Black capsule

The Black Capsule is constructed from leftover fleece in three available shades of black. Each garment reflects the surplus of nearly identical fabrics produced in the outdoor industry, reassembled here into a single form. The Black Capsule is an R&D study making unnecessary variation visible and pointing toward one shared standard, created in collaboration with Polartec as part of the ‘Standard Issue Black’ project.

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Black Capsule by Haglöfs: redefining black through responsible design

The Black Capsule by Haglöfs highlights the hidden complexity behind one of the outdoor industry’s most common colour choices. Created using leftover Polartec® fleece fabrics in multiple black variations, the capsule makes visible the impact of over‑customisation and fragmented colour standards. By bringing these variations together, Haglöfs sets the context for Standard Issue Black™ — a shared, pre‑dyed black developed in collaboration with Polartec, aimed at reducing complexity, waste, and unnecessary environmental impact across the industry.

What is the Haglöfs Black Capsule?

The Black Capsule is a limited collection developed to demonstrate the implications of today’s fragmented approach to the colour black in outdoor apparel. Instead of producing new materials, the capsule uses existing Polartec® Micro fleece leftovers in several nearly identical shades of black. Each garment visually reveals these differences, making the environmental and operational cost of repeated custom dyeing processes tangible and easy to understand.

What is Standard Issue Black™ and why does it matter?

Standard Issue Black™ is a proposed shared standard for black fabrics, presented by Haglöfs and Polartec. It introduces a single, pre‑dyed black produced at scale and made available to the wider industry. By reducing the number of near‑identical black variations, Standard Issue Black™ aims to lower fabric waste, simplify supply chains, and reduce the environmental impact of repeated dye processes. The Black Capsule serves as the conceptual starting point for this transition, with Standard Issue Black™ entering production in Haglöfs’ FW26 season.

How does the Black Capsule reflect Haglöfs’ approach to responsible product development?

The Black Capsule reflects Haglöfs’ belief that responsible design starts early. Decisions around colour, materials, and construction have long‑term consequences for durability, waste, and environmental impact. By working with existing materials, highlighting over‑customisation, and advocating industry collaboration, the capsule supports a shift toward longer‑lasting products, reduced complexity, and more responsible development processes — without compromising functional performance or design integrity.

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