The term Loden probably comes from the Old High German term “Lodo” for, coarse woolen stuff ‘, [1] which is occupied since the 10th century, but can also be from the Middle High German “Lodi” (coat) or from the homonymous Norse “Lodi” (shaggy coat ) originate. Loden originally designated firm, not fulled woolen fabrics from carded yarns. Ever since the Middle Ages Loden was flexed to then as “woolen cloth” (eng. Broadcloth, Swed. Wadmal) to be processed. The term “Loden” designated at this time only the unfinished raw fabric before the bending process.
Today, the term Loden as a collective term for tight carded (rare woolen fabric) is used with a more or less smooth surface. Colloquially Loden is often equated with Walkloden although today both milled and non-milled materials fall under this designation. The classic colors are olive, drab, schwarzmeliert or maroon. Modern loden fabrics are usually in twill, twill-like or woven plain weave.
The proven oldest existing manufacturer of Walkloden the Lodenwalke in Ramsau am Dachstein. A major player in Tirol was Franz Baur’s sons.