Inuit Quality Clothes: Get close to nature, whenever, wherever

Founded in 2013 by two Greenlandic women, Inuit Quality Clothes of Greenland can, today, be seen all over Greenland, from the smallest settlements to the capital of Nuuk. Made for the harsh Greenlandic climate and in tribute to the island’s magnificent landscape, the brand allows its wearers to get close to nature in all weather.

When it gets cold in Greenland, it gets really cold. During winter, temperatures of around minus 35 degrees are not unusual. Thus the kind of weather-resistant outdoor wear that many people might only think of as extreme or winter sports wear is everyday wear for many Greenlanders. However, in the past, all clothing sold in Greenland was produced by foreign companies and not matched to the unique requirements of the Greenlandic people. In 2012, Dorthea Rødgaard and Hanne Kristiansen, then independent shop owners, decided to change that.

“We were discussing the challenges people faced with the outdoor wear we were selling. Most of it was designed for winter sports, but in Greenland, the cold can be so intense that you need snow pants just to go to work. Skiing pants aren’t suitable because they need to be easy to put on and take off without removing your footwear,” explains Kristiansen. “Our clothing, on the other hand, is tailored to the Greenlandic climate and lifestyle. You can wear them for everyday life and outdoor activities.”

Having crossed paths at various trade fairs abroad, the two friends instantly agreed to start their own clothing brand. With investors onboard, they embarked on creating their first items, a coat and a trademark t-shirt that arrived in 2013. Reflecting the duo’s love for Greenlandic nature and culture, all designs are created to allow people to get close to nature, move unrestricted and stay comfortable all year round. “Both of us love being outdoors,” says Kristiansen. “I go cross-country skiing perhaps six times a week, and Dorthea is the same.” “Yes,” says Dorthea, I was born and raised in a small settlement with just three houses – a place with very few people and a lot of stunning nature.”

Met with immediate support and enthusiasm from their fellow Greenlanders, the two quickly expanded. Inuit Quality Clothes now presents a wide collection of in- and outdoor wear sold in 15 shops across Greenland, five shops I Denmark, and one in Canada.

Dorthea Rødgaard and Hanne Kristiansen, founders of Inuit Quality Clothes of Greenland.

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