FAQ
Where are dirtlej products manufactured?
Design, prototyping and testing of our products take place at our headquarters in Germany.
We then work closely with suppliers in Asia and Europe to source the best possible materials for our products. Our products are precision-manufactured in our partners' factories in China, Portugal, Germany and Italy, with qualified specialists handling production.
What do we produce in Asia?
Asia is a leader in the manufacturing of technical outdoor products. We carefully select partners who share our values and bring new technologies and capabilities that enable us to evolve. The quality, durability, and reputation of our products are a testament to the quality of our manufacturing partners and their outstanding expertise.
Manufacturing our products where we source the raw materials helps limit their environmental footprint by reducing the distances the various parts have to travel.
What do we produce in Europe?
Everything that isn't functional, waterproof gear is sourced and produced in Europe. Portugal and Italy are renowned for their clothing manufacturing; we carefully select partners who share our values and contribute new technologies and skills that enable us to evolve. The quality, durability, and reputation of our products are a testament to the quality of our manufacturing partners and their outstanding expertise.
Again, manufacturing our products where we source the raw materials helps limit their environmental footprint by reducing the distances the various parts have to travel.
How do I wash dirtlej products?
Dirt and sweat impair the breathability of functional materials. Remove coarse dirt beforehand and wash at a maximum of 30°C, spin at 400 rpm, let it dry at room temperature, tumble dry at a low temperature (depending on the product), and reimpregnate with DWR if necessary. Use only membrane-friendly detergent. Fabric softeners destroy the membrane.
What do we do to make your packaging sustainable?
Packaging is critical for protecting our products from moisture and dust during shipping, storage, and delivery. It's a constant balancing act between protecting the product and minimising the environmental costs of the packaging itself (resource intensity in production, reuse/recycling potential, end-of-life).
Since our inception, we've used only 100% recycled and recyclable cardboard or tree-free paper for all labels, packaging, and shipping. We reuse all cardboard boxes wherever possible and shred any unwanted cardboard to use as packing material for our packages.
Where would my order be shipped from?
Orders placed via www.dirtlej.uk would be processed and dispatched from our UK hub. There would be no additional charges, shipping and returns would be processed swiftly.
Prototypes and used products
Products left over from development, testing, or photoshoots represent resources - fabric, time, and energy - that are no longer used but are still useful. By bringing these products into circulation, we can reduce unnecessary waste, and you'll be wearing a unique piece. Availability is limited of course, so please let us know if you're interested.
What can't dirtlej products deliver?
Our products are not dry suits – a drop of water can always penetrate, e.g. at the end of the zippers.
Zippers are subject to wear and tear – the more carefully a zipper is treated, the longer it will last (e.g., remove dirt before opening/closing, avoid tearing, and treat with a silicone-based care product.)
Abrasion is normal – for example, if sand is trapped between the saddle and the product, it has a similar effect to sandpaper. This abrasion occurs through normal use.
Detergent is extremely important – use ONLY detergent designed for performance clothing (membrane detergents). Fabric softeners will destroy the membrane.
Our products are not approved for S-Pedelecs use.
Where does the name dirtlej come from?
dirtlej is a play on three words that represent our brand: 'dirt' as the core of our passion, 'le' for Lena, and 'j' for Jan, the two founders.
Why is DWR treatment so important?
Waterproof and breathable laminates consist of a membrane sandwiched between two layers of fabric. The membrane forms the waterproof part of the laminate. If the outer fabric absorbs water, the fabric feels damp and clammy, even though water doesn't actually penetrate the membrane. Another effect is that the wet fabric exerts counterpressure on the membrane, significantly reducing breathability. As a result, sweat collects on the inside and soaks the clothing underneath. To prevent these effects, it's important that the outer fabric isn't allowed to absorb water, which is achieved with a durable water repellent (DWR) treatment.
Traditional DWR coatings typically rely on C6 fluorocarbons (PFCs). While these treatments are highly durable and offer excellent performance, they pose serious environmental and health risks due to their non-biodegradable nature. As a result, we - like many others in the industry - are transitioning to PFC-free alternatives. These solutions still provide strong protection against moisture and dirt, making them well-suited for high-intensity sports such as mountain biking. The trade-off is that PFC-free finishes may require more frequent reapplication to maintain performance, however, the environmental benefits outweigh this inconvenience.
Who is responsible for sustainability at dirtlej?
Instead of spending money on third parties, we decided to create an additional expert position for sustainability. Since 2021, dirtlej has had a sustainability expert (M.Sc. Environmental Sciences) to continuously address this topic.