Friends since elementary school, when Mikayla and Naomi discovered a shared desire for better style, inclusivity and sustainability in the world of outdoor apparel, they made the big decision to leave their jobs—Mikayla a National Geographic explorer, Naomi a fashion marketer— and start Alder Apparel. Alder launched during the pandemic; a time when the need to get outside was more acute than ever, but also a time when comfy and casual were the main criteria for clothing.