Craft of Scandinavia
Swedish brand CRAFT is a producer of functional sports apparel. The company is based in Boras, an old, traditional textile industry town in the South of Sweden. The initial concept of founder Anders Bengtsson was to develop underwear, which propels moisture away from the skin during physical activity – and thus guarantees the perfect microclimate. CRAFT started with technical baselayers and soon developed the three layer principle with a 2nd layer of insulation and moisture transportation and an outer shell for protection. Today, the company offers gear for all kinds of sports focusing with layer 3 on running, triathlon, bike and cross-country skiing.
History
In 1973, Swede Anders Bengtsson started developing a baselayer material that transports moisture (sweat) away from the skin. Bengtsson tested his designs by weighing his gear after exercise sessions. He used polyester fibres, which only absorb a minimum of moisture and worked them in a special weaving construction. The so-called capillary action further promotes moisture expulsion transporting sweat from the skin to the outer surface of the garment where it quickly evaporates. The brand Craft of Sweden was officially founded in 1977. In addition to technical baselayers, the company soon started producing second layer garments (focusing on fleece material) and outerwear.
Company takeovers
New Wave Group acquired the brand in 1996.
Sponsoring
The Craft athlete team includes several national teams, among them the Swedish National XC-Team, Swedish Football Team or the Norwegian Track & Field team, as well as individual athletes such as Björn Lind, Charlotte Kalla, Jens Byggmark, Torbjørn Sindballe, and Pierre-Emmanuel Dalcin.
Craft also supply bicycle specific apparell to the RadioShack-Nissan professional cycling team.
Sponsored Events: Vasaloppet, Tour de Ski (Presenting Sponsor), Bike Trans Germany (Title Sponsor)