The History of Woolrich: America’s Oldest Outdoor Clothing Brand & a Vintage Essential
Natalie BradshawWhen you browse the racks at Filthy Rebena Vintage, spotting that iconic red-and-black buffalo plaid or a perfectly worn Woolrich woolen jacket feels like striking gold. Woolrich pieces are rugged, warm, timeless, and—best of all—steeped in a long history that has made them a favourite among vintage collectors around the world.
But what exactly makes Woolrich so iconic? Let’s take a cozy dive into the brand’s origins, cultural impact, and why it continues to be coveted today.
Humble Beginnings: Woolrich in the 1800s
Woolrich began in 1830 in rural Pennsylvania when John Rich, an English immigrant, started selling woolen fabrics and socks to lumbermen, trappers, and outdoor workers. With winters in the northeastern U.S. being unforgiving, the company quickly became known for producing reliable, durable clothing designed for life outdoors.
By the mid-19th century, the Woolrich Woolen Mill was an essential supplier during the Civil War, producing blankets for soldiers. This helped solidify the company’s reputation for quality, consistency, and craftsmanship—values that still define the brand today.
The Birth of an Icon: The Buffalo Plaid Shirt
One of Woolrich’s most famous contributions to fashion history is the buffalo plaid shirt, introduced in the 1850s. That bold red-and-black check pattern became instantly recognizable and has been copied endlessly across fashion and outdoor wear.
Legend has it that the pattern earned its name because the designer owned a herd of buffalo—whether true or not, the name stuck, and the design became a symbol of rugged American style.
Today, finding a vintage Woolrich buffalo plaid piece feels like uncovering a wearable piece of folklore.
Early 20th Century: Dressing Explorers and Everyday Folks
By the early 1900s, Woolrich had expanded far beyond workwear. Hunters, hikers, and early outdoor enthusiasts gravitated toward the brand’s reliable wool coats, hunting jackets, and knits. During this time, the company perfected some of its most beloved styles, including:
The Mackinaw coat
Heavy wool overshirts
Thick outdoor socks
Wool blankets
Woolrich also produced garments for military use during World War II, supplying woolen coats and blankets that offered warmth unmatched by synthetic materials of the time.
The Arctic Parka: Woolrich’s Most Famous Mid-Century Design
In 1972, Woolrich released what is arguably its most iconic modern garment: the Arctic Parka. Designed for workers on the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, the parka was built to withstand brutal cold and featured a down-filled interior and fur-lined hood.
The Arctic Parka became a symbol of utilitarian winter fashion and remains one of the brand’s most sought-after designs, both vintage and new.
Why Vintage Collectors Love Woolrich Today
Woolrich checks all the boxes that make a vintage garment truly special:
Timeless Design
Most Woolrich silhouettes haven’t changed in decades. That simplicity makes them wearable in any era.
High-Quality Wool & Construction
Made to endure harsh winters, these pieces were built to last—making the survivability of vintage Woolrich garments surprisingly high.
Americana Appeal
Woolrich carries a certain rustic charm tied to outdoor culture, heritage workwear, and mid-century design—all highly collected aesthetics today.
Eco-Friendly by Nature
Buying Woolrich vintage isn’t just stylish; it’s sustainable. Wool, natural fibers, and long-lasting craftsmanship make these pieces ideal for circular fashion.
Finding Woolrich at Filthy Rebena Vintage
Whether it’s a heavy buffalo plaid overshirt, a thick 70s blanket jacket, or a perfectly patina’d Woolrich parka, we love bringing these timeless pieces into the shop. Their classic cuts and rugged materials make them easy to style with modern wardrobes—layer over knits, pair with denim, or lean into the cozy cabin-core vibe.
We regularly carry:
buffalo plaid overshirts
wool Mackinaw jackets
blanket-lined coats
vintage knits
outdoor vests
mid-century hunting jackets
If you’re a Woolrich lover or simply want to invest in quality outerwear that has earned its place in fashion history, keep an eye on our latest drops. Vintage Woolrich is the perfect blend of heritage, durability, and effortless cool.