Buying guide
Engel makes two primary fabric types, and choosing between them comes down to your use case. Both use certified organic fibers and are produced entirely in Germany.
Wool-Silk (70% Merino / 30% Silk)
Engel's most popular fabric. Silk adds a naturally smooth surface that reduces any prickle sensation — ideal for sensitive skin and eczema-prone babies. Lighter than fleece, it performs best as a next-to-skin base layer in cool to cold conditions. Used in bodysuits, leggings, thermal tops, and underwear across all ages.
100% Organic Wool Fleece
A thicker, plushier fabric used in Engel's outerwear and cold-weather layers. Warmer than the wool-silk blend, it works as a mid or outer layer. Used in fleece pants, romper coveralls, hooded jackets, blankets, hats, and mittens for babies and young children.
Shop by age
Newborns & babies (0–18 months)
Start with Engel's wool-silk bodysuits and footed sleep overalls — gentle enough for delicate newborn skin from day one. The 100% wool fleece bonnet, mittens, and pants are classic first-winter essentials. The wool fleece receiving blanket works as a swaddle, stroller cover, or play mat.
Toddlers & kids (2–15 years)
The long-sleeve and short-sleeve wool-silk thermal tops and leggings pair perfectly under school clothes for all-day wear. For colder days, the raglan sweater and hooded jacket in 100% wool fleece are warm, durable outerwear that holds up to daily play. The balaclava hat covers ears, neck, and chin in one piece.
Women
Engel's women's wool-silk base layers are slim and elegant under everyday clothing. The camisole with lace and thermal shirt with lace are warm enough for cold offices and outdoor use, yet light enough to wear alone. The leggings work as loungewear, base layers under ski pants, or everyday wear in cooler seasons. Engel women's sizing runs XS through XL using EU paired sizes.
Men
Engel's men's wool-silk line covers the full base layer wardrobe: short-sleeve t-shirt, long-sleeve shirt, long-sleeve shirt with extended back (for cold outdoor work and skiing), turtleneck polo, and long johns. All in 70% merino wool and 30% silk. Men's sizes run Small (EU 46/48) through XL (EU 54/56).
Certifications
Engel is one of a small number of wool brands certified to both GOTS and IVN BEST — the two most rigorous organic textile standards available. Here is what each certification covers.
GOTS — Global Organic Textile Standard
Covers the entire production chain from raw fiber through finished garment. Requires a minimum of 70% certified organic fibers, prohibits a long list of harmful chemicals, and includes social standards for fair labor. The most widely recognized organic textile certification internationally.
IVN BEST
Stricter than GOTS on chemical restrictions, requiring 100% certified organic natural fibers and applying tighter limits on restricted substances. IVN BEST is the highest standard available for organic textiles. Engel holds both — GOTS as a foundation and IVN BEST as the highest tier.
Learn more
Is merino wool itchy?
What makes fine merino different from the coarse wool that earned the itchy reputation — and what wool-silk adds.
Read the guide →Merino wool weights explained
Wool-silk interlock, plush fleece, and boiled wool — when to use each and how they compare as layers.
Read the guide →European wool sizing guide
How Engel's EU height-based baby sizing and EU paired adult sizing translates to US sizes.
Read the guide →How to wash wool clothing
Step-by-step wool care to keep Engel garments in great shape through years of use and multiple children.
Read the guide →FAQ
Engel uses fine-grade merino wool with a fiber diameter typically between 17–20 microns — much finer than the coarse wool that causes itching. This makes it soft enough for most sensitive skin, including newborns and babies prone to eczema. Their wool-silk blend adds an extra layer of smoothness because silk naturally lies flat against the skin. Most people who find standard wool irritating report no itching with Engel merino.
Engel holds both GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) and IVN BEST certification. IVN BEST is the most stringent organic textile certification available, with stricter requirements than GOTS on restricted substances and social standards. Both certifications cover the entire supply chain from raw fiber to finished garment — meaning the wool, the silk, the dyes, and the manufacturing process all meet the standard.
Engel garments are designed and manufactured in the Swabian region of southern Germany. Wool is sourced from certified-organic merino farms where sheep are raised without mulesing, then blended with organic silk, spun into yarn, and produced into finished garments entirely within Germany. There is no outsourcing at any stage of the supply chain.
Wool-silk (70% merino, 30% silk) is Engel's lighter, next-to-skin fabric — smooth, breathable, and ideal for base layers, bodysuits, leggings, and underwear for all ages. Wool fleece (100% merino) is a thicker, plushier fabric used for outerwear — fleece pants, romper coveralls, hooded jackets, hats, and mittens. For most people, wool-silk is the first purchase and wool fleece is the outer layer on cold days.
Machine wash on a gentle wool cycle in cool water using a wool-safe, enzyme-free detergent. Lay flat on a towel to dry — never tumble dry or wring. Wool naturally resists odor, so most Engel garments only need washing every 3–5 wears. Air out between uses to freshen. With proper care, Engel wool lasts many years and softens with age. See our complete wool care guide →
Engel baby and kids items use European height-based sizing in centimeters — size 56 fits newborns, 68 fits roughly 3–6 months, 86 fits approximately 12–18 months, and so on up through size 140 for older children. Adult women's sizes are labeled XS through XL using EU paired sizes (XS = EU 32/34, S = EU 36/38, M = EU 40/42, L = EU 44/46, XL = EU 48/50). Men's sizes run Small (EU 46/48) through XL (EU 54/56). Full size charts are on each product page. See our full sizing guide →
All three are German organic wool brands with GOTS certification, but each specializes in different areas. Engel has the widest range across all ages — from newborn bodysuits to adult base layers — and is the only one with IVN BEST certification. Their wool-silk blend is their signature fabric. Disana focuses on knitted and boiled wool for babies and young children, and is the only brand that also makes organic cotton cloth diapers and wool diaper covers. Reiff specializes in 100% wool fleece, particularly baby sleep sacks and wearable blankets, and offers a refined women's clothing line in fine merino crepe.
