Armedangels develops plastic-free bouclé from wool and lyocell

German fashion label Armedangels has developed a bouclé yarn without polyester or other synthetic fibres. Following its debut in 2025, the Cologne-based brand is now using the yarn for more styles from its autumn/winter 2026 collection, 'For the Cozy and Curious'. According to the company, the material became a bestseller in its first season.

Wool and lyocell instead of polyester

Bouclé is a typical knit quality for the winter season. Its characteristic loops, volume and fluffy surface are traditionally achieved using synthetic fibres such as polyester.

Instead, Armedangels combines wool from RWS-certified farms with Tencel Lyocell from the Austrian fibre producer Lenzing, a cellulose fibre derived from certified or controlled wood sources. The yarn was developed by creative director Christiane Bördner and Julia Kirschner, director of impact & innovation. It aims to provide the combination of volume, softness and warmth characteristic of bouclé, without using petroleum-based fibres.

"In 2025, fossil-based fibres accounted for less than three percent of our material mix. The final few percentage points are the most challenging, as this is where synthetic fibres have long been considered indispensable. Bouclé was one such application. Not anymore," said Kirschner.

Armedangels already uses Tencel Lyocell in other product categories, including outerwear and underwear. With the new bouclé yarn, the wood-based fibre is now also being used for a demanding knit quality.

Familiar winter materials

The FW26 collection builds on this material development, complementing it with other winter materials such as recycled wool, tweed, fleece and corduroy. Various textures and constructions are combined with relaxed, contemporary silhouettes.

Key pieces include a merino mouliné patchwork knit; alpaca wool jumpers; cable-knit jumpers and cardigans; and bouclé knitwear. The collection also includes items made from fleece, tweed and corduroy.

The brand cites details that are only noticeable upon closer inspection as its source of inspiration, such as the structure of tree bark, unexpected textures and the distinctiveness of everyday objects. According to Armedangels, the core of the collection revolves around reimagining familiar winter materials and questioning whether synthetic fibres are necessary for wearable knitwear.

The knitwear collection has been available via the Armedangels online store and in the brand's own stores since October 8, 2026.