What was the original name of Columbia Sportswear when founded?

When founded, Columbia Sportswear was originally called the Columbia Hat Company.

Paul Lamfrom established the company in Portland, Oregon, in 1938 after his family had emigrated from Nazi Germany. The business started as a small regional hat distributor, and its name reflected its original focus on headwear as well as its location near the Columbia River.

The company later broadened its products beyond hats. In the 1960s, Neal Boyle helped expand the business into outdoor clothing and equipment, while Gertrude “Gert” Boyle became closely associated with the brand’s product development and tough, practical image.

The name Columbia Hat Company is sometimes confused with the later corporate name Columbia Sportswear. The company’s move into fishing, hunting, skiing, and wider outdoor apparel eventually made the newer name more appropriate.