finishing Room” that the magic happens.
As you might be able to guess, this is where the different pieces of the garments are assembled. Five pieces all together; front, back, two sleeves, and a collar.
Stitching together panels into a finished garment.
Singer explains, “Traditionally when you sew pieces together, you put one piece on top of the other and you just sew through. But what you end up with is a very thick seam that looks bulky and doesn't lay well. Suddenly you've got these big lumps piling up when you're trying to put a jacket on - it’s not comfortable and it doesn’t look great either.
That’s why our pieces are still joined like they would be if you were knitting a garment by hand, which we do by using a machine like this.”
Driven by nature—A commitment to sustainability
The 1994 sweater and Alvoy hat.
Dale has, quite literally, always been powered by nature. Dale of Norway’s Head of Marketing, Erica Pane, emphasizes that “it means we’ll always continue to push towards being driven by nature, and in turn, nature is what's pushing us to do our best.”
She continues, “the fact that wool is a naturally regenerative resource that is so distinctively versatile, from keeping you warm in the cold, to regulating temperatures effectively and being so breathable, it’s truly a remarkable material.”
When it comes to sustainability, it’s about wearing less for longer.
“If we want a brand like Dale of Norway to continue to live on, we need consumers to keep our products for a long time and eventually hand them down. We really believe in that circular motion for our garments. It's up to the consumer to buy less and buy from brands that have strong values,” Pane explains.
The people that connect with Dale of Norway are people that are also driven by nature. Either they inspire others to be outdoors more or inspire others to buy more sustainable products.
Erica ends with “Ultimately, our customers truly connect with the products we’re selling as well. It's not just a sweater. It's not about pushing out new trends. It’s about sustainable style that will last for generations to come.”
Shop your favourite Norwegian sweaters from Dale of Norway online now at Nordic Outdoor with FREE UK Delivery on orders over £80.