Questions with the Founder

The essential questions everyone should know about their business. The why, what and how.

Why does Abode Outside exist?

The short answer is simple. We exist to create clothing that reduces pollution, connects people to nature, and helps protect it for the future.

The longer answer is, I want to live a long, healthy life. And I want the same for my family and friends. It’s 2026. We have the technology and resources to live longer, healthier lives. We should be spending more time outside, feeling good, not dealing with constant health issues or preventable problems.

But pollution is getting in the way of that.

A lot of people avoid talking about pollution because it feels political or distant. But it’s not. It’s a human issue. And it’s one of the most important and urgent ones we face.

Because the reality is, we are only as healthy as our environment. You can do all the push-ups, sit-ups, cold, plunges, dry saunas and supplements you want. Unfortunately, none of that protects you from living in a world filled with microplastics and forever chemicals. What many people don’t realize is that the clothing industry is a primary contributor to that type of pollution. It’s considered one of the most polluting industries in the world. That is important to know, because it tells us where to focus our energy.

You don’t have to fix everything. You dont need to overhaul every industry and every aspect of life. We need to focus on the industries that have the biggest impact. This is called the impact-to-effort ratio. There are about four or five industries responsible for the majority of our planet’s pollution. Those are the industries that require immediate action. Energy and clothing are at the top. The energy issue has gone mainstream, which is a good thing. People understand it. We’re making progress and we need to continue to make progress with clean energy.

Clothing is the next step. And it’s important that people know that, so we know where to put our energy. If we can make the clothing industry cleaner and more responsible, it can have real impact on the world around us - especially in critical areas like plastic pollution, microplastics and forever chemicals.

Thats the long story about why we exist.

What makes Abode Outside different?

We have experience in sustainability and the outdoors, but more importantly, we have deep knowledge in knitwear development. Knitwear is rare. It requires a level of technical knowledge and training that is hard to fine, especially in a world dominated by cut-and-sew clothing.

Walk into any specialty outdoor our boutique clothing store and you will find that most of the apparel is made using cut-and-sew costruction. That means fabric is produced in large sheets, then cut into panels, which creates waste.

Knitwear is fundamentally different. We start with spools yarn and knit each garment to its final shape. That means less waste, and a more efficient use of materials. You also get a more natural fit that moves with your body. Smoother seams. Better stretch. Free range of motion through the shoulders and midsection. We make an effort to source the best natural and recycled yarns to maximize performance and comfort while minimizing synthetics and pollution.

Knitwear is a technical process that requires specialized knowledge. That’s why its less common, but the result is unique and offers meaningful benefits for people that spend time outdoors and want to protect it.

How does Abode Outside enhance life outside?

Abode Outside is inspired by and made for the outdoors.

Our product is designed in two collections.

Our lifestyle collection uses cotton-based yarn blends and is built for everyday life, with colors, patterns, stitches, and graphics that reflect landscapes we love. Pieces like the Fisher Sweater, rooted in traditional Irish fisherman knits, and the Icelandic Sweater, inspired by Scandinavian heritage, connect modern life back to a time when we were more connected to the land.

The performance collection is the core of our brand, powered by our customer-favorite EcoSmooth yarn.

Every piece in this collection features yarn blends and stitches engineered to do specific things, like increase breathability, manage moisture, regulate body temperature, and provide stretch exactly where you need it. Every decision is designed to improve how the garment performs outside while minimizing waste and pollution.

The goal is simple. Help you stay comfortable longer, so you can stay outside longer.

When you pack your luggage or open your closet in the morning, you shouldn’t have to think about which shirt is for hiking, dinner, or the couch. With Abode Outside, one piece moves with you across different environments, activities, and moments. That means fewer items in your bag, fewer decisions in your day, and less overall consumption.

Better performance. More versatility. Less waste.

That is how Abode Outside enhances life outside. It’s built into the name.