At Northern Classics, our focus has always been on creating functional, durable outerwear for kids. So when the idea of expanding into women’s winter coats came up, it felt both exciting and a little daunting. A women’s line had always been on our minds, but we weren’t sure the timing was right. We sketched, sampled, and even tested a few pieces - one of them being what would eventually become the Hydrangea Women’s Winter Coat. After much discussion, we decided to wait until the following year to officially launch.
But then came Aspen.
One of our team members brought the Hydrangea coat sample on a spring ski trip to Aspen, Colorado. Within hours, it was clear this wasn’t just another prototype. By noon on the very first day, she had already been stopped six times by strangers asking about her coat. And it didn’t stop there.
The Hydrangea Women’s Winter Coat was designed with the same thoughtful details found in our kids’ outerwear - features that proved just as useful for adults. Built-in backpack straps made it easy to shed the coat during warm spring skiing without carrying it in hand. Mitten clips kept her mittens secure while exploring town. The durable, water-resistant shell handled both snowy slopes and après-ski strolls. People noticed right away.
There were a number of standout moments. While waiting in line for food, the girl behind her had been quietly trying to track the coat down online. After leaving the line, the girl stopped her and admitted she had already spent ten minutes searching for it because she had to have it. Another person added the coat to their birthday list on the spot. Someone else asked for her phone number so they could get the link once it launched. By the end of the trip, stories like this had piled up.
Back at the office, we knew the Hydrangea Women’s Winter Coat wasn’t just a sample anymore - it was something people wanted. The demand was undeniable. What started as hesitation quickly turned into certainty.
That Aspen trip confirmed what we had been wondering all along: women are looking for winter coats that balance warmth, function, and style. The Hydrangea Women’s Winter Coat does just that. It’s warm and water-resistant, yet lightweight and versatile enough for skiing, travel, and everyday wear.
What began as “maybe next year” became this year. And that’s how our very first women’s winter coat came to be.