The Vision
In 2004, it all began with the idea of crafting high-functionality gear for extreme long-distance cycling. The goal was to provide enhanced functionality, a better fit, and superior comfort, with minimal distractions. The aim was to create functional clothing for long distances that felt like a natural extension of the wearer. This core idea remains at the heart of our mission today.
Martin Vetter, the founder of DOWE, had an early passion for road biking, mountain biking, and exploring the great outdoors. His extensive testing and experimentation revealed a significant gap in the market. Although it wasn’t immediately clear how to bridge this gap, the need for improved gear was evident and has driven the development of our products ever since.
Learning from Requirements (CSV Tri-Team)
Optimal Comfort of Our Cycling Jerseys and Cycling Shorts
High Comfort
It was clear that clothing for long distances had to be highly functional and durable. But how do you achieve that? The journey was not straightforward, but it felt almost predestined.
In the early years, many contributors played a role—fabric manufacturers, sample ateliers, sports professionals, and, of course, the team at DOWE Sportswear. This collaborative effort led to a significant accumulation of knowledge in a short time, which is now embedded in our clothing. Whether for a sporting weekend, a casual evening ride, or a challenging 100 km trek across the Alps, you need well-functioning gear for both long journeys and short trips. This clothing should continuously evolve and improve. That’s what DOWE stands for.
Continuous Improvement
Principles such as layering, the “less is more” approach, and the use of better materials are fundamental to DOWE Sportswear. We strive to avoid excess baggage and understand that more is not always better. Everything we develop follows a consistent approach. Athletes and recreational sports enthusiasts provide us with valuable feedback, which we incorporate into our evolutionary process. This blend of personal experiences, team insights, advancements in production, and feedback from the many teams and clubs we serve has quickly set DOWE Sportswear apart from other manufacturers in the team, corporate, and club apparel sectors. Today, we serve Bundesliga teams in triathlon and increasingly cater to clubs with multiple departments, receiving high levels of satisfaction from our clients.
Material testing by Stefan Schlegel, even under extreme heat conditions
Across Europe, clubs and companies trust our products.
High Customer Satisfaction
What contributes to this satisfaction? Our technological edge in printing and textile treatment, the fabrics we use, and the rigorous testing each garment undergoes. Innovations such as nanoprinting technologies, gentle printing methods, cutting-edge fabrics with carbon fibers, sustainability, production within the EU, fair wages for our employees, and the understanding that not all products available to customers are the same—all of these factors play a crucial role.
Perspectives Held by Martin Vetter, Founder of DOWE, Over the Years:
“Experiencing premium quality means for us continually testing—testing—testing. Once a product proves itself, it is incorporated into the next generation. It’s a straightforward process for us to test each new product thoroughly. With the number of testers involved, we often accumulate between 250 and 250,000 kilometers or equivalent elevation gains before a product goes into series production. We don’t see our premium brand status as just a marketing claim.”
“For years, athletes have been competing in 24-hour, multi-day, stage, long-distance, and ultra-races wearing DOWE Sportswear. These insights have given us an edge in the past and will continue to drive us forward in the future. First, the mileage, then the series—this gives us the assurance that even an amateur cyclist will receive a top-quality DOWE Sportswear product. As a manufacturer, it’s crucial for us that everyone who uses our products can feel this advantage on their skin.”
Traceable Craftsmanship in Every Detail
MADE IN EU
We rely on production within the EU to closely monitor every step— from the thread and cut to the fabric.
Far from cheap and mass production, our highly skilled and motivated employees perform meticulous craftsmanship.
With state-of-the-art technology, you can trust that our products are of TOP quality. We manufacture with precise measurements and adhere to strict guidelines.
DURABILITY TEST
Our teamwear undergoes rigorous durability tests, including assessments by professionals from the ROSE Ultrasports team under World Cup conditions.
The DOWE Sportswear team also tests the material on marathon routes, such as the BIKE Transalp—one of the toughest MTB races.
In close collaboration with experienced professional and extreme athletes, our products are continually tested and refined.
Perfectly Equipped for Any Challenge
We have the highest standards for materials and craftsmanship.
PERFECTLY COORDINATED
Our products deliver optimal functionality and comfort in all weather conditions and situations—everything is precisely coordinated.
We have designed our three functional layers to ensure that their performance remains effective even when wearing multiple layers.
Take advantage of the opportunity to test our products before placing your order, because functionality can only be experienced firsthand!
Our Extreme Athletes
Stefan Schlegel
Ultra Cyclist
3x Race Across America
Franz Preihs
Ultra Cyclist
4x Race Across America
Andreas Wolpert
Triathlet
Norseman Xtreme Triathlon
Swissman Xtreme Triathlon
Johannes Weixelbraun
Ultra Cyclist
Glocknerman Ultra Radmarathon
Race Across Austria u.v.m.