Comfy, sexy, funny: underwear to cover your hills and valleys
1.3.2024
Translation: Jessica Johnson-Ferguson
Sports underwear makes me think of plain cotton knickers and boring singlets. True to the motto, «You can’t see it, so who cares?» But two female entrepreneurs from Austria are doing things differently.
Tucked away under functional sportswear, underwear leads a shadowy existence. It’s rarely a topic of conversation. Base layers are considered good if you put them on in the morning and forget about them for the rest of the day.
At least underwear has a tradition of acting as a lucky charm in sports. German artistic gymnast Lukas Dauser always wears the same underpants during competitions according to media reports (link in German). According to Olympia.com, Italian Olympic speed skating medallist Francesca Lollobrigida also makes sure she’s wearing the right colour underwear for an extra bit of luck during races. In some countries, wearing red underwear on New Year’s Eve is considered a guarantee for good luck in the new year.
Topo lines for the deepest layers of clothing
I can’t say for sure if underwear by «Ein schöner Fleck Erde» will bring you luck. What I can say, however, is that the fun motifs and the double entendres make me smile. They put a swing in my step. I’m a nature lover, so having that written all over my knickers is right up my street. And even the Matterhorn takes on a new meaning when it’s printed on a pair of men’s underpants. The underwear adds lightness to the deepest layers of clothing.
Source: Stefan Munsch
Founders Renate Wohlfart and Angela Thiel came up with the idea because they’re both mountain sports enthusiasts. In their search for new routes, they were amused by the original and sometimes unintentionally raunchy names of the mountains and valleys around them. «This is how our project we feel passionate about came to be. We do feel-good underwear that brings the most beautiful peaks to the most exciting zones,» Angela explains to me.
Angela and Renate have been working on their project since 2016. They create patterns and designs and study maps to find the funniest field names for their creations. «We believe underwear should be fun,» says Angela.
With their designs, the two founders aim to spark people’s imagination, but also their wanderlust. Sure enough, I looked at a map to find the love corner «Liebeseck» that adorns my knickers. The summit’s 2303 m above sea level and near Flachau in the Austrian Salzburger Land. It’s known as the final stop of a beautiful ski touring route. And now it’s about to be added to my bucket list.
Source: Stefan Munsch
Not only are these underpants fun, they’re also a good fit. Thanks to the stitched seams, there’s no chafing. Not even on long hikes. Both the fit and the material – organically grown cotton – are very comfortable. On my outings, but also in my everyday life, I value these high-quality undies.
Cheeky base layers
As I’m so taken with these underpants, I’ve also ordered the short-sleeved women’s merino base layer «Über alle Berge» (over the hills and far away). I like the cheeky yet subtle slogan on the shirt made from mulesing-free wool.
The base layer is very soft and hugs the skin in a way that makes me forget I’m wearing it at all. The plastic-free packaging reads «Wollust» – which is a play on words with wool and lust. I agree, this shirt’s so soft, you’ll be lusting for it.
Source: Stefan Munsch
However, the base layer is very thin, slightly transparent and feels delicate. This means you have to be careful not to get caught on thorns or branches if you’re wearing it a T-shirt rather than a base layer. I’ll also be washing it by hand only.
Produced in Europe from certified natural fibres
«For us, it goes without saying that our favourite alpine items are exclusively produced in Europe,» says Angela. The cotton fabrics are certified in line with the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), which covers both production as well as working conditions and processing. In addition to cotton and merino, the brand also uses Tencel, which is made from plant fibres. In any case, I like the fun underwear that brings colour and humour to the underworld of clothing.
Header image: Stefan Munsch
Siri Schubert
Senior Editor
Siri.Schubert@digitecgalaxus.chResearch diver, outdoor guide and SUP instructor – I love being in, on and around water. Lakes, rivers and the ocean are my playgrounds. For a change of perspective, I look at the world from above while trail running or flying drones.
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