Many of the best designs are anonymous and the result of long refinement by many hands over generations.
Jasper Morrison
"The objects of the people are often the most intelligent. They've been shaped by time, not by fashion."
Enzo Mari
“Design that is emotionally durable is design that stays with us.”
Ilse Crawford
The origins of IAIOS
5 generations dedicated to textiles
The family's first store opened in 1895: it was a haberdashery that evolved into a clothing store and is still open today (Can Barbany is now 130 years old).
Later, during the 1990s, a new store (DRACS) opened, selling the first IAIOS sweaters, at the time a staple for everyday wear. With the arrival of the textile crisis in Catalonia, due to the relocation of production, many local factories and businesses had to close. IAIOS was no exception: the factory closed, and a few years later, the store also had to close.
But the IAIOS sweaters continued to be worn in the family. They were sweaters that seemed to never age and were passed down from generation to generation.
Over the years, it became clear that those grandfather's sweaters deserved a second chance. In 2017, we reopened the store and embarked on reviving the IAIOS brand, maintaining all the qualities of those legendary sweaters: local manufacturing, recycled materials, and timeless designs.
Recycled yarn
A forgotten technique
Regenerated wool was long a popular material for sweater making, known for its durability and for allowing old garments to be repurposed for new uses. However, this technique has been lost over time, as fast, low-cost fashion has gained ground among consumers. Today, very few spinning mills in Catalonia and Spain still work with regenerated wool. Thanks to them, IAIOS has managed to revive the classic sweater, bringing it back into the spotlight for new generations.
Proximity
Sweaters made in local workshops
Our jerseys are made in Catalonia, from the spinning to the knitting and sewing process. All production takes place between Granollers, Lleida, and Barcelona, significantly reducing the environmental impact associated with long-distance transportation.
Similarly, some IAIOS T-shirts are woven and made in Catalonia (Maresme) and others in Porto (Portugal). You can find the manufacturing details in the drop-down menu on each product page.
By keeping each stage of manufacturing close to home, IAIOS not only contributes to the economic development of the area but also minimizes its carbon footprint. This commitment to local production demonstrates the brand's commitment to sustainability and social responsibility, offering consumers garments that are not only high-quality and durable, but also ethical and environmentally friendly.
Repair
Sweater Repair Campaign
IAIOS garments are not only timeless in design, but also designed to last and be repairable. As part of its commitment to sustainability and conscious consumption, IAIOS organizes a repair campaign every summer for anyone who needs their IAIOS sweater repaired. This repair service is another example of the brand's approach to circular and responsible fashion, offering customers the opportunity to extend the lifespan of their favorite garments. Furthermore, IAIOS handles shipping, returning the repaired, like-new sweater directly to the customer's home, ensuring that each piece will continue to accompany its owner for many years to come. An initiative that reinforces IAIOS' commitment to fashion that respects the past but is designed for the future.
Biographies of older people
Each jersey is a story
IAIOS transforms each sweater into a tribute to older adults, conveying their legacy through contemporary and sustainable design. Each sweater style is inspired by the life of a grandfather or grandmother, and each sweater tells a unique story, full of adventures, memories, and peculiarities. But the journey doesn't end there. With every purchase of an IAIOS sweater, customers receive a printed biography of the older adult who inspired that garment, allowing them to learn about and connect with these extraordinary lives. In this way, IAIOS not only creates knitted garments, but also immerses us in real stories, giving a voice to the often forgotten elderly.
