made here standing the test of time Written by HILLARY RIELLY
A sense of history washes over you when you step into the Filson flagship store in Seattle’s SoDo neighborhood. The 115-year-old
outdoor outfitter specializes in garments and accessories that effortlessly go from rugged terrain to urban landscapes (perfect for the infamously casual Northwest). And the brand has largely maintained its design identity over the past 100-plus years, making minor tweaks for fit and modern living. The Mackinaw Cruiser, for instance, once offered timber cruisers protection and functionality with pockets for maps, compasses, and tools but now keeps city dwellers warm in rain and snow. “As a result, they have evolved over the years, making them living archives for Filson,” company marketing manager Amy Terai says on behalf of the product and marketing teams. Filson has been making many of these garments in Seattle, ever since it began outfitting gold rushers heading to Alaska. Today, 70 percent of what Filson sells is still made at the Seattle factory—including the heavyweight wools, waxed cottons, rugged twills, and bridle leathers—for a special kind of wear testing. “Our employees are able to experience the product in various stages of manufacturing,” Terai explains, “which gives them an advanced understanding of Filson products.” GRAY ISSUE No. seven
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