What is Outdoor Voices?

Outdoor Voices is an activewear brand that revolutionized the fitness fashion industry with its philosophy of "Doing Things" - promoting recreational activity and everyday movement rather than intense, high-performance workouts. Founded in 2013 by Tyler Haney, the brand quickly gained a cult following for its approachable take on athletic wear, particularly their iconic Exercise Dress.

The brand's journey has been marked by both triumph and turbulence. After experiencing rapid growth and reaching a valuation of $110 million, Outdoor Voices faced significant challenges that led to the closure of all physical stores in March 2025. However, the brand found new life when it was acquired by Consortium Brand Partners in June 2025, ensuring its continuation in the competitive activewear market.

The Outdoor Voices Story: From Startup to Acquisition

The Early Days (2013-2020)

Tyler Haney founded Outdoor Voices with a simple yet revolutionary concept: make activewear that encourages people to be active without the pressure of extreme fitness culture. The brand's "Doing Things" philosophy resonated with consumers who wanted stylish, comfortable clothing for walking, light workouts, and everyday activities.

The Exercise Dress became the brand's breakout product, offering a versatile piece that could transition from workout to casual wear. This innovation helped establish Outdoor Voices as a direct-to-consumer darling, attracting investment from notable firms including GV (Google Ventures) and General Catalyst.

Challenges and Changes (2020-2025)

Despite early success, Outdoor Voices faced mounting challenges. Tyler Haney stepped down as CEO in 2020 amid reported conflicts with investors and operational difficulties. The brand struggled with profitability, cash flow issues, and increased competition in the saturated athleisure market.

The situation reached a critical point in March 2025 when Outdoor Voices closed all 13 physical stores and laid off most of its workforce. The brand appeared headed for bankruptcy before being rescued by Consortium Brand Partners, a company known for revitalizing struggling consumer brands.

The Acquisition and Revival (2025-Present)

Consortium Brand Partners, which also owns Reese Witherspoon's Draper James brand, acquired Outdoor Voices in June 2025. The acquisition brought new leadership and a strategic plan focused on digital-first operations, product development, and potential future retail expansion.

Under new ownership, Outdoor Voices has maintained its core product offerings while streamlining operations. The brand continues to operate primarily through its website, with plans for potential store openings in 2025 and expansion into new product categories.

Outdoor Voices Product Range

Women's Collection

The Exercise Dress - $100

The Exercise Dress remains Outdoor Voices' flagship product and for good reason. Made from their LightSpeed fabric, this versatile piece features built-in shorts and a flattering silhouette that works for everything from yoga classes to casual outings. Available in six colors, it's designed to be both functional and fashionable.

Leggings - $98

Outdoor Voices offers leggings in their signature CoolForm fabric, featuring a 7/8 length and mid-rise fit. The TechSweat technology provides moisture-wicking properties and a secure fit for higher-intensity activities. Currently available in two colors: Black and Dark Olive.

Other Dresses - $108-$110

Beyond the Exercise Dress, Outdoor Voices offers several other dress options including the Volley Dress ($108), Warmup Dress ($108), and Outdoor Dress ($110). Each serves different purposes, from tennis-specific designs to more casual outdoor activities.

Men's Collection

Outdoor Voices offers a more limited but focused men's collection including shorts, tops, pants, and sweatshirts. The men's line follows the same philosophy of recreational fitness wear with technical fabrics and versatile designs.

Pricing Analysis

Outdoor Voices positions itself in the premium activewear segment, with prices comparable to brands like Lululemon and Athleta. The brand offers free shipping on orders over $100, which aligns with their typical item prices and encourages larger purchases.

Quality and Materials

Fabric Technologies

LightSpeed Fabric

Used in the Exercise Dress and other lightweight pieces, LightSpeed fabric is designed for comfort and versatility. It offers moisture-wicking properties while maintaining a soft, comfortable feel suitable for both exercise and casual wear.

TechSweat Technology

Featured in their leggings, TechSweat provides an extra-secure fit with cool-to-the-touch properties. This fabric is engineered for higher-intensity activities while maintaining flexibility and comfort.

Pros and Cons

Final Verdict

Outdoor Voices has successfully navigated a challenging period and emerged with a renewed focus on what made them special in the first place. The brand's commitment to making fitness accessible and enjoyable, combined with their quality products and distinctive aesthetic, continues to resonate with customers.

While the premium pricing may not suit everyone, those who value versatile, well-made activewear that transitions seamlessly from workout to everyday wear will find Outdoor Voices offers excellent value. The Exercise Dress remains a standout product that exemplifies the brand's philosophy and quality standards.

Under new ownership, Outdoor Voices appears positioned for growth while maintaining the core values that attracted their loyal customer base. For those seeking activewear that celebrates recreational fitness and everyday movement, Outdoor Voices represents a compelling choice in the competitive athleisure market.