Alpine Fit, an Anchorage-based outdoor clothing company, receives prestigious small business award
Alpine Fit, a women-owned outdoor clothing company based in Anchorage, Alaska, was recently honored as the Small Business Administration's Women-Owned Business of the Year in the state.
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The company, led by owner Jen Loofbourrow, attributes the recognition to their significant contributions to the challenging apparel manufacturing industry.
Dedicated to supporting domestic production, Alpine Fit proudly manufactures all their products in the USA, with the majority assembled in their downtown Anchorage warehouse. While Alaska serves as an exceptional testing ground for their gear, Loofbourrow acknowledges the difficulties of operating far from major industrial centers like New York and LA. She also highlights the scarcity of institutional knowledge in domestic production.
Amidst these challenges, Alpine Fit strives to preserve and contribute to the existence of Made in USA manufacturing, producing high-performance outdoor apparel. One of their notable achievements is the development of a specialized fabric in collaboration with a California-based mill, tailored for Alaskan adventures. Their base layers incorporate silver fibers, rendering them antimicrobial and preventing the formation of odor-causing bacteria.
According to Loofbourrow, these innovative garments can be worn for an entire week of camping without accumulating unpleasant odors, ensuring comfort throughout sweaty outdoor endeavors. Additionally, Alpine Fit caters to diverse body shapes by offering multiple body fit options for each dress size, addressing the limited selection available in the outdoor market, particularly for women.
The profound impact of their clothing is evident, as Loofbourrow has witnessed customers expressing tears of joy upon finding pants that align with their desired image and allow them to engage in the activities they love. While Alpine Fit products are priced at a premium, Loofbourrow emphasizes their durability and commitment to customer satisfaction, offering free lifetime repairs.
Since its establishment four years ago, Alpine Fit has experienced consistent growth. Looking ahead, Loofbourrow aims to create more employment opportunities within Alaska, further contributing to the local economy.
