John kirsch sportif mens shorts

In true entrepreneurial style, Kirsch sold tennis shorts from the back of the family's station wagon, gradually building a reputation for quality and comfort.

As this reputation grew, so did the market for high-quality outdoor clothing.

Tennis shorts led to hiking, which led to fishing and nautical apparel… and so the Sportif brand took shape. By 1968, Sportif had developed the first stretch fabric in the outdoor/boating industry, and its Original 6-Pocket Stretch Shorts were becoming a staple for outdoorsmen nationwide.

In the early 70’s, John moved with his wife and children to the beautiful Sierra Nevada, where his blossoming manufacturing business took root.

For the next two decades, Sportif would continue to be an innovator in the outdoor clothing industry, as one of the first companies to utilize Gore-Tex and sun-protective fabrics.