Kari Traa is not only a Rockstar athlete with three Olympic medals behind her, but also the founder of Europe’s fastest growing women’s sportswear brand.
The story of Kari starts in the mountainous village of Voss. Here, like any Norwegian woman, she was born with skis on her feet. Kari, however, distinguished herself with her overpowering talent for particularly bumpy trails. This talent would lead her to become an Olympic champion mogul skier in 2002.
Revolutionary wool base layers for women
ICON PATTERN: Wherever you go in the mountains today, you’ll find girls wearing the iconic Rose wool base layer that Kari designed based on the tapestry that still hangs at her family cabin in Voss.
What started as a small selection of colorful garments soon grew into a complete sports collection of jackets, ski and exercise clothing. But most of all, Kari Traa became known for what would revolutionize the base layer category, namely Rose wool underwear. From being something girls whould hide under their ski coats, the Kari Traa baselayers soon became something which they would happily show off at apre-ski.
It was on the Traa family’s own farm in Voss that Kari found the inspiration for what has become the best-selling woolen long underwear. Kari used the pattern on the tapestry, which still hangs in the living room, and modernized it with new colors.
Kari and the design team used the wall tapestry pattern, spiced it up with nice colors and sewed it according to the female body, with a side cut and space for the bust. Photo by Kari Traa.
Kari Traa’s design-team continues to be inspired by Kari’s childhood memories, Norwegian traditions, the harsh conditions of the West and the raw Norwegian nature. Women remain the focus in everything from technical execution to design. For Kari, there is no contradiction between style and performance. The goal is for all women, regardless of body type and preferences, to feel good and look good.
Here’s few of my favorite pieces from Kari Traa’s fall 2022 collection:
Rose Half Zip Baselayer Top – 100% Merino Wool
The Kari Traa Rose Half-Zip in Murk Green. Photo by Kari Traa.
The Kari Traa Rose Half-Zip is a 100% Merino wool women’s baselayer top with a classy, feminine, Nordic-inspired floral design and a slim, sporty silhouette. Combining ethically sourced wool and 4-way stretch, it gives you ooh-factor next-to-skin comfort, natural odor-resistance and breathability. Feeling the heat after giving it everything you’ve got? Then zip the high collar all the way down to vent. A must-have. OEKO-TEX® 100 certification means that the main fabric poses no harm to human health.
Available in 8 colorways, including Murk Green (shown above), Dream Pink, Taupe Dusty Pink, Royal Blue, Sail Blue, Syrup, Black and Apple.
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Rothe Windbreaker
The Kari Traa Røthe Windbreaker in Pine Dark Green. Photo by Kari Traa.
The Kari Traa Røthe Windbreaker is a women’s jacket with a relaxed silhouette and a mix of fabrics that that give it a cool patchwork look. Designed to stop gusts, it uses wind-resistant material where you feel the cold most, while cuddly pile keeps it cozy. When you crank up the intensity and feel the heat, just adjust the collar or hem, or take down the full front zip to vent. If the temperature drops, dig chilly fingers into the hand-warming pockets. OEKO-TEX® 100 certification ensures the main/contrast/lining fabric poses no harm to human health.
Available in 3 colorways, including Pine Dark Green (shown above), Royal Blue and Sage Green.
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Voss Parka
The Kari Traa Voss Parka. Photo by Kari Traa.
The Kari Traa Voss Parka is a casual, cold-stopping, water-repellent, breathable women’s jacket with a uniquely feminine take on a long winter wear. The super-cozy insulation is quilted in cool lines that add style to the subtle look. It has a long cut, magnetic closures and adjustable hood to keep out the elements. Sealed seams on critical areas keep you dry, while the dropped, fashionably split back hem gives you extra coverage where you need it. It is made using recycled materials, while bluesign® and OEKO-TEX® 100 certification mean that the main/lining fabric is sustainably produced and poses no harm to human health.
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Iselin Jacket
Photo by Kari Traa.
The Kari Traa Iselin Jacket is a full-zip women’s outdoor jacket with a water-repellent treatment, mesh ventilation for extra breathability and edge binding seams for a clean finish. Made using recycled materials, it has a dropped back hem that gives you extra coverage and side pockets to stash all your stuff. An adjustable hood and elastic sleeves keep out the elements. And it’s not just functional: it rocks a feminine cut and solid colors that you can mix and match with other KT gear. OEKO-TEX® 100 certification ensures the main fabric and mesh/lining fabric pose no harm to human health.
