Engel Natur: a staple at Natur-el for over 21 years
Engel Natur has been part of Natur-el since the very beginning. We first encountered Engel at a trade fair over 21 years ago. We felt the fabrics, examined the quality, and were sold instantly. We have been a customer from day one — and we have remained so all these years.
That says a lot, because I am quite critical when it comes to wool. It shouldn't just sound sustainable; it needs to feel good, stay beautiful, and be comfortable to wear every day. As far as I'm concerned, Engel completely delivers on that. I therefore always jokingly call it the Mercedes of woollens: reliable, solid, and so comfortable that you really don't want to go back to anything else.
In all those years, we have received remarkably few complaints about Engel products. If something ever goes wrong, it is truly exceptional. That constant quality is one of the main reasons why we have been selling the brand with such conviction for over 21 years.
Woollen underwear we wear ourselves every day
We don't just sell Engel; we all wear it at home. Personally, I can't live without the camisoles and long-sleeved shirts anymore. Funnily enough, I don't own a single Engel short-sleeved shirt. For me, it's either a camisole or a long-sleeved shirt right away.
In the summer, I also love the soft shorts. They feel light and comfortable and are great under a dress or skirt. And my black Engel turtleneck? I don't wear it as underwear at all, but simply as an outer garment. With trousers or a skirt, it looks beautiful, while still having that wonderful, soft feeling of wool and silk.
That is immediately one of Engel's strengths: many garments are more versatile than the word "underwear" suggests. A camisole can go under a blouse, a long-sleeved shirt is a nice base layer, and a beautiful turtleneck can simply be part of your outfit.
Take a look, for example, at our women's wool camisoles and women's wool long-sleeved shirts.
"You need this in your life"
Customers come to Natur-el specifically for Engel because we have one of the most extensive Engel collections in the Netherlands and because you can feel and try it on in our shop.
The latter really makes a difference. People regularly walk in who have never heard of woollen underwear. At first, they look a bit doubtful when we say: "You need this in your life!" But then they try on a camisole, long-sleeved shirt, or leggings and suddenly understand what we mean. They then come back for a second piece — or simply don't want to wear anything else anymore.
And no, woollen underwear is definitely not just for the stereotypical alternative crowd. In our shop, we see exactly how broad the group of enthusiasts is. Young, older, fashionable, sporty, always cold, easily overstimulated, or just looking for a nice undershirt: almost anyone can fall in love with Engel once they've worn it.
Without unnecessary junk
Many customers consciously choose Engel because they want to wear natural materials and have no need for all sorts of unnecessary additives and aggressive treatments. Engel works with organic merino wool and silk, among other things, and produces its clothing in Germany.
For the woollen clothing, merino wool is used from organically raised sheep that live freely in Patagonia. According to Engel, the wool undergoes a natural treatment that allows it to be washed on a suitable wool wash cycle. The dyes are free of heavy metals and harmful AZO substances.
Approximately 95% of the Engel collection carries the GOTS or IVN BEST label. For some products, small components like elastic or lace can stand in the way of complete article certification. Engel indicates that they produce these garments according to the same ecological and social principles.
That combination of natural materials, strict production standards, and German reliability is exactly why we trust Engel so much.
Organic merino wool and silk
Merino wool helps your body maintain its temperature. It warms you when it's cold, but can also absorb and wick away moisture. As a result, a wool camisole doesn't easily feel clammy.
Silk makes the fabric smoother, more supple, and softer. That is one of the reasons why wool-silk is so popular with people with sensitive skin. The combination forms a comfortable base layer that you can wear almost all year round.
Moreover, wool does not need to be washed after every wear. Often, just airing it out is enough. That is good for the garment, for your energy bill, and for the environment.
From solid to increasingly fresh
When we started with Engel, the brand was quite conservative. The colours were calm and, to be honest, sometimes not very spectacular. Quality was paramount, and trends clearly came in second place. "We provide quality" was pretty much the motto — and they did.
In the meantime, Gabriele Kolompar's daughter has taken over the company from her mother. And how lovely is this: she is also named Vera — a namesake, therefore. Since this new generation has been at the helm, we have noticed a breath of fresh air blowing through Engel. The brand has been given a new logo, the colours are becoming fresher, and the designs are increasingly taking on a more modern look.
We are very happy with that. The trusted quality remains, but Engel now also appeals to people who are not just looking for sustainable and comfortable underwear, but also want to wear something beautiful and contemporary.
Which Engel underwear suits you?
Which style suits you best depends on how warm you run, what you want to wear it for, and how sensitive your skin is. Wool-silk generally feels lighter and smoother. If you are looking for extra warmth, you can choose a thicker quality or a garment made of 100% wool.
View our woollen underwear for women or discover the woollen underwear for men. Still not sure? In our woollen underwear buying guide, we calmly explain which materials, thicknesses, and models suit different situations.
And, of course, you are welcome to come and feel and try on Engel in our shop in Rotterdam. Because honestly: only when you put it on do you understand why we have been so enthusiastic about this brand for over 21 years.
