When Northern Classics was born, it wasn’t just about creating beautiful outerwear for kids — it was about motherhood.
Our founder, Kristin Ruud, started Northern Classics not long after becoming a mother herself. Like many parents, she found herself searching for kids’ outerwear that was equal parts timeless, functional, and built to last — and came up short. So she decided to create it.
Northern Classics was inspired by the belief that adventure doesn't stop when you become a parent — it just looks a little different. There are the early mornings bundling kids for school, the sledding hills, the neighborhood walks that take twice as long (and are twice as sweet). It’s in those everyday moments that the idea for Northern Classics took shape: outerwear designed with a mother's eye for detail and care, and a child's sense of wonder in mind.
Today, we’re proud to say that Northern Classics is a mom-run business — not just founded by one, but led by a small and mighty team of women who are mothers themselves. We know firsthand what it means to juggle nap schedules and Zoom calls, or to spend the evening packing boxes after bedtime. Every decision we make, every product we design, is shaped by that lived experience.
This Mother’s Day, we’re honoring the moms behind the brand — and the countless mothers who inspire us daily. Whether you’re chasing toddlers in the snow, cheering on the sidelines, or just doing your best to get everyone out the door — you are seen, loved, and celebrated.
From our team to yours: Happy Mother’s Day.