Function Meets Fashion

Know-how, innovation, quality and flexibility. These are the words that better describe Damel.

Highly specialised in technical clothing, this company with its distinctively familiar character produces sportswear and personal protection articles aimed at the four corners of the globe. Creativity also echoes through these halls.

This industrial unit based in the north of Portugal already has the support of brands like Loewe, Comme des Garçons, Baby Dior, Off-White, Puma and Adidas in its international portfolio.

Founded in 1984 by Vítor Paiva’s father, who is the current managing partner, Damel started as a small business out of the family garage. «We began producing traditional garments, like trousers and other twill articles, but, in 1986, we accepted the challenge to produce ski articles for international brands, very elaborate products that few wanted to make», states Vítor Paiva The right choice at the right time would come to dictate the company’s path to technical specialty, and progressive international reverence.

With the move to its current facilities in 1989, Damel has never stopped growing. Both in size and numbers. It went from 6 initial employees to 122 and has never stopped investing in innovation, research and development. In the last few years it specialised in sportswear — mountain climbing, golf, sailing, ski, motorcycling and fishing — and personal protection clothing — professional activity uniforms for various activities. More recently, the company became very sought after for fashion and activewear brands, seeking to integrate warming, waterproofing and breathability into its garments.

«Its development capacity, the generations of know-how, the innovation and flexibility to adapt to new products» are, according to Vítor Paiva, the distinctive traits used to face its competitors. Right now, he clarifies, they are holding their own in the face of direct competition, in terms of price-performance ratio, from highly specialized factories based in Indonesia, China, Poland, Romania and Bangladesh. Damel has the added advantage of «making articles not as mass-produced, aimed instead at very specific niche markets».

One of the latest articles being developed is the SeaB2. Available as windbreaker, waistcoat or overalls, this innovative article is 100% waterproof, with thermal resistant technology and incorporating a life vest. «In case of falling overboard, the vest inflates automatically,and contrary to similar products, it allows its user to swim forward», explains Vítor Paiva. “The product can adapt to various purposes, allowing it to be used both for leisure and nautical sports, as well as by the military, wind turbine construction workers, naval construction workers and oil rig workers», he adds.

Based in Póvoa do Varzim, Damel is currently dedicated to the production of technical clothing with added value. Despite its intentionally local position, the company speaks globally, counting the US, Japan, Germany, the UK, Sweden, Iceland, Norway and Spain as its leading markets. Moreover, Vítor Paiva’s predictions indicate that throughout this year, the company’s exports will reach 100%. Optimistic about the future, the managing director trusts «2017 will be Damel’s best year to date».