Backstory: Woolrich, Cut from the Right Cloth

Few apparel companies labor so diligently long before a garment is crafted. Reasserting their heritage with new fabrics, styles, patterns and colors for men and women, Grandpa would feel right at home with this classic brand.  So will you when you see their latest, showcased in a recent Active Junky up-close interview with Gehron Burkholder, Digital and Marketing Manager.

How is the brand balancing a storied heritage with active and urban lifestyles?

When Woolrich was founded in 1830 by John Rich, he probably couldn’t have ever imagined that 185 years later, his humble woolen mill would evolve into a worldwide outdoor lifestyle company with a full range of products, from high tech parkas to insulated shirt jacs to footwear.  Leading the company today are seventh and eighth generation descendants of John Rich —President Nicholas Brayton and Executive Vice President Josh Rich, stewards of the company’s mission to provide quality goods to its customers, who are central to everything Woolrich creates. 

Nick and Josh have done a fantastic job balancing the heritage of Woolrich but keeping the brand relevant to today’s consumers and able to keep up with demand. We still produce the same quality goods as our founding father, but continue to innovate with new materials, technologies and collaborations with other likeminded quality brands like Converse and Smith Optics. 

Image via Woolrich

Which products best showcase "Woolrich:  The Next Generation”?

West Ridge Shirt Jac - an iconic piece that generations of outdoorsmen have been wearing for almost a century. This next-generation version of our shirt-jac has a micro poly fleece interior bonded to a heather wool exterior for style and warmth. 

Wool Patrol Down Parka - this parka combines heritage styling with premium warmth-trapping duck down, a two-way concealed zipper and storm flap to keep weather out. The wool-nylon-polyester blend is treated with Dupont™ Teflon® for extra weather protection, resulting in a beautiful heather wool look with the function of our popular Woolrich Patrol Down Parka. 

Made in the USA Buffalo Check Shirt - we released this 100% made in the USA version of our iconic button-down to celebrate our 185th anniversary. It’s 100% made in the the USA from the iconic wool from our Woolrich Woolen Mill to the buttons, which are made at a US Navy factory in Connecticut. It also has a new modern, more active fit. 

Image via Woolrich

Give me one word each of these groups thinks of when they hear the name "Woolrich":

Grandfather: Quality. 

Dad: American. 

Millennial: Heritage.