Meet Kelsey Adair of Bare Knitwear
Kelsey Adair founded Bare Knitwear in 2014 with the intention of stripping back the unnecessary and focusing on high-quality essentials, natural components and unedited perspective. Everything from prototyping, materials, colourways, supply-chain and manufacturing prioritizes ethics and sustainability.
Kelsey's upbringing on the West Coast of Canada, surrounded by natural and and rugged landscapes, greatly influenced her approach to designing and running Bare Knitwear. Kelsey views the entire supply chain as a collaborative process much like an ecosystem where the whole is greater than the sum of it's parts. Rooted in a less is more philosophy, Bare Knitwear is timeless and deeply thoughtful.
We connected with Kelsey to get to know more about her internal world and how it influences Bare Knitwear designs.
Q: How did your business come to be?
A: Bare came from wanting to create something that brought together modern design, natural fibres and artisanal craftsmanship. After hand-knitting some of the first pieces myself, I travelled to Peru in 2014 at 24, where I spent a few weeks working alongside artisans in the Andes and began learning the business from the ground up. I wrote my first order from my hostel room on that trip, and that was really the beginning of Bare.
Q: What inspired the F26 collection?
A: The collection was inspired by the balance between two worlds—past and present, discovery and familiarity. So much of what inspires me lives in that tension between movement and stillness, the thrill of discovery and the comfort of the familiar. Fall 2026 is about finding beauty in that balance.
Q: What’s the most-worn or meaningful piece in your closet, and why?
A: It’s got to be the very first Andes Beanie we made. I developed it with artisans on a manual loom in Ayacucho, Peru, in 2016. After several attempts, we finally got it right, named it on the spot, and it’s since become a Bare classic. It’s still one of the most meaningful pieces in my closet.
Q: What song would be the anthem to your life?
A: “Ends of the Earth” by Lord Huron — all about chasing big dreams, stepping outside convention and embracing the adventure along the way. Giddy up.
Q: What’s your favorite local spot for a bite?
A: In Squamish, nothing beats a weekend brunch at Fergies Cafe. It’s tucked in the forest on the Cheakamus River, just a short drive from my place but feels like a total escape. When I feel like indulging, my go-to is their dirty chai latte and french toast.
Q: What’s your favourite place in the world, and what makes it special?
A: There’s a little spot on the Mamquam River just down from my place I’ve been going to regularly for the last three years. No matter what time of day it is or what’s going on, a brief visit instantly puts me at ease and makes me feel connected to nature.
Q: Favourite Scent?
A: We’re so lucky to live in the mountains in Squamish. I never take for granted the scent of fresh mountain air at the start of winter. It makes me feel alive and free. I also love the smell of incense burning at home, it’s become a little evening wind down ritual for me after a long day.
Q: What’s your favourite thing about Fall?
A: I love the grounding feeling that comes with the arrival of fall, the return to ritual and routine after the busyness of summer. It always brings me a fresh wave of inspiration and feels like a new chapter in the year.
Q: What Fall trends are you most excited for?
A: I’m most excited by all the texture! Seeing all different sizes and types of scarves being used as a key styling piece is definitely right up my alley, and I’m really loving the pops of colour balancing out neutrals.
The importance of Rituals at Bare Knitwear
In many ways, Bare Knitwear pieces feel like mementos from nature. A classic cardigan carries the quiet rhythm of a changing season, paired with raw, un-dyed colorways and the delicate ritual of garment care. While every piece is crafted using the finest natural materials, its longevity relies on proper upkeep - much like the natural resources it comes from. The same care and consideration that go into designing each garment must also guide how we maintain it.
For more on knitwear and how to care for it, read our guide here.
Browse Bare Knitwear below and shop the complete collection at Hill's Dry Goods.