14 October 2026International edition
Vol. I · No.
14 October 2026
AI in Fashion
DAILY
The daily briefing on AI in the fashion business
Where fashion meets artificial intelligence.
Sportswear and outdoor

Kari Traa

Norway

Kari Traa is a Norwegian women's sportswear brand founded in 2002 by Olympic mogul skier Kari Traa. It makes base layers, ski gear, hiking and training clothing designed by women for women.

Facts
Founded2002
FounderKari Traa
OriginNorway
FocusWomen's sports and outdoor clothing
Websitekaritraa.com
Segment
Premium
Categories
SportswearOutdoorWomenswearAccessories
Sales channels
E-commerceWholesale

What is Kari Traa?

Kari Traa is a women's sports and outdoor clothing brand described as born in the Norwegian mountains. It is named after its founder, a three-time Olympic medallist in freestyle mogul skiing from the village of Voss.

History

Kari Traa started the company in 2002, selling sports clothes, the same year she became Olympic champion. The brand later won awards for its collection launches and describes itself as Europe's fastest-growing women's sports brand.

Products and positioning

The brand's philosophy is that the best products are made when women design for women. Its range includes:

  • Base layers and thermals, with a featured merino wool line
  • Hiking and training clothing
  • Ski gear, midlayers, tights and vests
  • Accessories, plus kids and junior lines

Distribution

Kari Traa sells through its own online store, which includes a membership programme, and through physical retailers listed on its website. The site's copyright is held by Active Brands.

Why it matters

Kari Traa was an early mover in technical sportswear designed specifically for women, showing how a founder's athletic credibility can anchor a focused brand in a market long dominated by unisex and men's products.

Frequently asked questions

Who founded Kari Traa?

The brand was founded in 2002 by Kari Traa, a Norwegian Olympic champion mogul skier.

What does Kari Traa sell?

It sells women's base layers, merino wool garments, ski, hiking and training clothing and accessories.

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