Few brands are as synonymous with sportswear and outdoor attire as Columbia. This American brand has led the way for almost 90 years in the industry, building a reputation for its high-quality waterproof jackets and ski apparel.
Columbia is a sportswear brand that covers everything from headgear to camping equipment and footwear. It’s a brand you’ll see everyone from Sandra Bullock to Bella Hadid and Doja Cat wearing.
Columbia Sportswear Company is one of the most successful American brands, with over 13,000 retailers in over 72 countries (Credit: Around the World Photos / Shutterstock)
You’ll find Columbia Sportswear in over 72 countries and 13,000 retailers, including Zappos and Nordstrom, making it one of the most successful American brands.
Whether you’re hiking mountains or camping in the summer, Columbia is a brand that belongs in the closet of every outdoor adventurer. We’re sharing everything you need to know about the brand and how to spot fake Columbia clothing and jackets.
What is Columbia?
Columbia has a humble origin as an international brand. It began as a family-owned hat distributor, known as ‘Columbia Hat Company,’ in 1937. The brand evolved into Columbia Sportswear Company in 1960, expanding its product range into activewear.
It experienced a surge in growth during the ‘90s as it began to pop up within the world of sports. Columbia became a publicly traded company in 1998 and acquired several companies in the years following, including Sorel in 2000. It had become the largest American retailer of ski apparel by 2001.
Columbia Sportswear is popular for its breathable waterproof jackets (Credit: OlegD / Shutterstock)
Jackets are Columbia’s best-selling product, particularly its breathable waterproof jackets that come with interchangeable liners and shells.
It has followed the lead of other sportswear brands by becoming increasingly more sustainable and socially aware. Columbia announced in 2020 that it was no longer using alpaca wool due to concerns about animal rights.
Where Are Columbia Clothes Made?
It’s a common misconception that Columbia clothing is made in the United States.
Although Columbia is an American brand based in Oregon, most of its production is carried out in Asia. Columbia’s clothing is primarily made in Vietnam and China, with 25% of its footwear originating from the latter.
The brand has recently begun moving its production out of China in recent years, describing there as being better “sourcing countries” to choose from. You’ll find an array of ‘made in’ labels on your Columbia clothing.
Columbia factories each have a unique CSC factory ID that consumers can use to search for the factory that made the product (Credit: Columbia Sportswear Company)
Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, China, and Vietnam are amongst the most popular clothes for Columbia clothing to be made in. Columbia does not list countries of origin or manufacturing in the product descriptions of their garments, unlike competitors such as Patagonia.
Columbia has a supply chain transparency map on its website, listing the 725 facilities that are part of its supply chain. Each factory within Columbia’s supply chain has a unique CSC factory ID that is visible on the label inside your garment. This number will have between 2 and 5 digits.
How Warm Are Columbia Clothes?
The warmth of your Columbia clothing will depend on its thickness and material. Columbia recently launched its ‘Omni-Heat Black Dot technology,’ which was named one of the 100 Greatest Innovations of 2020.
Columbia now incorporates the Omni-Heat Black Dot technology in their jackets to keep wearers 20% warmer than ordinary layers
This technology is the next generation of cold-weather performance technology and utilizes NASA technology to keep you warmer than ever. It’s estimated to keep you up to 20% warmer than ordinary layers due to the Omni-heat technology.
It’s difficult to put a precise number on the warmth of Columbia clothes. This factor is subjective as it depends on the layers you’re wearing and how quickly your body acclimates to changing temperatures and climates.
Washing Instructions for Columbia Clothes
Columbia clothing is designed to withstand the elements. It means you’ll likely need to give your Columbia jacket or clothes a little love and care over time. Columbia’s website offers extensive care instructions for its products.
Its fleece products should typically be washed in cold water on a delicate or hand wash cycle using a mild detergent with a non-toxic and biodegradable formula.
Columbia recommends drying its fleece products by hanging them to dry or lying them flat. It’s suggested that you don’t iron any fleece products.
Columbia fleece jackets should be washed in cold water using non-toxic and biodegradable detergent
Columbia rain jackets come with similar washing instructions. Washing your jacket will help it maintain its waterproof features.
Avoid using fabric softener as it can break down the waterproofing elements. Wait for your Columbia jacket to dry before storing away to avoid mildew.
Fabric softener can break down the waterproofing elements of Columbia rain jackets
There are specialist washing instructions for Columbia garments featuring the brand’s technology, including its Omni range. The Omni-shield and Omni-shield blood ‘n guts should not be washed in hot water or iron to maintain their stain-resistant properties.
Similarly, the cooling performance of the Omni-freeze zero technology requires it to be washed without fabric softeners, stain removers, or bleach.
Columbia’s Omni range jackets should not be washed in hot water or iron to maintain their stain-resistant properties
How to Identify Columbia Clothing
It’s not uncommon to find counterfeit Columbia garments on the pre-loved market, particularly popular styles. The long-term popularity of Columbia means you can often find a bargain by shopping pre-loved. If you’re considering buying a Columbia jacket pre-loved, you’ll need to know how to spot a fake Columbia garment.
1. Look for the 7-digit style number
Columbia includes a style number in its garments, like other outerwear brands, including Patagonia. You’ll find a 7-digit style number on the small tag that sits behind the washing instructions of your Columbia clothing or jacket.
Columbia has a 7-digit style number on the tag behind the washing instructions (Credit: Columbia Sportswear Company)
You can use the website to search for style numbers. However, the discontinued and sold-out styles will not be searchable on the website. The popularity of Columbia means you can often find style numbers for retired styles online.
2. Examine the quality and stitching
The easiest way to spot a genuine vs. real Columbia garment is by examining the quality. Columbia has a reputation for its high-quality manufacturing and fabric. If the stitching looks mismatched or the fabric feels cheap, it’s an instant red flag.
Columbia jackets make use of high-quality fabric with neat and sturdy stitching
3. Check the logo on the label
Another way to spot a fake Columbia jacket is by examining the logo used on the label. Genuine Columbia logos will have a radius corner and use the official Columbia font for the text.
You’ll spot a fake Columbia logo by its use of square corners on the logo and a different font. Comparing the ‘C’ in Columbia is the easiest way to identify errors in the font.
The authentic Columbia logo should have a radius corner and use the official Columbia font for the text
Use these tips and tricks when shopping to know how to spot fake Columbia clothing and jackets.