A few months ago, in a pre-covid world, I reached out to have a chat with Gracie McClure, the University Manager, for Outdoor Voices. I wanted to know more about why their company is so popular and why recreational clothing is part of our everyday wardrobe. The brand mission is to get people moving and encourages people to follow their “Doing Things” motto.
We began our conversation talking about how activewear has become so popular over the last few years.
“We feel like physical fitness and taking care of your body will never go out of style,” Gracie said.
The brand itself makes its products with the highest quality for both highly technical workouts and everyday life. Gracie told me that OV wants to make clothing for everyone and apply it to every aspect of our busy lives.
I was curious why she believes college students and young adults have embraced this new wave of recreational clothing. Gracie said herself that it is so easy for students to wear recreational clothing by just throwing on a comfortable but practical outfit to wear to class, but allows them to continue with their day and be ready for every situation and look good while doing it.
A lot of corporate America, according to Gracie, has become more widely accepting of going to work in a mix of business and fitness apparel.
“A lot of people at the office wear biker shorts and an oversized men’s button-up. I feel that workout clothing is so much more comfortable than your average work clothes.”
She also expressed how OV wants people to see how “Doing Things” can be easily integrated into your life and allows you to go from one thing to another.
I asked her why, at this point, recreational apparel is on the rise. She replied that physical and mental health had been a big point of conversation in society, and people moved towards bettering themselves. Having the proper wardrobe and making you feel good could make all the difference in helping yourself live the best life possible.
My final question for Gracie was about what sets Outdoor Voices apart from other recreational apparel companies among such a large pool of competition. She believes that OV sets itself apart by having a fun and playful approach to the world of activewear.
“People send letters saying how much more confident they feel and how their approach to fitness is completely different after learning and shopping from their company.”
She mentions how for a long time, working out and “Doing Things” was all about being the strongest and the fastest, but OV is taking away that pressure and wants you to get your body moving, leaving that toxic belief behind and just doing it yourself. Outdoor Voices makes sure to communicate to their customers and community that just moving their body and feeling good about yourself is what they are known for. Their relationship with their audience makes them stand out.
As someone who follows and shops from Outdoor Voices, I can attest to the quality and confidence their clothing gives. The company’s rapid growth in the world of recreational wear has shown how their audience is starting to do things to better their lives, just for them. Outdoor Voices has made a name for themselves and continue to spread their message encouraging people just to start “Doing Things.”
Words by Emma Mai
Graphic by Day Toscano