With its Winter 2026 collection, „For the Cozy and Curious,“ ARMEDANGELS introduces a material innovation that reimagines one of the greatest challenges in knitwear production: the use of synthetic fibers. The Cologne-based fashion label has succeeded in developing a bouclé—one of the most distinctive and cozy knit textures for winter—entirely without polyester or other synthetic fibers. This new bouclé yarn combines wool from RWS-certified farms with TENCEL™ Lyocell by Lenzing—a cellulose fiber derived from certified or controlled wood sources—to create the signature qualities of bouclé:
volume, softness, and warmth—all without the use of synthetic fibers. Following its debut in 2025, the yarn became a bestseller in its very first season. In the Winter 2026 collection, this material innovation is now being applied to a wider range of styles.
The Material Innovation: Nature over Oil
Bouclé is one of the most distinctive and tactilely versatile knit textures of the winter season. Its characteristic loops, volume, and fluffy surface have traditionally been achieved through the use of synthetic fibers like polyester. ARMEDANGELS has opted for a plastic-free material blend instead. Creative Director Christiane Bördner and Director of Impact & Innovation Julia Kirschner combined TENCEL™ Lyocell with wool from RWS-certified farms to develop a bouclé yarn that achieves its signature feel without any petroleum-based fibers. „In 2025, fossil-based fibers accounted for less than three percent of our material mix. These final few percentage points are the most difficult, as synthetic fibers were long considered indispensable in those specific applications—bouclé being one of them. Not anymore.“ – Julia Kirschner, Director of Impact & Innovation, ARMEDANGELS
ARMEDANGELS already incorporates TENCEL™ Lyocell into various product categories, including outerwear and underwear. With the introduction of a new, plastic-free bouclé yarn, this wood-based fiber is now also being used in a sophisticated knit quality.
The Collection: For the Cozy and Curious
The 2026 winter collection, „For the Cozy and Curious,“ builds upon this material innovation, combining it with a diverse mix of winter fabrics—such as recycled wool, tweed, fleece, and corduroy. The collection blends varied textures and construction techniques with relaxed, contemporary silhouettes. Key pieces include a patchwork knit made from merino mouliné, alpaca wool sweaters, cable-knit sweaters and cardigans, bouclé knits, as well as styles crafted from fleece, tweed, and corduroy.
The collection draws inspiration from the details that reveal themselves when one takes the time to look closely: the patterns found in tree bark, unexpected textures, and the unique characteristics of everyday objects. At its core, however, the collection explores how familiar winter materials can be reimagined—and whether synthetic fibers are truly necessary to create knitwear that one loves to wear.
