Souvenir Sport Archive

Pieces from Swiss mountaineering, traditional clothing and folk costume. From anoraks and down jackets to hiking boots and Sennen-Chutteli, these garments reflect life in the Alps — functional, weatherproof, and deeply tied to place. They include works by Ammann, Bally, Ege, Fürst, Kandahar, Protector, Richner, Raichle, and Wenet, representing a century of craftsmanship between alpine utility and design culture.

The “big four” here are PTT, SBB, Swissair, and the Swiss Army — institutions that defined the image of Swiss labour and service. Their garments and accessories were crafted by small workshops or produced industrially by makers such as Spilag & Co. They exemplify the precision, durability and restrained design language that became central to Swiss professional clothing.

This collection spans jerseys, fencing trousers, hunting jackets and race bibs — garments from Swiss club and amateur sports, worn in schools, gymnastics clubs, competitions and leisure. They represent everyday performance clothing by Bächtold, Fritsch, Och and others, where utility meets the emerging aesthetics of movement and recreation.

Emerging from Gustav Metzger AG in Basel, originally a shirt manufacturer for the Swiss market, Protector found its niche in mountaineering and outdoor sportswear. The company produced the famous Schneetarn smock and trousers for the Swiss Army, along with numerous ski and expedition garments. Their pieces accompanied Swiss mountaineers to some of the highest peaks of the Himalayas and remain icons of alpine functionality.

Founded in Schönenwerd in 1821, Nabholz grew from underwear production into one of Switzerland’s leading sportswear manufacturers. Their modern, durable designs defined an era of Swiss textile craftsmanship and international recognition. In 1968, eleven nations wore Nabholz tracksuits at the Olympic Games in Mexico, making the brand a lasting symbol of quality, innovation and national pride.