AI-generated illustration; not a photograph of the reported event.
- calendar_today October 14, 2026
Columbia Sportswear Celebrates 35 Years of Helvetia Fleece
Columbia Sportswear is commemorating the 35th anniversary of its Helvetia fleece with a distinctive new release: a limited-edition fleece pullover inspired by the recognizable carpet of Portland International Airport (PDX). This newest design pays homage to a beloved local icon while marking a major milestone for the outdoor apparel company, founded in Portland in 1938.
PDX Carpet Inspires New Columbia Fleece
The limited edition fleece is the first of several special designs to be launched as part of the Helvetia Series, with more collaborations expected through next year. The company’s Helvetia II Half Snap Fleece will feature a print directly influenced by the airport’s famed carpet, joining a collection of products that have previously featured the pattern, including Portland Trail Blazers jerseys.
Event at Portland Flagship and PDX Stores
The official release for the new Columbia Sportswear fleece is set for Thursday, October 15. Customers can purchase the fleece online as well as in select physical locations, including Columbia’s flagship store in Portland and the brand’s recently opened shop at Portland International Airport. To celebrate the occasion, the airport store will host an event featuring a DJ from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., and shoppers who purchase the fleece—in-store or online—will be eligible for special gifts from Columbia.
Fleece Features and Technology
According to Columbia, the new limited edition fleece highlights the brand’s ongoing mission "to unlock the outdoors for everyone." The pullover is constructed with a fabric engineered to conserve body heat and repel water, utilizing Columbia’s proprietary Titanium-level warming technology. The company notes that, even after 35 years, Helvetia fleece remains a central element of Columbia’s product identity, designed to move seamlessly from outdoor trails to urban environments.
Looking Back: Helvetia’s History
The debut of the original Helvetia fleece in 1988 coincided with the installation of Portland International Airport’s famous carpet, a design that has since inspired other Portland-themed products. Columbia’s embrace of local symbols continues in this new fleece release, providing a connection between the brand’s heritage and the Portland community.
Viral Promotion Campaigns
In September, company leadership highlighted the Helvetia fleece through a creative “Fax-4-Fleece” social campaign. The campaign, featuring influencer Ken Eurich and referencing a fax machine, offered a playful nod to the 1991 launch of the Helvetia line. The campaign went viral, generating buzz ahead of the latest Columbia fleece release.
More Limited-Edition Designs to Come
Columbia has announced that this PDX carpet-inspired fleece is only the beginning for the Helvetia Series, with more exclusive designs and collaborations planned through next year. The new fleece highlights Columbia’s long-standing commitment to reimagining classic styles with innovative materials and contemporary regional flair, catering to both outdoor enthusiasts and local fans of Portland sportswear.
Source: koin.com.
