Collection: KAVU

The KAVU Brand Story

Summing Up Kavu

Kavu (Klean Above Visibility Unlimited) was born from a desire to create gear that stays put during high-output activity. While the brand’s origins are tied to the legendary Strapcap, their expansion into full-range apparel has solidified their position as a leader in "True Outdoor Wear." At Urban Industry, we have stocked Kavu for several years, drawn to their unique ability to blend technical performance with a vibrant, Pacific Northwest aesthetic. In an exclusive Kavu Interview, founder Barry Barr highlighted the brand's "Busy Livin’" philosophy, which is evident in every garment from their rugged canvas workwear to their high-pile fleeces. For the Urban Industry customer, Kavu represents a perfect balance of Heritage durability and modern Gorpcore style, designed to transition seamlessly from coastal trails to city streets.

How Does Kavu Stack Up

• High-Spec Pile Fleece: The Teannaway and Kelowna silhouettes utilise premium 100% polyester bonded fleece (often 7.5oz to 15oz weights). These fabrics are engineered for thermal retention while maintaining high breathability and a quick-dry vapour transfer rate.

• Specialised Canvas & Ripstop: Kavu employs heavy duty 6oz to 10oz cotton canvas and reinforced Ripstop fabrics in their trousers and shorts. These textiles feature high-density weaves that offer superior abrasion resistance against rock and grit.

• Bartack Reinforcement: Key stress points on garments like the Chilli Lite Shorts are finished with industrial-grade bartack stitching. This ensures the seams can withstand the mechanical strain of climbing and hiking without failing.

• Ergonomic Patterning: Many Kavu shirts and jackets feature gusseted underarms and articulated seams, providing a full range of motion that prevents the garment from riding up when reaching or scrambling.

The Urban Industry Take on Kavu

Our focus at Urban Industry has shifted heavily toward Kavu’s clothing range, particularly their iconic fleeces and shirts which are perfectly suited for the unpredictable UK climate. The Teannaway fleece, with its reinforced elbow overlays and snap-neck collar, is a staff favourite for its versatility as both a standalone outer layer and a mid-layer under a waterproof shell.

Sizing Guidance: Kavu clothing is designed with an "active-casual" silhouette, meaning it is often cut slightly wider in the shoulders and chest to allow for movement. For a standard streetwear look, we recommend taking your usual size. However, if you are looking for a more streamlined, technical fit—particularly with their Jackets—you may wish to size down. Always consider that their heavy-weight cotton shirts may experience minimal shrinkage after the first wash, so factor this into your choice.

Our Kavu FAQ

Are Kavu fleeces suitable for winter hiking? Yes, Kavu fleeces like the Teannaway are excellent thermal layers. While they are not windproof, their high-pile construction traps a significant amount of heat. We recommend pairing them with a technical base layer for maximum moisture-wicking performance.

What makes Kavu shorts different from standard cargo shorts? Kavu shorts, such as the Chilli Lite, feature a signature half-moon pocket design and built-in webbing belts. They are constructed from rugged cotton canvas specifically chosen for its ability to soften with age while remaining nearly impossible to tear on rugged terrain.

Does Kavu use organic materials? Kavu is increasingly incorporating sustainable practices, including the use of organically grown cotton and recycled polyester in their newer seasonal collections to reduce their environmental footprint.

Why buy Kavu from Urban Industry

Urban Industry is a leading independent retailer based in Eastbourne, East Sussex. Since 2002, we have curated a selection of the world’s best outdoor and streetwear brands, ensuring our customers receive only the highest quality gear. Our longevity in the market is backed by thousands of five-star reviews on Trustpilot, Google, and Judge.me, reflecting our commitment to premium customer service. We don’t just sell products; we test them in our local environment. By choosing us, you benefit from our deep product knowledge, a carefully curated collection, and Fast Shipping from our UK warehouse to outdoor enthusiasts worldwide.

Feel free to get in touch if you have about any of our products, whether it’s sizing, materials or another matter — we’ll help as much as we can.