Living in the Pacific Northwest means staying flexible. You have to roll with the rainstorms, and when it’s sunny, say yes to walking or cycling to work. That big presentation you had planned at the office? Turns out the client would rather talk business over craft beers, and later, dinner at Kann. Thankfully, there’s a clothing brand where you can take on whatever the day throws at you, without an outfit change.

That’s DUER, based in Vancouver, BC, and aptly named for the people doing a lot; people who want to look polished but need their wardrobe to keep pace with their active lifestyle.

For the longest time, Gary Lenett, the company’s founder, could not find the attire to fit that bill. So 10 years ago, he left behind a career manufacturing jeans for some of the biggest names in the industry, to simply build the clothes he wanted to wear.

“I was biking to work and didn’t want to show up in gym clothes or feel restricted in stiff, rigid denim,” he explained. “I was looking for jeans with enough comfort and style to take me from the commute to a full day of meetings. That search led to where we are today.”

By solving his own problem, Lenett pioneered a new era of denim, one that redefines fit and function. This cutting-edge Performance Denim has the look of iconic jeanswear but is incredibly stretchy, plus provides temperature regulation and antibacterial properties. The men’s line also utilizes a signature gusset (more commonly found in athleisure) to maximize movement, ideal for any activity or occasion. 

“From ultra-lightweight jeans for summer to fleece-infused denim that stands up to the cold, everything we make is built with the realities of Portland in mind,” Lenett said. “We’ve also grown beyond denim, blending performance fibers with other natural fabrics like canvas and twill. The goal has always been to make clothes people actually want to live in, pieces that feel as good as they look.”

That extends to all of DUER’s products, including women’s pants, which offer elevated silhouettes in luxuriously soft fabrics. On the shelves, you also find shorts, jumpsuits, premium Pima cotton tees designed to mix and match effortlessly, and more. Whether you’re networking over coffee at Case Study or hiking in Forest Park, their timeless approach means you’ll never second-guess your outfit (although you might have to do a dashing, double-take in the mirror).

Try DUER for yourself this September when the brand opens its first Portland store on NW 23rd Avenue, connecting the community to a fresh line of functional fashion. 

“Our promise is that our apparel will facilitate experiences and adventures, and we design our stores with that same mindset,” Lenett said. “We want people to walk in and immediately feel the spirit of the brand, a sense of movement, ease, exploration, and possibility.”

Celebrate DUER’s grand opening October 17–19 with live music, refreshments, and exclusive giveaways. Visit the store at 820 NW 23rd Ave. (between Johnson and Kearney streets) and read the latest on the opening at shopduer.com.