The companys roots date back to 1871, when Pauline Zimmerli Bäurlin began with the mechanical production of stockings and socks, a short time later she hired several workers. The goods were being exported and were offered from 1878 in the Parisian department store Le Bon Marché. The knitwear received several awards, including the gold medal at the World Exhibition of 1889 and 1900 in 1910 in Paris and Brussels. With the success of the company Zimmerli is now one of the largest underwear manufacturer in Switzerland.