prAna Clothing, a sustainable athletic apparel brand, was founded in 1992 by Beaver Theodosakis and his wife Pam in Carlsbad, California. Starting from their garage, the duo began creating apparel geared towards climbing, yoga, and other outdoor activities. The brand’s name, “prAna,” is derived from the Sanskrit word signifying life force or vital energy, reflecting the brand’s ethos and commitment to wellness and sustainability.

In its formative years, Beaver and Pam were deeply involved in all aspects of the business, from designing and sewing garments to packing orders. Their grassroots marketing approach, focusing on the climbing and yoga communities, helped prAna gain traction and grow steadily. By the late 1990s, the company had outgrown the founders’ garage, moving into a larger factory and warehouse space and increasing its workforce to meet rising demand.

A significant milestone in prAna’s journey came in 2014 when Columbia Sportswear Company acquired it for $190 million. Despite the acquisition, prAna continued to operate as an independent subsidiary, maintaining its unique brand identity. Under Columbia’s umbrella, prAna furthered its commitment to sustainable materials and practices, expanded its product line, and increased its global distribution, all while staying true to its original ethos.

As of 2022, prAna Clothing remains headquartered in Carlsbad, California, and employs over 100 people globally. This expansion is a testament to the brand’s enduring appeal and successful integration of sustainable practices with athletic and outdoor apparel.