Columbia Sportswear Will Release PDX Carpet Fleece
The limited-edition fleece debuts online for rewards members on October 14, with public sales starting October 15.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Air Travel
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Portlanders can soon wear a piece of airport history as Columbia Sportswear releases a new fleece featuring the iconic 1988 Portland International Airport carpet pattern. The launch coincides with the 35th anniversary of the company's Helvetia fleece style.
Why it matters
The release celebrates a nostalgic local landmark that was removed from the airport in 2015 but recently returned to designated areas in 2024. For local fans, the piece honors the enduring cultural legacy of the geometric design within the city.
The fleece retails for $100 and celebrates the 35-year history of the Helvetia style, first introduced by the Portland-based company in 1991. While the design is set to be available online, specific inventory limits remain unknown.
The players
Columbia Sportswear
A long-standing Portland-based apparel company founded in 1938.
Port of Portland
The agency that operates Portland International Airport and oversees the terminal flooring design.
The details
The fleece features the geometric wool carpet pattern that originally graced Portland International Airport floors starting in 1988. Columbia Sportswear, which maintains its headquarters in the region, is also opening a new storefront at the airport. Public access to purchase the items begins at 7 a.m. on October 15, following an early window for rewards members.
Timeline
October 14 at 7 a.m. for Columbia Greater Rewards members.
October 15 at 7 a.m. for the general public and in-store launch.
Beyond the Bridges
The release follows the Port of Portland's 2024 decision to bring the iconic geometric carpet design back to the terminal floors. This launch serves as a modern revival of the aesthetic that became a local touchstone before the 2015 removal of the original flooring.
Local shoppers can visit the new storefront at the airport or shop online starting October 15 to secure the limited-edition gear. Rewards members gain a head start on the sale on October 14.
The takeaway
If you are looking to commemorate the airport carpet aesthetic, log into your Columbia Greater Rewards account before the October 14 window. Monitor the company's website to see if the limited run remains in stock for the general public sale on October 15.
Further reading
For more on the recent updates at our local transit hub, visit Air Travel.
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Do you support businesses using local cultural icons for new product designs?
