When you pull on a piece of Wintergreen gear, you’re feeling the result of an intentional recipe of materials and hand-crafted processes. Combining world-class textiles with our single-technician sewing process creates clothing that functions when you need it most on those cold January nights.
Rolls of fabric on the rack.
What materials are used in clothing that is made in Minnesota, you may ask? Below is a list of our favorites:
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Merino wool: Merino is a functional and comfortable material that wicks moisture away from your skin, regulates temperature, and stays warm even if it gets damp. Wear it as a layer or by itself.
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Premium Polar Fleece: Unlike the thin, pill-prone fleece found in big-box stores, our fleece is chosen for its density and weight. It traps heat in the fabric, providing insulation without the bulk.
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Supplex® Nylon: Our outer defense. It has the soft feel of cotton but the rugged durability that you need for the outer layer. It’s the windproof shield that protects the warmth of your insulation.
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Heavy-Duty Components: We use YKK zippers and cord locks designed to be operated with heavy mittens and that hold up to the temperatures.
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Scandinavian Trim: Our iconic trims make a distinctive and fashionable look, but they aren't just for show. They often add a layer of reinforcement to high stress seams, blending aesthetics with functional toughness.
The Single-Technician Build: One Set of Hands
In our Ely workshop, we reject the assembly line. Once our fabric is cut and kitted with all the other necessary pieces, one person is assigned to craft your garment. This creates a level of intention to structural integrity that larger operations simply cannot replicate.
Quality sewing for quality products.
The Final Gauntlet: Our Inspection Points
Because one person builds the garment, they are also the first line of defense in quality. But before any item is tagged and folded, it must also pass through a rigorous multi-point inspection:
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The Seams: Every major load-bearing seam is inspected for stitch density and tension.
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Stitch reinforcement: We check the back-stitching, which are those blocks of reinforced stitching on every pocket corner and zipper base to ensure they’ll never rip out.
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Hardware Cycle: Every YKK zipper is tested, and every cord lock is toggled to ensure smooth operation in freezing conditions.
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Trim Alignment: We inspect our signature trims to ensure the patterns are perfectly aligned and that the stitching is aesthetically pleasing.
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Fiber Clearance: A final pass to remove any lint or loose threads, ensuring the garment arrives as clean as a fresh snowfall.
Finished Anoraks hanging in our Ely storefront.
