Thylie

Thylie Mode – Pima power for confident basics that enhance any wardrobe

Anyone who wears Thylie can feel in every fiber the vision of a woman who was never completely satisfied with what classic basic labels delivered. Monika Hess, a trained women's tailor, long-time premium buyer, and boutique owner in the Swiss suburbs around Lake Zurich, spent ten years in direct daily dialogue with customers who demanded one thing: uncompromising quality without short-lived trend overkill. In 2023, she decided to give her own form to this wish – and founded Thylie Mode , a label that, as she puts it, "trims shirts to perfection."

The journey didn't lead them to Portugal or Turkey, but further afield: to Lima. In Peru's capital, Hess found a state-of-the-art jersey factory that works with Pima cotton , the "silk of South America," whose extra-long fibers ensure a particularly soft finish. The entire supply chain—spinning, dyeing, cutting, sewing, labeling—takes place within a 50-kilometer radius, certified by Fair Trade Peru and according to US WRAP standards.  The result? A fabric that pills less, wicks away moisture faster, yet drapes smoothly.

The Swiss founding DNA is evident in the details: every seam is double-locked, every size is documented in millimeters, and even the hangtag is made of recycled cotton paper. The company address in Zumikon may seem unassuming, but the design team works like clockwork – designs are created in CAD and simulated on 3D avatars before the first fabric sample even makes its journey to Peru. This streamlined system keeps the ecological footprint small, development time short, and quality standards high.

Thylie Mode consciously positions itself as "slow luxury": two collections per year, plus mini-drops whenever the studios have free capacity. Dead stock? There's hardly any, as bestsellers like the "Sara" shirt in clinical white or the "Keyla" polo shirt in off-black are long-sellers. If a color is sold out, they wait; Hess rejects artificial overproduction – a rare, consistent approach in an industry that otherwise cries out for newness.

The brand image is correspondingly subdued. Campaigns don't feature an armada of influencers, but rather portraits of real customers: architects, winemakers, start-up founders. Each wears a Thylie piece in their natural habitat—in the studio, in the vineyard, in the co-working space. The focus is on texture and fit, not on logos. Indeed, one looks in vain for a striking word-image brand. Thylie is recognizable by its fabric, its silhouette, and its Pima softness, which reveals at first touch: This is a product with high standards.

Sustainability isn't a marketing add-on, but rather the core of the corporate story. The website lists an entire eco-checklist – chlorine-free dyeing, energy-saving knitting machines, shipping boxes made from recycled cardboard. Even the sewing threads come from Peruvian Pima remnant fiber, which Monika Hess calls "a miniature cycle" in an interview.  Anyone wearing a Thylie shirt not only has a pleasantly cool feeling on their skin, but also a piece of textile ethics in their wardrobe. This is fashion that literally incorporates values.

Thylie Shirt – When a basic becomes a signature piece

In an era where the fashion world revolves around micro-trends, the Thylie Shirt feels like a quiet revolution. Monika Hess's credo: "A T-shirt is perfect when you no longer think about it." This effortlessness, however, requires meticulous planning. First, the fiber: Peruvian Pima cotton, hand-picked to prevent the fiber length from breaking – this guarantees the silky surface that retains its shine even after 30 washes.

Then there's the cut: Thylie distinguishes between "Classic Fit," "Smart Rib," and "Fluid." Classic fits the body without being tight, Smart Rib emphasizes silhouettes without constricting, and Fluid drapes casually over the hips—ideal for a French tuck in high-waisted denim. The centerpiece is the "Double Front Panel": A second panel of fabric in the front prevents unwanted transparency and conceals bra lines. This isn't a gimmick, but rather a practical approach for women who want to appear as confident on video calls as they do at an after-work cocktail.

The colors of the Thylie shirt read like a capsule palette: "Ivory," "Soft Taupe," "Ink Black," and "Dusty Rose." Each shade is Pantone-matched by the Peruvian dyehouse, because Pima cotton absorbs color pigments differently than conventional cotton. The result: a rich yet natural tone that doesn't appear garish, even under artificial light.

Technology meets comfort: A 3 percent elastane core in the form of an invisible micro-Lycra yarn prevents the hem or sleeves from bulging at the shoulders. According to the Thylie quality page, shape stability remains over 96 percent even after 50 washes.  The shirts are pre-washed and tested for shrinkage – if you order your standard size, you won't experience any nasty surprises.

Stylistically, Thylie shirts can be combined universally. The "Sara" model in off-white plays a confident team player under a pinstripe blazer, while the "Rahel" in bold pistachio green takes center stage with denim culottes. For minimalist ensembles, a mix of a Thylie shirt, gold hoops, and loafers is all you need – and you've got Scandi-chic à la Zurich.

Fans of layering will also find their money's worth. Worn under a slip dress, the ribbed "Mia" shirt transforms this 1990s classic into office-appropriate elegance. Those who love streetwear should opt for the oversized "Mariel" model and combine it with a cargo skirt and chunky sneakers. This proves: A good basic isn't boring, but rather a platform for style experiments.

