SKHOOP Celebrates 25 Years of Warm Bums

October 7, 2024

Åre, Sweden /OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ – 2024 marks a major milestone for SKHOOP—25 years of keeping people warm and stylish. What started as a simple idea by founder Sissi Kewenter on a cold, frosty morning in Åre, Sweden, has grown into a beloved global brand known for its functional fashion.

Reflecting on the company’s origins, Sissi recalls, “It all began when I took my dog out for a walk and struggled with how to keep my legs warm. I wanted a solution that was quick and easy. When I got home, I transformed an old down jacket into what became the first ‘bum warmer.’ This creation became The Original Skirt, which remains a customer favorite to this day.”

Sissi moved to Åre in 1984, initially planning to stay for just a year. Forty years later, Åre is still home, and it’s where SKHOOP’s headquarters are based. “After working with design for several major companies, I knew I wanted to create something of my own—something that aligned with my love for this mountain village,” says Sissi. Thus, SKHOOP was founded in 1999, and Åre has been the brand’s heart ever since.

Over the past 25 years, SKHOOP’s journey has had its share of challenges and triumphs. One of the early hurdles involved a batch of jackets and skirts where insulation leaked through the fabric—a learning experience that shaped SKHOOP’s future. “That setback taught us to be meticulous with every detail,” Sissi explains. “It was a tough lesson, but an invaluable one.”

From its humble beginnings, SKHOOP’s product line has expanded to include both winter and summer collections, designed for women who love the outdoors. The company’s ethos has always centered on creating garments that are easy to wear, functional, and fashionable—what SKHOOP calls “functional fashion.”

Sustainability and environmental responsibility are equally important. In 2015, Sissi started the lengthy process of getting SKHOOP certified to STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®. “After a rigorous five-year process, achieving our unique certificate number (SE20-245) in 2020 was a proud moment for us. It guarantees that our products are free from harmful substances, which is good for both people and the planet,” Sissi shares.

SKHOOP’s reach expanded beyond Sweden in 2007, thanks to Sissi’s close friend, Osa Tham, who lives in Alaska. Osa saw potential for the winter skirt in the U.S. market and, despite Sissi’s initial hesitation, she took 50 skirts back to Anchorage. The skirts were given to friends and local outdoor store staff, which kickstarted SKHOOP’s success in the U.S. Today, Osa and Sissi continue to collaborate, bringing SKHOOP’s unique offerings to a wider audience.

Beyond the U.S., SKHOOP also has a strong presence in Europe, with distribution in Switzerland, Finland, Germany, Norway, Greenland, and more.

While much has changed over the years, SKHOOP’s core mission remains the same: to create versatile, sustainable, and colorful garments that last as long as your love for the outdoors.

About SKHOOP’s Skirts:

SKHOOP skirts are designed for both everyday life and outdoor adventures. Whether you’re running, skiing, or simply enjoying the outdoors, SKHOOP offers a wide range of skirt styles for all seasons. From ankle-length quilted winter skirts perfect for Arctic conditions to lightweight summer skirts that brighten up warm-weather outings, SKHOOP skirts are versatile and stylish for any occasion.

As SKHOOP celebrates 25 years, the brand remains committed to having fun, staying healthy, and making high-quality, long-lasting garments for women who love the outdoors.

Shop SKHOOP’s 25^th Anniversary collection on their website at www.skhoop.us