Few brands are as synonymous with sportswear and outdoor attire as Columbia. This American brand has led the industry for almost 90 years, building a reputation for its high-quality waterproof jackets and ski apparel.
Columbia is a leading sportswear brand known for everything from headgear to camping gear and high-performance footwear. Like Nike and other brands, the company recruits regular consumers to test its clothing and shoes. You can sign up on the company’s website.
Frequently worn by celebrities like Sandra Bullock, Bella Hadid, and Doja Cat, Columbia also ranks as one of the top hiking shoe brands for outdoor enthusiasts. In our roundup of the best hiking shoe brands, you can explore why it’s a must-know name.
Columbia Sportswear storefront at an outlet mall, showcasing the brand’s strong retail presence and global recognition in outdoor apparel and footwear (Credit: Around the World Photos / Shutterstock)
Columbia Sportswear is available in over 90 countries and 13,000 retailers, including Zappos and Nordstrom, making it one of the most successful American brands.
Whether hiking mountains or camping in the summer, Columbia is a brand that belongs in every outdoor adventurer’s closet. We’re sharing everything you need to know about the brand and how to spot fake Columbia clothing and jackets.
Columbia Sportswear: From Hat Company to Outdoor Giant
Columbia’s global success story began with modest roots. Founded in the late 1930s as a small, family-run hat distributor called the Columbia Hat Company, the brand gradually expanded its vision. By 1960, it had rebranded as Columbia Sportswear Company and shifted focus to activewear, setting the stage for its rise as a leader in outdoor apparel and footwear.
Columbia experienced a surge in growth during the ‘90s as it began to pop up within the world of sports. It became a publicly traded company in 1998 and acquired several companies in the years following, including Sorel in 2000. By 2001, it had become the largest American retailer of ski apparel.
Columbia Sportswear is popular for its breathable waterproof jackets (Credit: OlegD / Shutterstock)
Jackets are Columbia’s best-selling product, particularly its breathable waterproof jackets with interchangeable liners and shells.
Columbia has followed the lead of other sportswear brands by becoming increasingly more sustainable and socially aware. In 2020, it announced that it was no longer using alpaca wool due to concerns about animal rights.
Where Columbia Clothes and Shoes Are Made: Global Supply Chain Explained
It’s a common misconception that Columbia clothing is made in the United States.
Although Columbia is an American brand based in Oregon, most of its production is in Asia. Columbia’s clothing is primarily made in Vietnam and China, with 25% of its footwear originating from the latter.
The brand has recently begun moving its production out of China in recent years, describing it as having better “sourcing countries” to choose from. You’ll find an array of ‘made in’ labels on your Columbia clothing.
Columbia factories each have a unique CSC factory ID that consumers can use to search for the factory that made the product (Credit: Columbia Sportswear Company)
Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, China, and Vietnam are among the most popular countries where Columbia clothing is made. Unlike competitors such as Patagonia, Columbia does not list countries of origin or manufacturing in the product descriptions of its garments.
Columbia has a supply chain transparency map on its website, listing the 725 facilities that are part of its supply chain. Every Columbia supply chain factory is assigned a unique CSC factory ID, which you can find on the label inside your garment. This identification number typically contains between 2 and 5 digits.
How Warm Are Columbia Jackets and Footwear? A Look at Omni-Heat Technology
The warmth of your Columbia clothing will depend on its thickness and material. Columbia recently launched its ‘Omni-Heat Black Dot technology,’ which was named one of the 100 Greatest Innovations of 2020.
Columbia now incorporates the Omni-Heat Black Dot technology in their jackets to keep wearers 20% warmer than ordinary layers
This technology is the next generation of cold-weather performance technology and utilizes NASA technology to keep you warmer than ever. Omni-heat technology is estimated to keep you up to 20% warmer than ordinary layers.
Putting a precise number on the warmth of Columbia clothes is difficult. This factor is subjective, as it depends on the layers you wear and how quickly your body acclimates to changing temperatures and climates.
How to Wash Columbia Jackets, Fleece, and Footwear Properly
Columbia clothing is designed to withstand the elements. It means you’ll likely need to give your Columbia jacket or clothes a little love and care over time. Columbia’s website offers extensive care instructions for its products.
Its fleece products should typically be washed in cold water on a delicate or hand wash cycle using a mild detergent with a non-toxic and biodegradable formula.
Columbia recommends drying its fleece products by hanging them to dry or laying them flat. It also suggests not ironing any fleece products.
To maintain longevity and softness, Columbia fleece jackets should be washed in cold water with eco-friendly detergent and air-dried
Columbia rain jackets come with similar washing instructions. Washing your jacket will help it maintain its waterproof features.
Avoid using fabric softener, as it can degrade the waterproof coating. Always ensure your Columbia jacket is completely dry before storing it to prevent mildew and maintain its performance.
Fabric softener can break down the waterproofing elements of Columbia rain jackets
Columbia garments incorporating the brand’s performance technologies—especially those from the Omni range—require specific care. To preserve their stain-resistant properties, styles with Omni-Shield and Omni-Shield Blood ’n Guts technology should be washed in cold water and never ironed or exposed to high heat.
