Myron Breakstone started RefrigiWear in 1954 with a vision to create a “modern way to keep warm” for workers that faced cold, demanding conditions. His experiences in Northern Italy during World War II enhanced his first-hand knowledge of working in cold temperatures. Back home, he witnessed how the cold affected the employees of his family’s dairy business. He knew there had to be a better way to protect workers in the cold.
1954 : ESTABLISHING A NEW WAY TO KEEP WARM
1965 : WARM WORKWEAR REVOLUTION
RefrigiWear became the go-to apparel brand for people working in the cold, especially for those working in food manufacturing and distribution, where employees face subzero temperatures on a daily basis. In this period, frozen foods were starting to become much more plentiful, which means workers in warehouses needed RefrigiWear more than ever.
The brand also became a staple in the general outdoor world because it met demanding conditions. Tough and durable, warm and functional, high quality-meets-everyday demands—these RefrigiWear principles go into every product made.
1970s : TRANS-ALASKA PIPELINE
& OTHER BIG PROJECTS
The Trans-Alaska Pipeline System was constructed from 1975–77, and the $8 billion effort required tens of thousands of people, often working in extreme temperatures and conditions. RefrigiWear was there to help keep the workers warm so they could meet their tight deadlines.
Antarctic Support Services brings fresh supplies to U.S. research stations in Antarctica. In these and other huge projects, RefrigiWear becomes the benchmark against which all severe-cold apparel is judged.
1980s : WARM INDOORS & OUTDOORS
By the 1980s, RefrigiWear was well-established as the warmest brand for those working indoors and outdoors in frigid conditions. We expanded our lines and offering for a growing workforce that couldn't do their jobs without protective, tough, high-performance gear.
1990s : FROZEN FOODS EXPAND RAPIDLY
The 1990s ushered in a renaissance in frozen and refrigerated foods in the US. In a trend that continues to this day, more and more foods were introduced to the marketplace that needed a "cold chain" to get it from production to our tables. And RefrigiWear was there, as it always had been, to outfit America's growing cold-chain workforce.
2000s : BECOMING AN ICON WORLDWIDE
In the 2000s, RefrigiWear gained greater recognition in Europe and became a player in global fashion outerwear. While staying true to its roots, the European brand was built on Americana and the heritage of warmth, quality and workwear-inspired designs. In the US, RefrigiWear saw unprecedented growth in the need for warm, insulated workwear for indoor workers, thanks in large part to the growth in frozen foods. The company added new styles and expanded supporting categories, like headwear, gloves and footwear.
2010s : MORE STYLES, MORE WAYS TO STAY WARM
Functionality and comfort, a strong identity, attention to details, research and technology go into creating a bounty of next generation products for working in the cold. These include uses of new outershell materials, new ways to insulate and more styles in all product categories than ever before. In Europe, the brand becomes one of the most popular Americana fashion leaders, while in the US, more and more consumers turn to RefrigiWear for gear that keeps them warm while they work in the coldest conditions.
2020 : REFRIGIWEAR 1954 LAUNCHES IN US
In 2020, the launch of RefrigiWear 1954 marks the first time in the company's long history that we focus a collection completely on fashion—though still inspired by and based on some of our most iconic designs in history.