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KAVU for Summer Fun!

Barry Barr was sick and tired of losing his hat to the winds on the Bering Strait. A college student for much of the year, Barr earned money in the summer by captaining a commercial fishing boat off the Alaskan coast. He was convinced there was a better way to make a cap so it would stay on in the wind. Inspired by Teva sandals’ high quality jacquard webbing, Barr created the strapcap. The cap had a low profile and a band of webbing that could be tightened to fit snuggly on the head.

In 1993, Barr began selling the strapcap from his car and KAVU was born. The name KAVU is an aviation acronym for “clear above visibility unlimited,” when there isn’t a cloud in the sky and you can see to the horizon. That limitless feeling is the company’s guiding philosophy. KAVU is now 28 years old and is well known for their hats and rope bags as well as outdoor clothing for men and women.

KAVU Chillba Hat

Barr created another iconic hat - the KAVU Chillba. Customers were asking for a sun hat and this time Barr was inspired by a photo in National Geographic showing a Vietnamese nón lá or "leaf hat."  The traditional hat is conical and made of bamboo or straw. Barr’s version, the Chillba, is made of 100% water resistant polyester and has an internal adjustable webbing strap plus a chinstrap with a toggle lock. This hat will stay on! The conical shape provides shade in sun and protection in rain. It keeps its shape thanks to memory foam. If you need to pack it, roll it, don’t fold it! 

KAVU Rope Sling Bag

KAVU created a classic with its Rope Bag. The ergonomic teardrop shaped bag was made of canvas and used rope for the shoulder straps. What’s the difference between the Rope Bag and the Rope Sling Bag? Primarily fabric. They are similar in size and design but the material used in the Sling is a water resistant polyester. The Sling has two outside pockets – one with Velcro for small items and a zippered one for a phone. And there are two interior compartments accessed with vertical zippers. You can wear it either cross-body or over the shoulder. The shoulder strap is adjustable and can be quickly opened with a side release buckle.

KAVU Women's San Blas Overalls

KAVU has a reputation for finding fun fabrics for their creations and the San Blas Overalls are no exception. The botanic inspired designs are eye-catching and add a feminine touch to a comfortable, one-piece classic. These overalls are made with a quick drying polyester/spandex blend that moves with you and has an up to 30 SPF rating. The adjustable shoulder straps are made of KAVU webbing with a buckle closure. And there are two side patch pockets. Oh the places you’ll go in San Blas overalls!

KAVU Women's Girl Party Short Sleeve Shirt

More fun KAVU fabric here! The bold Electric Cactus or the calm Beach Days designs will add zing to your shorts or skirts for summer. The Girl Party is the women’s version of KAVU’s Men's Festaruski Shirt. Made with 100% certified organic cotton, it has a boyfriend fit with short sleeves, button up front, a stand collar, a pattern-matched chest pocket, a center back pleat for extra freedom of movement, and a curved hem. This lightweight cotton shirt will help keep you cool this summer.

KAVU Women's Aberdeen Shorts

When summer arrives with all its glorious sunshine and heat, a pair of short shorts is a must-have. KAVU’s Aberdeen Shorts are made with organic cotton, yarn dyed and woven into the gorgeous, multicolor Sierra Stripe or the stripes and diamonds pattern of Big Sky. These lightweight cotton shorts have a scalloped edge, a wide elastic mid-rise waistband, and a back welt pocket. Take them to the beach or lounge at home in comfort and ease.

KAVU Women's Vonn Skirt

Would you prefer a skirt rather than shorts? KAVU has made the Vonn Skirt with the same fabulous materials as the Aberdeen Shorts. The skirt is made with organic cotton, yarn dyed and woven in the Sierra Stripe or the Big Sky diamond patterns. The skirt is semi-fitted with a button front, a high waist, front patch pockets and deeply curved hem that has high side vents for extra freedom of movement.  The Vonn Skirt is ready to party or play!

These are just a few of the items by KAVU you’ll find in our stores or online. Not only are there new styles of clothing for men and women for spring and summer, there’s a healthy selection of bags and slings in assorted sizes and shapes. Get ready for summer with KAVU!