THE BEGINNINGS
Pac Nor Westy was founded in 2017. We started designing our own tees after having trouble finding ones that captured the essence of our Pacific Northwest adventures. We were also disappointed to find a number of seemingly "nature loving" brands were selling clothing that was anything but eco-friendly or ethically sourced.
Since that start in 2017, Pac Nor Westy has expanded to include designs rooted in outdoor exploration and adventure while increasing our commitment to using eco-friendly and made in the USA materials in our goods. We love bringing themes of nature together in creative ways to celebrate an authentic, adventurous life. Our team gets out into nature whenever we get a free moment - it's how we continue to be inspired.
A COMMUNITY OF ADVENTURERS
Who are our people? They are lovers of the Pacific Northwest. They're weekend explorers who aren't afraid to sneak in a hike on a weekday afternoon. They're explorers of the land, sea, and sky. They're stewards of the earth and lovers of nature. They thrive on the adrenaline of adventure. Outdoor adventures may not happen every day, but it doesn't stop their dreaming and wanderlust.
OUR ETHOS
Some of the ways we strive to ensure our brand reflects our commitment to nature and small businesses include:
• Ethical Manufacturing: We source from vendors committed to ethical manufacturing practices. We are committed to putting human rights ahead of profit.
• Made in the USA: We strive to source products made in the USA whenever possible. Made in the USA products are designated on their respective product page.
• Environmental Responsibility: When available, we use organic cotton and recycled/upcycled materials in our apparel. Eco-friendly goods are designated on their respective product page.
• Water-based Inks: We screen print our goods with water-based inks, which are more eco-friendly than petroleum-based inks.
• Small-batch Artisans: We seek artisans who handcraft goods in small batches. It's our way of supporting other small businesses.
LA CONNER, WASHINGTON
Our design studio is located in historic La Conner, WA. A little over an hour north of Seattle, the Skagit Valley is a rich agricultural and scenic area nestled between the North Cascades and the Washington Coast. We're near the gateway to the San Juan Islands and just a quick drive from Deception Pass State Park. The coast, the mountains, the forests, and everything in between are literally our back yard and serve as inspiration for our designs.
Our flagship store in La Conner, WA has now reopened at 105 South 1st Street (beside La Conner Brewing Co.). Stop in and say hello on your next adventure in the Skagit Valley!
Store Hours:
Friday to Monday: 11 am to 5 pm
Tuesday to Thursday: closed
GIVING BACK
We donate 10% of our sales back to charities that help our local communities here in the Skagit Valley.
FOUNDER & CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Rich started designing shirts completely on a whim. Always one to have a knack for digital art, a need to express pent up creativity found its way into graphic design. As things would have it, his love for the Pacific Northwest quickly aligned to this newfound digital arts medium and Pac Nor Westy was born in 2017.
Raised in Alabama, Rich moved west in 2011 and likes to describe himself as "Pacific Northwest by choice". While his Southern accent may occasionally make an appearance, the PNW has become his adventure playground and home.
When he isn't dreaming up new designs with a clever pun-twist, Rich enjoys kayaking in and around the coastal waters of the San Juan islands, hiking up to one of the many scenic vistas within a day's drive, and road trips to beautiful and obscure PNW locales.
