Columbia jacket

Columbia Sportswear is a global leader in the outdoor and active lifestyle apparel industry. Founded in 1938 as the Columbia Hat Company by Paul Lamfrom in Portland, Oregon, the brand originally focused on headwear before expanding into multi-functional jackets and performance gear. Today, it is recognized for pioneering technologies like Omni-Heat and Omni-Shield, which provide specialized protection against diverse weather conditions. Manufacturing for Columbia products takes place across a worldwide network of factories, primarily located in regions such as Southeast Asia and Central America, including countries like Vietnam, Bangladesh, and Indonesia, to serve its global market. The company remains headquartered in Portland, maintaining its heritage while operating as a publicly traded company known as Columbia Sportswear Company. Under the leadership of the Boyle family, the brand has grown to include several subsidiaries, including prAna, Mountain Hardwear, and SOREL, solidifying its place as a powerhouse in the global apparel trade.