Similarly, the Omni-freeze zero technology’s cooling performance requires washing without fabric softeners, stain removers, or bleach.
Columbia’s Omni range jackets—featuring advanced stain- and water-resistant technologies—should be washed in cold water and never ironed to preserve their performance properties
How to Spot Fake Columbia Jackets and Shoes: 3 Easy Checks
It’s common to find counterfeit Columbia garments in the pre-loved market, particularly in popular styles. The long-term popularity of Columbia means you can often find a bargain by shopping pre-loved. If you’re considering buying a Columbia jacket pre-loved, you’ll need to know how to spot a fake Columbia garment.
1. Verify the 7-Digit Columbia Style Number for Authenticity
Like many outerwear brands, including Patagonia, Columbia includes a unique 7-digit style number on its garments. This number is on a small tag located behind the washing instructions inside your jacket or clothing item.
Columbia has a 7-digit style number on the tag behind the washing instructions (Credit: Columbia Sportswear Company)
You can use the website to search for style numbers. However, discontinued and sold-out styles are not searchable on the website. Columbia’s popularity means you can often find style numbers for retired styles online.
2. Inspect Stitching and Fabric Quality for Authenticity
The easiest way to distinguish a genuine Columbia garment from a counterfeit is by examining its overall quality. Columbia is known for its durable construction and premium materials. Look for neat, consistent stitching and high-grade fabric—any signs of sloppy workmanship or cheap-feeling material are strong indicators that the item may be fake.
Columbia jackets make use of high-quality fabric with neat and sturdy stitching
3. Verify the Columbia Logo and Font Details
Another way to spot a fake Columbia jacket is by examining the logo used on the label. Genuine Columbia logos will have a radius corner, and the official Columbia font will be used for the text.
You’ll spot a fake Columbia logo using square corners on the logo and a different font. Comparing the ‘C’ in Columbia is the easiest way to identify errors in the font.
The authentic Columbia logo should have a radius corner and use the official Columbia font for the text
Use these tips and tricks to spot fake Columbia clothing and jackets when shopping.
How to Avoid Fake Columbia Websites: Spotting Online Scams
Scam websites often imitate Columbia’s branding to trick customers into purchasing counterfeit goods or receiving nothing. Here’s how to tell if a Columbia site is real or fake:
- Check the URL: Columbia’s only official site is www.columbia.com. Any URL with extra words like “outlet,” “discount,” or “clearance” is likely fake.
- Inspect contact info: The real Columbia customer service number is (800) 622-6953. Email addresses should end in
@columbia.com. - Review the site’s writing: Poor grammar, awkward product descriptions, or unclear return policies are red flags.
- Be skeptical of deep discounts: If the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
- Use the store locator: Only buy from retailers listed on Columbia’s authorized store locator.
Contact Columbia’s official customer service team for help verifying a website if in doubt.
Authenticity Matters: How to Spot Fake Designer Shoes and Clothing
Counterfeit fashion items are increasingly sophisticated, making it essential to know how to identify genuine products. Here are some expert guides to help you distinguish real from fake:
Christian Louboutin: Identifying Authentic Red Soles
- Key Features: Genuine Louboutins have smooth red leather soles, evenly crafted insoles, and precise logo placement.
- Common Fakes: Look out for plastic soles, uneven stitching, and misaligned logos.
- Read more: How to Tell if Your Christian Louboutins Are Authentic
Tory Burch: Ensuring Your Shoes Are the Real Deal
- Packaging: Authentic Tory Burch shoes come in high-quality boxes with centered logos and may include a protective dust bag.
- Stitching and Materials: Check for tight, V-shaped stitching and genuine leather soles.
- See more: How to Spot Fake vs. Real Tory Burch Shoes
Dr. Martens: Verifying the Authenticity of Iconic Boots
- Box and Labels: Real Dr. Martens come in sturdy boxes with accurate labels matching the shoe details.
- Unique Features: Look for the signature yellow stitching, embossed outsoles, and high-quality leather.
- Discover more: Dr. Martens Authentication Guide: 6 Foolproof Tricks to Spot Fakes
The North Face: Detecting Counterfeit Outdoor Apparel
- Logos and Tags: Authentic jackets feature cleanly stitched logos and detailed product tags with accurate information.
- Material Quality: Genuine products use high-quality, durable fabrics and hardware.
- Learn more: Fake North Face Jackets: 7 Signs to Watch For Before You Buy
Barbour: Spotting Fake British Heritage Jackets
- Design Details: Real Barbour jackets have branded buttons, clean engraving, and a Royal Warrant label inside.
- Style Verification: Familiarize yourself with Barbour’s popular styles to identify unauthorized designs.
- Explore further: How to Spot a Real Barbour Jacket: 7 Expert Tips to Avoid Fakes
By paying close attention to these details, you can confidently authenticate your fashion purchases and avoid counterfeit products.