THE INSPIRATION BEHIND THE CURTIS TOP

The Curtis Top is named after a family friend from Norway who fished with my mother and father in southeast Alaska in the 1970s. Curtis stopped by our land a few years back and walked into my cabin wearing a traditional canvas fisherman’s top. I was instantly inspired. We had been working on a canvas top six months prior but were looking for a few ways to distinguish it. Our favorite detail from Curtis's top was a hidden inside pocket on the chest that is traditionally used to prevent a fisherman's smallest belongings from falling overboard.

The Curtis Top embodies an era that has come and gone. It was borne out of nostalgia for the past, for a time that fostered a slower pace of life; doing, building, and creating with your hands; and grand adventures. As a kid, I spent many meals listening intently to my parents and their friends reminisce about chasing fish in Alaska, hitchhiking through Mexico, and adventures in the high country of the Cascades. These stories captivated me.

The Curtis Top is a timeless piece- one that harkens back to those slower, freer times. It carries forward all of the practical features of the classic fisherman's shirt, but we've added a bit of modern styling and detail based on years of refining our design and with an eye towards function, durability, and comfort. We added large side-angled patch pockets to keep hands warm. A roomy cut allows for layering over a sweater. The five custom buttons on the front placket are made from recycled food waste. And, of course, it's made with our U.S grown and milled organic cotton twill.

We are super excited to share this new design with you! We hope you love it as much as we do. And we hope it's the perfect companion for all your adventures ahead!

- Lissa Snapp

 

Photos of Curtis and sailing boats from Jeremey Snapp’s (Lissa’s Father) personal photo collection from the 1970’s.

Ship Supply designs clothing intended to last, and take care of our mother earth through sustainable industry practices.