Available in 2 colorways, including Cotta (shown above) and Royal Blue.
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Rothe Fleece Hoodie
The Kari Traa Røthe Fleece Hoodie in Rpine. Photo by Kari Traa.
The Kari Traa Røthe Fleece Hoodie is an insulated, hooded women’s pullover that’s big on warmth and comfort. It’s made for relaxing and made from cozy, teddy fleece that you’ll love snuggling up in. Stick your hands in the big kangaroo pockets! The drawstring hood and half-zip opening on the front give you extra coverage. Two side zips make taking it on and off easy, and the hood’s nice and big, so it won’t mess your hair! OEKO-TEX® 100 certification means that the main fabric poses no harm to human health.
Available in 5 colorways, including Rpine (shown above), Recycled Royal Blue, Recycled Warm Grey, Nwhite, and Hazel.
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Louise 2.0 Tights
The Kari Traa Louise 2.0 Tights. Photo by Kari Traa.
The Kari Traa Louise 2.0 Tights are a pair of full-length, slim-fit women’s leggings that are made for training. Built using recycled materials, the 4-way stretch lets you move the way you want. Mesh sections helps you vent, while the quick-drying material wicks moisture away when you turn up the heat. Flattering ergonomic lines add to the classic, athletic look and there’s an ankle zip so you can get in and out of them in a flash. OEKO-TEX® 100 certification means that the main/contrast fabric poses no harm to human health.
Available in 3 colorways, including Murk Green, Black and Royal Blue.
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Dina Fleece
The Kari Traa Dina Fleece. Photo by Kari Traa.
The Kari Traa Dina Fleece is a sporty, modern women’s baselayer with an eye-catching floral pattern for taking on winter in feminine style. Flatlock seams cut out chafing when you turn up the intensity. You can take the full-zip up all the way to your chin to stay snuggly warm when out on cold, winter adventures or take it down when you need to breathe. OEKO-TEX® 100 certification means that none of the fabrics pose any harm to human health.
Available in 5 colorways, including Royal Blue (shown above), Murk Green, Dgrey, Sage Green, and Taupe Dusty Pink.
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Benedicte Ski Jacket
The Kari Traa Benedicte Ski Jacket. Photo by Kari Traa.
The Kari Traa Benedicte Ski Jacket is an insulated, water-repellent, breathable women’s winter sports jacket with classic lines and plenty of pockets to stash your stuff. The high collar, adjustable padded hood and removable snow skirt keep icy winds from sneaking in. The material has a water-repellent treatment so that you can stay dry on even the most powdery slopes. Made for movers, it has a fitted cut and articulated sleeves. OEKO-TEX® 100 certification means that the main/contrast fabric poses no harm to human health, while bluesign® certification means that the main/contrast/lining fabric is sustainable.
Available in 3 colorways, including Black, Bright White and Fuscia Pink (shown above).
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Rose Light Baselayer Half Zip
The Kari Traa Rose Light Half-Zip. Photo by Kari Traa.
The Kari Traa Rose Light Half-Zip is a women’s pullover with raglan sleeves, flatlock seams and underarm panels that makes layering a breeze. When you rock it on its own, the turtleneck and chin guard stop wind sneaking in, while the ethically sourced Merino wool keeps you comfy and warm on backcountry trails. The easy-to-match colors and Jacquard-knit, Scandi-inspired snow crystal motif add an element of fun. OEKO-TEX® 100 certification means that no fabrics pose any harm to human health.
Available in 4 colorways, including Taupe Dusty Pink (shown above), Pine Dark Green, Royal Blue and Warm Grey.
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Rose Light Baselayer Capri Pants
The Kari Traa Rose Light Capri. Photo by Kari Traa.
The Kari Traa Rose Light Capri is a high-waisted slim fit women’s cropped length legging in a Jacquard-knit Scandi-inspired pattern. It’s perfect for getting outdoors and keeps you warm when temps start to drop. Its soft waistband, flatlock seams and ergonomic lines won’t hold you back, no matter how hard you play. The ethically sourced wool fibers give you next-to-skin coziness. OEKO-TEX® 100 certification means that no fabrics pose any harm to human health.
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Smekker Half Zip Baselayer – 100% Merino Wool
The Kari Traa Smekker Half-Zip. Photo by Kari Traa.
