Baltimore-based 180s introduced the original behind-the-head ear warmers in 1995. Since this initial and highly successful innovation, the company branched into gloves, eyegear and apparel for the active lifestyle. 180s mission is to find a new approach in developing smart, stylish products that are equally at home in the mountains or on the city streets. With nearly 80 patents and patents pending, 180s products are technical, fashionable and far from ordinary. In other words, very 180s.
1873 - 15-year-old Chester Greenwood wasnt thinking about hat head, fashion or style when he invented the earmuff in 1873. He just wanted to keep his ears warm so he could ice skate in the cold winter weather of Farmington, Maine. He crafted the first model from baling wire, padded with black velvet on the inside and beaver fur on the outside. For the next 100 years, ear muffs were the standard until 180s started a revolution
1993 - The first pair of behind-the-head ear warmers was designed, developed and prototyped as part of a Wharton Business School assignment.
1994 - 180s sold its first non-folding version of the ear warmer.
1995 - The 180s revolution started. 5000 adjustable, behind-the-head ear warmers were sold on the 1st appearance of QVC in 8 minutes, with 2000 customers still on hold. QVC proclaimed the product a tremendous success.
1997 - 180s invests in design and development of its first winter accessories line.
2000 - Revenues double. Distribution was established in Canada and Europe.
2001 - 180s grows by 750%.
2002 - Named one of Americas Most Innovative Companies by Inc. Magazine in 2002, 180s continued to redefine the accessories world with the introduction of two new patented technologies: the Exhale Heating System, which allows users to inject a warm blast of air into their gloves, and the Pivot Guard System, which lets the arms on 180s sunglasses swing forward to protect lenses and store more compactly.
2003 - 180s was ranked #9 on the 500 list of the Fastest Growing Private Companies in America by Inc. Magazine, with growth rate of 9,249% over previous five years.
2004 - 180s founded Team 180s, a team of amateur athletes, to provide a testing platform for new technologies and products.
180s further redefined winter accessories with the introduction of the patented ExoLite ear warmer and the Convertible Running Glove (CRG). The sleek ExoLite is ultra-lightweight and ultra-thin, weighing less than an ounce and collapsing to less than 2 cm in thickness. The Convertible Running glove features an on demand waterproof and windproof stowable hood that can be snapped over the fingers for additional protection.
2005 - 180s takes active outerwear and apparel to a new level with the introduction of the patented Quantum Vent Jacket (QVJ) and Catalyst shirt. Featuring a retractable vent, the QVJ lets wearers avoid the nuisance of layering up for a run. The Catalyst shirt features X-Static anti-microbial silver lining for no stink performance.
2006 - 180s was awarded a contract to product the Combat Desert Jacket (CDJ) for the US Marine Corps. The CDJ is a lightweight, high-performance jacket designed to protect against the elements while regulating core body temperature.
2007 - 180s enters the base layer market with its Zoned collection, specifically designed to regulate core body temperature and keep wearers performing at their peak.
2008 - The 180s revolution continues
For more information on the brand and our fine family of products please visit the web at www.180s.com or contact Mike May at Stanwood & Partners Public Relations, mmay@wyoming.com or (307) 733-1514.
That's why for over 10 years, 180s has been redefining how you can stay comfortable and protected in the worst of conditions. Not just for when you have to be out there, but when you want to be.
Through intensive R&D, we know a lot about your body. We've studied how it responds in the cold. And in the heat. And we've developed our products to react to your body as it reacts to its environment.
The end result is products that help control body temperature so you can get out and do more. No matter what.
180s. Always Out There.
