Rooted as a family. At home in the world.
DIGEL is a family business in its third generation.
Since its founding in 1939 , the brand has stood for high-quality menswear, characterized by passion, craftsmanship, and entrepreneurial responsibility.
What began as classic men's tailoring
is now carried on by a new generation – with the same quality promise and a clear vision for the future.
1939-1945: The Beginnings
1939 Gustav Digel founded the company DIGEL in Nagold with around 20 employees.
A few months after the company was established, World War II began.
As a result, production was switched to blankets, coats, and uniforms.
During this time, our core was formed: taking initiative, accepting responsibility, and delivering quality, even in difficult times.
1945-1967: The Era of Progress and the Economic Miracle
1950 reflected the post-war economic boom in the construction of a new factory hall, the move to Nagold, and sharply rising sales.
DIGEL is growing – not only in numbers but also in attitude: Every piece is meant to last long and feel great.
1967-1989: Change with Vision
In the 1970s, rising oil and energy prices led to a decline in consumer purchasing power and the first economic crises.
In addition, competitive pressure from clothing manufacturers in low-wage countries increased significantly. Of the approximately 4,000 textile companies in the FRG, only about 300 remained – including DIGEL.
In the mid-1970s, the range was expanded to include the women's collection “Dinesse”. At the same time, production began abroad, including in the company’s own facility in Malta.
1989-1997: From Manufacturing Company to Brand
The German reunification and European integration opened up new opportunities in production and distribution.
1997 saw the last suit manufactured at the Nagold location, while partner companies were established in Poland and Romania.
In the following years, export markets in Western and Eastern Europe were developed and supplied from Nagold.
Investments in Logistics and Expansion (1997–2011)
The expansion of the modular system led to significant company growth.
2003 marked the groundbreaking for a new logistics building on Wolfsberg, which was expanded in 2008.
The expansion sustainably increased storage and shipping capacity.
New Construction, Relocation, and Own Branches (2011–2014)
2011 marked the start of construction for the new administrative building on Wolfsberg.
2013 saw the official inauguration of the building following the move from Calwer Street.
During this period, DIGEL opened its first own stores. Investments in marketing contributed to further sales growth.
New production facilities, new paths in digital sales (2014–2020)
2016 saw the establishment of our own production facility in Turkey, followed by the acquisition of a production site in Poland in 2019.
The continuously increasing sales as well as the expansion of a complete
collection with complementary product groups made a further expansion of logistics necessary in 2018.
DIGEL is increasingly investing in digital marketing and sales strategies,
its own online stores, content and influencer marketing, as well as digital processes.
Sustainability and Responsibility as an Integral Part (2023–present)
Sustainability is a central part of DIGEL's corporate strategy. The focus is on the continuous reduction of CO₂ emissions, increased use of recycled materials, and the use of our own solar energy.
Measures and processes are continuously reviewed and further developed to sustainably anchor ecological responsibility throughout the entire value chain.
More information about goals, measures, and progress can be found on the DIGEL Sustainability page.
