Craft Sportswear

Overview

Craft Sportswear is a Swedish producer of functional sports apparel, specializing in base layers, insulation layers, and outer shells for endurance sports including running, triathlon, cycling, and cross-country skiing¹. The brand follows a three-layer principle to manage moisture through capillary action, expelling sweat from the skin for evaporation¹. It positions as a provider of performance-oriented gear developed with elite athletes, targeting both professionals and recreational users in endurance categories³⁴.

History

Craft Sportswear was founded in 1977 by Anders Bengtsson in Borås, Sweden, with the initial concept of underwear that transports moisture away from the skin during activity¹. It expanded from technical base layers to a three-layer system including insulation and protective outerwear¹. The company has focused on innovations for endurance sports and is now a subsidiary of New Wave Group⁶.

Product Lines

Manufacturing

Craft Sportswear products are designed in Sweden with a focus on functional textiles from the Borås textile industry¹. Specific manufacturing locations are not detailed in available sources, but as a Swedish brand, production likely involves European or global outsourcing common in apparel¹.

Notable Products

• Technical Base Layers - Moisture-propelling underwear and first-layer garments using capillary action¹
• Fleece Second Layers - Insulation mid-layers for moisture transportation¹
• Running Outer Shells - Layer three protection for running and triathlon¹
• Cycling Kits - Performance apparel for cycling including jerseys and bibs⁷
• Nordic Ski Gear - Specialized layers for cross-country skiing²

Reputation

Craft is recognized among endurance athletes for its functional three-layer system and moisture management in sports like running, cycling, and skiing¹. Enthusiasts value its Swedish heritage and athlete collaborations for reliable performance gear³. It maintains a niche presence rather than mass-market dominance, with limited visibility outside specialty circles¹⁵.