KÜHL Review [2024]: Should you spend your money here?

If your idea of travel and adventure is hiking and exploring the great outdoors, you may have found yourself struggling to find the appropriate outerwear.

With lots of brands out there offering an endless array of performance clothing, it's not easy to find the right clothes that fit you great and are in line with your values. 

You may have already heard about KÜHL and their sustainably-made clothes and ethical approach to production. After reviewing other activewear and athleisure brands such as Anatomie, Outdoor Voices, and prAna, I thought it was important to put KÜHL into the running.

In my KÜHL clothing review, I'll give you the details about the company that I've found out and give you a better idea of its bestsellers.

If you're on the fence about buying KÜHL clothes or are exploring new activewear brands, I'll help you figure out whether this is the right brand for you.

What Is KÜHL?

Reading the name, you may be led to believe this is a German company, and understandably so. The name is actually German, and it means, unsurprisingly enough, "cool". However, KÜHL is actually 100% American.

Despite being on the market for over 40 years, KÜHL chose to remain independently owned and is now one of the largest private outdoor clothing companies.

The choice of staying independent has allowed KÜHL to focus entirely on its customers and on delivering high-quality products. 

High quality is not the only focus for KÜHL. The company has made conscious choices to ensure its products are ethically made. Employees receive adequate compensation and benefits, and all raw materials are sourced responsibly. 

Finally, KÜHL commits to avoiding overproduction in an effort to not only save resources and capital but also protect the environment from unnecessary waste. By doing so, they focus on quality at prices that are fair both to their workers and consumers.

Main Features of KÜHL Products

KÜHL focuses on creating performance clothing, from technical outdoor clothes to workwear. Each item is thought to be lightweight, practical, and comfortable while having a casual look.

As the company puts it, KÜHL is "the art of performance and casual style." Their motto, Born in the Mountains™, represents the company perfectly.

You can shop for everything from technical t-shirts, pants, and shorts to jackets, bags, and hats. Whether you plan on climbing high mountains, going for walks in the woods, or sailing, KÜHL will provide you with the most appropriate clothes. 

KÜHL has its headquarters and distribution center in Salt Lake City, Utah. The products are made in the USA as well as internationally. The materials the company uses are sourced sustainably from different countries.

Where Can I Buy KÜHL Clothing?

You can shop for KÜHL products online on the official website. If you're one of those people who has to try on clothes before buying, check out the KÜHL stores in Seattle, San Francisco, or Park City. 

Furthermore, you can buy the products in one of the hundreds of authorized retailers in the US and Canada. Just head over to the website and check their store locator to find the closest one to you. 

Are you already hiking in the Alps or backpacking through Southeast Asia? Worry not! KÜHL ships internationally, so you can order your activewear from almost anywhere in the world.

What Are People Saying About KÜHL?

In short, people love KÜHL! It only takes a few minutes of browsing through KÜHL's website to see that most products have 5-star reviews.

While people may rate some items higher than others, the brand has a reputation for delivering what they promise. 

People who have bought KÜHL clothing love the lightweight material and the fit. They also praise their durability and that most items are very versatile. 

Also, who said that outdoor clothing has to be boring?

KÜHL gets five stars for the casual look of their bestsellers that make you look good even when you're awkwardly struggling to get to the top of a mountain. 

KÜHL Women Bestsellers

Before you rush to the website to browse KÜHL's great variety of clothing, check out some of their bestsellers below. 

‍FREEFLEX™ ROLL-UP Pant

If you're searching for a pair of versatile long pants, look no further than the FREEFLEX™ ROLL-UP. The pants are available in 5 different colors, all easy to match with your favorite t-shirts. 

Made from a soft and stretchy blend of polyester (50%) and new polyester (50%), these pants also offer UPF 50+ sun protection. Wear them long or roll them up for warmer weather or on your boat trips.

The classic and simple design makes them easy to wear on virtually any occasion, except maybe for a cocktail party.  

CABO™ SHORT

For warmer summer days, try the CABO™ shorts, made from a soft and just slightly stretchy material. The lightweight fabric is a mix of cotton, polyester, and linen and provides good sun protection.

You can buy these shorts in four different nuances of light grey, perfect in combination with either light or dark-colored tops.

KÜHL ENGINEERED™ Hoody

For outdoor workouts, chilly morning hikes, or late evenings, the KÜHL ENGINEERED™ hoody is soft and stretchy but with breathable, open-knit panels to keep you dry. 

The hoody dries quickly and is lightweight, so you can pack it in your bag and take it on all your outdoor adventures. Choose between 4 different colors. 

KÜHL Men Bestsellers

Here are a few bestsellers from the men's collection.

VALIANT™ Short Sleeve Shirt

If you need a short sleeve shirt you can wear anywhere, the VALIANT™ is a great choice. Made with a blend of 53% polyester and 47% merino wool, the t-shirt is soft and incredibly lightweight. The odor-resistant fabric (INVIZIWÜL™) offers UPF 15 sun protection while keeping you dry. 

The Lake Blue color is very popular and looks great, but you also have five other colors to choose from, including a timeless black and a versatile carbon. 

RENEGADE™ Short

Made with KÜHL's trademark fabric DURALUX™ (95% nylon and 5% spandex), these shorts are naturally stretchy, lightweight, and breathable. The shorts also offer high sun protection (UPF 50+) and have a water-repellent finish. 

The RENEGADE™ shorts also come with eight pockets, so you can safely store anything you need to have within reach. With eight colors to choose from, you're guaranteed to find your favorite. 

RADIKL® Pants

Are you looking for a pair of pants that is comfortable, lightweight, and has lots of storage options?

The RADIKL® Pants are made with KÜHL's ENDURO™ fabric, a combination of 68% cotton, 29% nylon, and 3% spandex. They also come with seven handy pockets to keep all your stuff.

The pants provide high sun protection and are anti-abrasion, which makes them great for your hikes and other outdoor adventures. You can choose between a classic and a tapered fit, both coming in a variety of colors.

Is KÜHL Clothes Worth It?

The bottom line is that if you are willing to invest a little extra and buy some high-quality activewear, you should choose KÜHL. They offer a vast assortment of pants, shirts, hoodies, jackets, and anything you may need for your adventures in nature. 

By choosing KÜHL Clothing, you are supporting an independent company that creates good quality products ethically and sustainably. By choosing fewer and better items, you can also contribute to creating less waste. It's a win-win!

Our Rating: 4.3/5

Pros

• High-quality materials  
• Lightweight, quick-dry fabric
• Soft and comfortable
• Ethically and sustainably made
• Great fit on most items

Cons

• Some items have a high price point
• Some items don't fit true to size

Plan Your Next Outdoor Adventure With Pilot!

Now that you know all about KÜHL clothing, it's time to start planning your next adventure with Pilot in the great outdoors!