Western Rise Clothing was established in 2013 in Telluride, Colorado, by Will and Kelly Watters. It emerged from the couple’s passion for outdoor activities and their desire to simplify travel packing with multifunctional outfits. Will’s background in a family with a long history in textile manufacturing played a pivotal role in shaping the brand’s vision. They aimed to create versatile, multi-use travel clothing using advanced performance fabrics.

The brand’s journey began with the launch of its first product, the All-Terrain (AT) Pant, in 2015. This product, initiated through Kickstarter, blended the classic 5-pocket jean style and the practicality of hiking pants. Western Rise maintained a direct-to-consumer model, selling through its e-commerce site and gradually expanding its product range to include various versatile clothing items for both men and women.

By 2022, Western Rise had significantly expanded its reach, selling over 500,000 pairs of pants and establishing ten physical retail locations across the United States. With over 50 employees, the company emphasizes the importance of technical fabrics and robust construction in creating durable, multifunctional travel clothing.

Sustainability is a core principle of Western Rise. The company employs bluesign® approved textiles and factories, ensuring their operations are 100% carbon neutral. Additionally, they contribute 1% of their sales to conservation nonprofits, such as the Western Rivers Conservancy, to support the protection of public lands.

Western Rise Clothing has evolved into a prominent sustainable travel apparel brand since its inception in Colorado. The company’s focus on producing versatile, high-performance clothing facilitates easy packing and smooth transitions between different adventures, reflecting the founders’ original vision and commitment to sustainability and functionality.