Service factor: Every Thylie shirt features a QR code label that provides care instructions, fiber origin, and CO₂ emissions. Thylie calls it "Transparency to Go" – with just a click, you can see the journey the shirt has taken from the cotton plant to your doorstep. In a time when greenwashing is confusing the market, this basic item provides tangible proof.

Thylie polo shirt – sporty nonchalance meets feminine sophistication

A polo shirt has long been considered the safest choice for men's capsule wardrobes; the Thylie polo shirt proves that the silhouette also plays with feminine codes with virtuosity. The basis remains Pima cotton, but it's knitted in a compact piqué structure that ensures subtle air circulation. Instead of the classic ribbed collar, Thylie opts for a soft collar made of smooth jersey – it lies flat, doesn't roll outward, and makes the polo shirt office-ready.

The button placket's twist is crucial: Two tiny corozo buttons are enough to hint at the sporty origins, but Thylie conceals them in a concealed placket – only at second glance does the design ingenuity become apparent. Thus, the Thylie polo shirt looks just as appropriate at the espresso bar as it does at a pitch presentation.

In terms of color, the brand sticks to muted tones: "Sage," "Midnight," and "Nougat." Each shade can be easily integrated into existing wardrobes. Those looking for bold color can choose "Rosewood," a slightly faded brick red that brings a terracotta flair to urban settings.

Fit trick: Side slits with a subtle V-cut visually lengthen the leg and allow the front to be tucked into the waistband, while the back falls casually. The shoulder seam is positioned slightly forward so the fabric glides smoothly over the collarbone instead of creating unsightly creases.

Practical: The Thylie polo shirt has UPF 30+ UV protection, tested by an independent Swiss laboratory. Those rushing from meeting to meeting in the summer enjoy subtle sun protection. A moisture-management finish – water-based and PFC-free – allows body heat to escape. Monika Hess calls this "Active Elegance."

Combination inspiration: With silk wide-leg trousers, the polo shirt becomes party-ready, with paperbag shorts and strappy heels, you create a Riviera look, and with a tailored denim jacket, it's off-duty ready. It even looks surprisingly confident under a pantsuit: Pull out the collar neatly, close the top button, and you're done.

If retail reports from Breuninger and Dittrich Minden are to be believed, the Thylie polo shirt in "Ink Black" is one of the best-sellers of the summer drops: Within two weeks of its launch, size M was sold out. An indication that contemporary women are looking for hybrid pieces that don't carry a clear sports label, but offer the comfort of a sportswear label.

Thylie Blouse – Jersey meets couture when everyday becomes luxurious

Blouses are generally considered a disciplined office uniform; the Thylie blouse —internally called the "jersey blouse"—translates this archetype into the comfort zone. Crafted from superfine single jersey with 6 percent elastane, the blouse drapes like silk but feels like a favorite T-shirt. The fact that it still features a collar, cuffs, and button placket is thanks to a clever interlock backing that stabilizes without stiffening.

The designer creates a tailored fit with subtle princess seams; when worn open, the blouse reveals a flat side silhouette, preventing the ripples that often occur under blazers with classic poplin blouses. 7/8-length sleeves expose the wrist, a small nod to 1960s couture.

The "Laurel" series in off-white is a bestseller at online retailers like Galaxus and Dittrich Minden; color variants like "Steel Blue" and "Saffron" expand the dress code. Each shade is tested under LED light booths to ensure it maintains equanimity in office neon and restaurant candlelight.

Practical advantage: The Thylie blouse is crease-resistant; simply hang it on a hanger after washing, and gravity takes care of the rest. Monika Hess swears by a travel-roll trick: Carefully roll up the blouse, put it in your suitcase, and you're done. This saves ironing time in the hotel and gives frequent travelers an easy-care, professional look.

Style syntax: Worn under an oversized blazer, this jersey blouse exudes soft power à la "corporate quiet luxury." Paired with leather culottes and loafers, it takes on a street attitude; knotted with high-waisted denim, it exudes 1990s minimalism. This makes the Thylie blouse a chameleon in your wardrobe—ready for Zoom calls, cocktail hours, and city breaks all at once.

Here, too, Thylie uses the QR code label: Care tips, production details, and CO₂ figures are scannable. So, anyone who wants to see sustainability, not just feel it, can find all the data on their smartphone in seconds.

FAQ about Thylie

Who is behind Thylie?

The founder and chief designer is Monika Hess, a trained women's tailor and former premium buyer from Switzerland. 

Where are Thylie parts produced?

The design is created in Switzerland and the sewing takes place in Lima, Peru, under Fair Trade-certified and WRAP-compliant conditions. 

Why Pima cotton?

The extra-long fibers of Peruvian Pima cotton ensure a silky-soft feel, high shape retention and a luxurious feel, even after many washes. 

How do I properly care for Pima shirts?

Wash inside out at 30°C, shape while damp, and air dry. Do not tumble dry – this keeps the fiber structure supple and colorfast.