The OBSI Founder Story: a Mountain, a Dog and an Idea

There's this one moment in the mountains that I keep looking for. The sun hangs low, the lake turns golden, the fire crackles, the dog lies tired against my leg – and around me people I've climbed with all day. Nobody says much. Everyone knows: this here is a good time. OBSI grew out of exactly that feeling.

A graphic designer who'd rather be outside

I'm Nils. Graphic designer by trade, mountaineer at heart. Most of my best ideas didn't come at a screen but somewhere on a ridge, out of breath, with a view. For years I made designs for other people – at some point I wanted to create something that carries exactly that feeling: good days, mountains, people who set off together.

What "obsi" means

In Swiss dialect, "obsi" simply means: upwards. Up. And that's exactly the direction I mean – not just in the mountains. A shirt that reminds you it's worth setting off. That the best view rarely waits down at the car park. "Geh obsi" isn't an order. It's an invitation.

More than a shirt – Swiss Social Goods

OBSI's full name is "Swiss Social Goods", and the "social" in there is no accident. For me it was never only about fabric and print, but about a community that moves something together: produced sustainably, finished fairly in Switzerland, with designs that have attitude – and sometimes a wink. Every shirt is only made once you order it. No warehouse full of surplus, no throwaway goods. Instead, clothing we can both stand behind.

For good times

"For good times" is our promise – and honestly also a bit of my attitude to life. Good times are the big ones by the campfire, at the lake, on the summit. But the small ones too: the moment in the morning when you pull on your favourite shirt and know the day can come. If one of our designs makes you smile for a second, we've done everything right.

Come obsi with us

OBSI is still young, and the best part about it: you're here early. Every order, every message from you takes us another step further up. If that sounds like your direction, lace up your shoes – and come along.

See you in the mountains.
– Nils

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