Woolrich outdoor apparel

Founded in 1830 by John Rich and Daniel McCormick in Woolrich, Pennsylvania, Woolrich is the oldest manufacturer of outdoor wear in the United States. The brand famously created the 'Pennsylvania Tuxedo' (red and black buffalo plaid) and provided blankets to Union soldiers during the American Civil War. For nearly two centuries, it operated its own woolen mills in Pennsylvania, which formed the heart of the company town that bears its name.

In recent years, the brand's ownership has transitioned from the founding Rich family to international investment groups. In late 2025, the Italian fashion group BasicNet S.p.A. acquired Woolrich from the private equity firm L-GAM. This move integrated Woolrich into a portfolio that includes other heritage brands like Kappa, K-Way, and Sperry. While the brand maintains its American heritage and archives, its global operations are now managed from Europe, specifically Italy.

Manufacturing has also shifted significantly over the decades. While the historic Pennsylvania mill was the brand's soul for 188 years, it permanently closed in December 2018. Today, Woolrich products are manufactured in multiple locations worldwide, including various sites across Asia and Europe, focusing on high-end technical fabrics and luxury outerwear like the iconic Arctic Parka.