Two Swiss companies with a long tradition
In 1849, the ancestors of today’s ISA Sallmann AG laid the foundation for the company. Today, more than 177 years later and in its seventh generation, the Swiss family business produces high-quality daywear, nightwear and loungewear.
ISA bodywear has remained committed to manufacturing in Switzerland. More than 80 percent of the fabrics used are produced at its own knitting mill in Amriswil. The company employs around 220 people in Switzerland and at its own sewing facility in Portugal.
For Christian Sallmann, this long history is not only a legacy but also a responsibility:
“Our company history spanning more than 177 years is the foundation of our business.”
Swiss commitment to quality, sustainable entrepreneurship and social responsibility have shaped ISA bodywear for generations. At the same time, the company continually seeks to combine tradition with innovation.
A partnership spanning decades
This is also a connection with TESTEX. In 2026, we too look back on 180 years of company history.
It is no longer possible to reconstruct exactly when the paths of ISA bodywear and TESTEX first crossed. However, records show that ISA bodywear has held OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certification since 1994. Their documented business relationship therefore spans more than 30 years. Christian Sallmann believes initial contacts with TESTEX or its predecessor organisations may date back even further.
For him, what sustains such a partnership over decades is shared values and mutual trust:
“The longstanding partnership is based not only on technical expertise, but also on mutual trust, shared values and the ambition to continuously improve quality and sustainability.”
ISA bodywear particularly values open communication, TESTEX’s expertise in testing, certification and analysis, and the international recognition of its test results and certifications.
Sustainability with a long history
Sustainability is not a new topic for ISA bodywear. As early as 1992, the company launched its first organic cotton underwear, at a time when more sustainably produced underwear was still a niche product.
ISA bodywear has relied on OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 for over 30 years. Today, the company exclusively uses materials and components certified to STANDARD 100. The certification provides assurance regarding defined requirements for harmful substances while strengthening transparency and customer trust.
With OEKO-TEX® STeP certification for its own production facility in Portugal, ISA bodywear is taking another step forward. Certifications establish clear, comparable criteria along the value chain and are also becoming increasingly important for market access.
Tradition also means looking ahead
The textile industry is facing major changes. Christian Sallmann observes shifts in consumer behaviour and sees the decline of textile production in Europe as a particular challenge. When production sites disappear, valuable expertise built up over decades is lost as well.
At the same time, digitalisation, new technologies and artificial intelligence are opening up new opportunities.
ISA bodywear’s sustainability journey also continues. The company is actively exploring the circular economy. In future, production waste from its own knitting mill and cutting operations is intended to be recycled, processed into new yarns and used again for new products.
After 177 years of ISA bodywear and 180 years of TESTEX, one thing is clear: tradition and innovation are not opposites. Longstanding experience can provide the foundation for taking responsibility and actively shaping the future of textiles.
Perhaps the shared story will continue for many years to come. Christian Sallmann sums it up with a personal wish:
“Perhaps in 20 years, TESTEX and ISA bodywear will raise a glass together to celebrate 200 years of TESTEX. That would make me especially happy.”
We feel the same.
