We love returning exhibitor Cleverhood and they love Philly (and us)! Cleverhood makes rain capes with bike friendly features and other kinds of cape-shaped outerwear in a wide variety of fabrics. With their full product line for superhero city dwellers, cyclists, men, women, kids, and dogs, (even little capes for beards! No! Seriously! Check them out!), Cleverhood is on the worthy mission of getting people out and about in all weather. Rain rain go away? With a Cleverhood, everyone can be ready for whatever the skies bestow. There is something in the Cleverhood arsenal to suit any discriminating taste or need, from boldly utilitarian to chic to warm, comfy and inviting.
I’m fascinated by American clothing manufacturing and I’m always extremely curious to find out how an apparel company came to be, and in the case of an item of bikewear, how that particular niche was chosen and what background/training in fashion, sewing, etc., the principals may have had before launching.
Cleverhood was founded in 2012 by Susan and John Coulbourn in Providence, RI.
In answer to some of my questions, I learned that Susan’s prior experience was in design and painting (and raising a family). She also recently went through the rigorous Goldman Sachs 10KSB small business program.
“US garment production has been a priority for us since the beginning,” says John. “It affords us great benefits in turnaround and collaboration and helps to support experienced garment workers in nearby Fall River, MA who’ve been hit hard by low-cost offshore facilities.”
A visit to Cleverhood’s website reveals a detailed list of the US made materials and components that go into each Cleverhood. Fabrics, zippers, labels, shock cord, reflective trim, mesh packaging, heat transfers patches, mailing pouches and more are sourced from CA, CO, FL, IL, MA, NY, and RI. The site also has several fresh videos that really make you want a Cleverhood. I know I do!