We are excited to introduce RIPTON & Co., a brand started in 2019 in Aspen, Colorado, centered around skier and mountain biker Elliot Wilkinson-Ray.
It all began at "The Skier Chalet," a former ski hotel slated for demolition. There, a group of friends—including ski bums, mountain bikers, bike shop mechanics, and designers—gathered to live and turn their vision for the brand into reality.
That vision is to address "gentrification in the outdoor industry."
Gentrification (the process of capital investment leading to the luxury-ization of things) in this context refers to how outdoor activities like cycling and skiing, which were originally accessible and free-spirited, have become:
- Dependent on expensive, specialized apparel and the latest gear
- Defined by brands and equipment as status symbols
- Hard to join without wearing the "right look"
- Focused more on performance and consumption than the activity itself
Questioning why we must choose gear or clothing strictly by purpose led to the creation of garments with a free identity—clothes that can cross over between various activities.
This sensation exists in cycling as well; there is an unspoken sense of "correctness"—like, "If you're road biking, you need a jersey; cotton T-shirts are not appropriate," or "You should wear clipless pedals," or "This brand of parts matches this brand of bike."
RIPTON challenges this culture of increasing performance and specialization, which is common in cycling, by asking: "Can't we play more simply, more freely, and more like human beings?"
Before joining Circles, I worked in a photo studio, spending my days chasing children's smiles, adjusting the beautiful forms of kimonos, and capturing families' precious memories. Photographers are constantly kneeling, taking shoes on and off, and moving between standing and sitting. To pursue beauty for others, my shoes would get beat up and the knees of my pants would wear out instantly; location shoots were sweaty, demanding work.
I naturally started choosing workwear that looked good even when worn out, rather than items that were just unbreakable or stain-proof. I remember pants with one knee torn out and shoes with holes at the base of the thumb—that was my signature style as a photographer.
Workwear has a clear, inherent role: protecting the body, allowing for movement, and supporting the worker. On the other hand, women's clothing often prioritizes making the body look slimmer or following a feminine silhouette over durability or ease of movement.
When I picked up RIPTON's clothing, I felt a vibe we are truly looking for right now: workwear that is free and stylish, distinct from those narrow definitions of femininity.
It’s similar in nature to the "free, expressive workwear" I loved wearing back then.
Riding a bike. Playing in the dirt. Carrying gear. Working with tools. Sweating, sometimes getting muddy. These clothes don't hinder the movements of the day, yet they aren't just functional.
Denim conforms to the wearer's body, leaving traces of work and the time spent playing behind as faded color. A new pair isn't the finished product; it’s a garment that becomes uniquely yours as you use it.
Whether working or playing, being able to move freely without being constrained by anything. RIPTON’s workwear and activewear leave space for you to define your own style.
A next-generation straight-leg jean that adds ease of movement while retaining a classic denim look.
I feel like I wear these more than half the time each week—on my days off, when I'm out, for shoots, during office work, and of course, while riding my bike…
They have room in the thighs and knees, and with 35% stretch, they are significantly easier to move in than standard jeans. They aren't too thick, but they have just the right amount of firmness to avoid clinging to your body lines. The balance of the high-rise fit makes them feel secure when crouching or riding a bike.
They pair perfectly with Mountain Clogs—I don't know how many times I've enjoyed this outfit this week alone!
A model that translates the functional design similar to the Amok into a lighter-weight cotton pant.
They are thinner and have less stretch than the Amok, and the shorter rise and inseam provide a cleaner fit around the waist. With a cropped finish, this model is easier for even petite women to wear.
They will be great to pair with Chelsea boots this fall and winter.
The Hayai Jean Shirt solves the drawback of "denim shirts are cool, but stiff and hard to move in."
There is a yoke on the back positioned to avoid restricting shoulder movement. Combined with dropped shoulders and stretch denim, the design makes it easy to move, even when biking or working with your arms raised.
There are two large pockets on the front. Additionally, there is a ripstop zippered pocket on the back to stow your smartphone, keys, or bike pass.
Size Reference
Amok Jeans
151cm x 26 inch
Amok Jeans
155cm x 28 inch
Flux Pants
154cm x 26 inch
Flux Pants
178cm x 34 inch
Hayai Jean Shirt
181cm x M size
Hayai Shirts
173cm x S size
It is incredibly popular in the American bicycle culture where Ripton was born, and I hope everyone gets hooked on this charm once they try it on. The shorts for spring and summer were also fantastic, so I hope I can introduce those next year!
By the way, it seems Adam from SKLAR BIKES is also a big Ripton fan!