The Kari Traa Smekker Half-Zip is a lightweight, 100% Merino wool women’s baselayer top. Naturally breathable and odor-resistant, the ethically sourced wool keeps you warm whether it’s wet or dry and feels great against your skin. Flatlock seams turn up the comfort level when you turn up the heat. And if things get too hot, you can zip down the high collar. Panels of Jacquard-knit patterns in different intensities create flattering lines. OEKO-TEX® 100 certification means that the main fabric poses no harm to human health.
Available in 6 colorways, including Taupe Dusty Pink, Cotta (shown above), Pine Dark Green, Marin Blue, Black and Ocean.
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Smekker Baselayer Pants – 100% Merino Wool
The Kari Traa Smekker Pant in Black, Marin Blue and Fancy. Photo by Kari Traa.
The Kari Traa Smekker Pant is a pair of lightweight women’s baselayer leggings in 100% Merino wool. Naturally breathable and odor-resistant, the ethically sourced wool keeps you warm whether it’s wet or dry and feels great against your skin. Flatlock seams cut out chafing when the intensity rises. Panels of Jacquard-knit patterns in different intensities give it a great look, while the waistband provides a nice contrast detail. OEKO-TEX® 100 certification means that the main fabric poses no harm to human health.
Available in 6 colorways, including Taupe Dusty Pink, Cotta, Fancy, Pine Dark Green, Marin Blue, Black and Ocean.
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Voss Anorak
Photo by Kari Traa.
The Kari Traa Voss Anorak is a half-zip women’s outdoor jacket with a water-repellent treatment and strategic mesh ventilation for extra breathability. Made using recycled materials, it has an adjustable waist and underarm panels for turning up the comfort, while a side zip lets you slip it on and off easily on your adventures. OEKO-TEX® 100 certification ensures the main/contrast fabric and mesh lining pose no harm to human health.
Available in 2 colorways, including Murk Green (shown above) and Sail Blue.
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Sanne Pants
The Kari Traa Sanne Pant. Photo by Kari Traa.
The Kari Traa Sanne Pant is a pair of lightweight women’s outdoor pants in a classic two-tone look. The custom-fit waist, articulated knees and stretch fabric mapping keep you comfy and let you move how you want. The quick-drying fabric rocks a water-repellent treatment for taking on ugly weather and zip pockets give you space to stash your stuff. There’s also a vent zip for cooling off and an ankle zip for extra-easy on/off. OEKO-TEX® 100 certification ensures no fabrics pose any harm to human health.
Available in 5 colorways, including Guava (shown above), Murk Green, Sai, Palm, and Dove Grey.
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Henni Hybrid
Photo by Kari Traa.
The Kari Traa Henni Hybrid is a regular-fit women’s jacket that’s ready for anything the backcountry can throw at you. Use it as an outer jacket or layer up for extra warmth. The hood, high collar and insulation keep out the mountain cold, while the robust design and durable water-repellent finish will have it lasting as long as the mountain itself. Built with sustainability in mind, it uses traceable and recycled materials, for an extra feel-good factor. The OEKO-TEX® 100-certifcation means that the main/lining/contrast fabrics pose no harm to human health.
Available in 2 colorways, including Sage Green (shown above) and Taupe Dusty Pink.
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Berthe Midlayer Half Zip
Photo by Kari Traa.
The Kari Traa Berthe Midlayer Half-Zip is a super-soft longsleeve women’s pullover with a feminine pro-sport look. The high collar and dropped back hem keep the cold out, while the secure pocket at the front means you can keep all the essentials with you while you rock your workout. Solid colors make it great for mix-and-matching and inside, the fabric is brushed to feel fabulously soft against your skin. OEKO-TEX® 100 certification means that none of the fabrics pose any harm to human health.
Available in 3 colorways, including Murk Green (shown above), Royal Blue, and Taupe Dusty Pink.
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Featured Video: 100 % Merino Wool Baselayer Rose
Kari Traa’s best selling baselayer Rose, has become an icon for the Scandinavian winter.
About Kari Traa
Kari Traa – A champion freestyle skier with three Olympic medals to her and the creator of a successful sportswear brand. Kari’s story begins in Voss, the small town caught between the Norwegian fjords and mountains, where she was born and raised. Her Norwegian heritage has not only given Kari a talent for sport but also an eye for design and a passion for creativity.
Fond childhood memories, the rugged Norwegian nature and a strong sense of Scandinavian traditions are the sources of inspiration for Kari Traa’s designs. Sportswear designed to perfectly fit the feminine form but still able to cope with the demands of an active, sporty and adventurous lifestyle. For nuns and knockouts!
