Green, loden women's coat, pre-1945.
Nationaal Bevrijdingsmuseum 1944-1945 (the Netherlands), acc. no. 3-2-460.
Loden is a type of woollen cloth that is made from carded fibres. The woven material is fulled (kneaded until the material is felting) after weaving. After fulling it is brushed and sheared repeatedly. Modern loden cloth is principally made from Austrian sheep, but also other fibres may be added.
The name loden is allegedly derived from Old or Middle (High) German lodo/lode, for 'rough'. The material was traditionally used for the outer garments of farmers and others in Austria (especially in Tyrol) and beyond, to protect the wearer against the cold and wet weather.
WV, 24 March 2022
