KERRITS ROOTS
Kerrits roots reach back to 1986, and an idea to create better activewear for athletic women. An idea cultivated by a team of women who shared a passion for being active outdoors, and a desire to help others feel more comfortable and confident in their athletic clothing.
Kerri Kent planted the first seeds in the town of Hood River, Oregon. As a devoted equestrian rider, competitive ski racer, windsurfer and outdoor enthusiast, she was very familiar with the activewear of the time.
Humble Roots, Huge Ambitions
In 1986, Kerri Kent was so frustrated by ill-fitting bathing suits that she bought $50 worth of fabric from the Jantzen outlet store and began making them herself. Kerrits Activewear was born. She went from selling suits from her gear bag on the Hood River beach to a retail store she opened with Michele McAlpine.
The suits garnered national attention and the eye of an equestrian company CEO, who asked Kent to design a line for women who shared her other passion, horses. With simple packs of carrots seeds as hangtags, Kerrits Performance Equestrian Apparel took root.
The Pacific Northwest:Our Natural Inspiration
There’s a reason great outdoor gear from companies like Nike, Adidas and Columbia sprouts from the Pacific Northwest: the region is a perfect test lab. Sheets of rain, blustery winds, sweltering sun—we’ve got it all, sometimes in the same day. Add mud, horse hair, splintery barn doors and a small pack of dogs and it’s product-testing paradise for equestrian apparel. We’re continually trying new ways to integrate the latest specialized fabrics into clothing that not only stands up to the elements, but also moves and stretches to free riders to reach for their goals.
Meet Our Team
At the heart of what we do is a love for being outside. We asked our team to share what the outdoors means to them.
Michele M.
David F.
Sara F.
Mary H.
Holly T
Jennifer L.
Jonathan S.
Francesca K.
Shelly C.
Lori W.
Ricki S.
Elizabeth B.
Sue M.
Misty S.
Kathy C.
Ivory S.
