A few years ago, most people only thought about ticks when heading deep into the woods. Now? Well it's part of everyday conversation.
Gardeners are thinking about them. Parents are thinking about them. Campers, dog walkers, horseback riders, fishermen, and people mowing the yard are thinking about them too. We are seeing them too...ick!
And as awareness grows, people are starting to rethink what they wear outside. Not because they want to spend spring and summer covered head-to-toe in heavy layers. Quite the opposite! Most people just want simple, comfortable ways to feel a little more prepared without overheating or overcomplicating life.
That shift is exactly what we’ve been thinking about too.
The Reality Is Somewhere In The Middle
When it comes to ticks, most people tend to swing between two extremes:
- Ignoring them completely
- Feeling like they need a hazmat suit to walk outside
Reality usually lives somewhere in the middle. Ticks are a real part of outdoor life in many regions now. Awareness matters. Daily habits matter. But practical protection matters too.
That does not mean fear. It just means we are being thoughtful about it.
Why More People Are Layering Protection
One thing we hear often from customers is “I want to be outside comfortably without constantly worrying.”
That mindset has led more people toward layered approaches like:
- Lightweight protective clothing
- Tick checks after outdoor time
- Barrier-based products
- Focusing on high-contact areas like ankles and lower legs
Not because any one thing is perfect, but because small choices add up.
Starting Low
Ticks usually begin their climb from ground level. Unless you're leaning against a tree...well then who knows where that tick will be!
Shady wooded areas, garden edges, trails, and brush are often where the journey starts. Which is why more people are paying attention to lower-leg protection than ever before.
That thinking inspired some of our newest additions this season.
Our new Tick Socks were designed to create a lightweight, breathable barrier that works with shorts, leggings, or everyday outdoor clothing. They are machine washable, reusable, easy to pack, and designed for real life.
We also have multiple restocks arriving over the next few weeks because honestly… we underestimated how excited people would be about these.
We’re also introducing Tick Tape, a simple double-sided tape designed to pair with our gear and help trap tiny crawlers before they move upward. That should arrive around June 1st.
Nothing complicated. Just thoughtful tools designed to work alongside the outdoor life people already enjoy.
Why Mesh Size Matters
One thing most people do not realize is that not all mesh clothing is the same.
A lot of traditional bug mesh is designed mostly for larger insects. But tiny nymph ticks are…well…tiny.
That is one reason we use an especially fine mesh with more than 3,000 holes per square inch. The openings are small enough to help block most nymph-stage and seed ticks while still allowing a breeze to flow through it.
Outdoor Protection Is Becoming More Wearable
One thing we never wanted was gear that felt intimidating, uncomfortable, or disconnected from real life.
There are already plenty of products on the market designed to fully seal people off from the outdoors. That has never really been our goal.
We are trying to build pieces people actually want to wear.
That is why this season we are continuing to expand:
- More limited-edition jacket patterns
- Tick Socks in both white and black
- More kids suits for families spending time outdoors
Because protection only works if people actually use it.
Comfort matters. Breathability matters. Style matters too.
The Goal Is Not Perfection
There is no magic outdoor solution. But there are smart habits, thoughtful layers, and better tools than people had even a few years ago.
For us, it comes back to one simple idea: Helping people enjoy the outdoors more comfortably and with a little more peace of mind.
One Important Last Thought
Ticks may be changing the conversation around outdoor life, but they do not have to take the joy out of it.
We adapt. Clothing evolves. Awareness grows.
And we’ll keep trying to make mesh clothing look a little less like a hazmat suit and a little more like real everyday pieces you’ll actually want to wear.