Patagonia

Yvon Chouinard: the entrepreneur who came from the mountains

Patagonia's fascinating history dates back to 1973 when Yvon Chouinard, a climber and environmentalist, bought several rugby shirts during a trip to Scotland because of the rugged nature of the fabric that could withstand the abrasion of the rocks in Yosemite, his favourite place to climb. On his return to the United States, he sold them all and began to develop more T-shirts, jackets and trousers, which became part of the catalogue of his first company, Chouinard Equipment. Soon after, and inspired by a van trip he made from San Francisco to Patagonia, Argentina to board the Fitz Roy, Yvon Chouinard christened the brand as we know it today.

Innovation and ecology, an inseparable pairing

One of the constants of the brand since its inception, and one of the qualities most appreciated by its customers, is placing environmental awareness above everything else. This, together with the ongoing application of innovation to all its garments and the high quality that permeates them, has made Patagonia one of the leading brands in outdoor clothes.

Milestones like the introduction of synthetic materials such as fleece (which gave way to the now common layering system), the use of organic cotton in the manufacture of its garments with the aim of reducing water use and environmental impact, and the use of a strong and vibrant colour palette before anyone else have made this San Francisco brand a leader both in the world of outdoor sports and beyond. In addition, Patagonia's environmental awareness goes beyond the manufacture of its products by donating 10% of its annual profits to environmental organisations. A real and sincere commitment, imprinted in the brand's DNA by Yvon Chouinard himself.

Why is Patagonia one of our favourite outdoor brands?

The quality, design and range of colours used by Patagonia for each garment make them unique products, designed to stand out in the mountains or on the streets of your city. This, together with its strong commitment to sustainability and a respect for the environment, makes the brand one of the best options to consider for your style. Whether you are a lover of outdoor sports and mountain activities or are passionate about outdoor and trekking trends, at FOOTDISTRICT we have a selection of the best of Patagonia to incorporate into your top looks.