Canadian professional climber Allison Vest is known for her prowess on the wall, but her creativity doesn’t stop there. When she isn’t climbing monumental routes or solving tricky boulder problems, she’s stitching, designing, and perfecting custom climbing pants in her home studio. Unsatisfied with the standard offerings in climbing apparel, Vest has taken it upon herself to reimagine the perfect blend of function and fashion in climbing gear. Her sewing obsession isn’t just a hobby—it’s an extension of the problem-solving mindset that helped her scale some of the world’s toughest boulders.
Vest’s foray into sewing began as a teenager, when her grandmother introduced her to the sewing machine. Years later, it’s now as much a part of her life as climbing itself. “It’s similar to climbing,” Vest shared. “There’s a process, and it’s all about trial and error. Sometimes you make something, and it doesn’t work. But that journey of figuring it out—the creativity and problem-solving—is what makes it special.”
That methodical process has turned her into something of a sewing virtuoso. Vest often spends months perfecting a single design, tweaking every measurement and seam to ensure her creations deliver both full-range motion and aesthetic appeal. One of her standout designs, a bolero set made from a mix of thrifted and upcycled materials, reflects her ethos of intentional, sustainable clothing. “It’s really cool to use fabrics with a story,” she said, explaining how she sources old sweatshirts or jeans from thrift shops to create something both functional and fashionable.
Vest’s passion for sewing is deeply tied to her climbing career. Clothing and movement, she believes, are inherently connected. While climbing apparel often leans into bulky, utilitarian designs, she sees opportunity for more chic, tailored options that don’t compromise mobility. “I’ve been inspired by the way dancers dress to enhance their movement,” Vest explained. “Climbers need the same range of motion, but climbing pants don’t always deliver. I think we can do better.”
Her designs prioritize functionality without sacrificing style, and they reflect a body-positive approach to tailoring. Many traditional climbing pants, according to Vest, fail to fit diverse body shapes, but her custom work allows her to address that gap. “One of the superpowers of sewing your own clothes is crafting something that fits your body perfectly,” she said. Her process often involves altering thrifted pieces or creating patterns from scratch to suit her needs.
For those intrigued by the idea of sewing but hesitant to start, Vest is quick to share her approach. “Start small,” she said. “Find a project that excites you, whether it’s hemming old pants or making a basic top. You’ll stay motivated if you have a real goal.” She also credits the wealth of free online resources like YouTube tutorials and Instagram creators for helping her polish her skills. “You don’t have to be perfect right away,” she reassured. “Part of the fun is embracing the imperfections and learning as you go.”
One of Vest’s key beliefs in sewing—and climbing, for that matter—is that process matters more than perfection. “There’s something really rewarding about making something with your own hands,” she reflected. Her passion for upcycling clothing ties in with a broader push for sustainability in the outdoor industry, where brands like The North Face are innovating with recycled fabrics and circular economy initiatives. Vest herself often chooses vintage materials, which she reimagines into eye-catching pieces with intricate patterns and bold cuts.
As a climber and artist, Vest is a testament to finding creativity in all aspects of life. Whether she’s pushing herself to a new bouldering grade or perfecting her latest pants design, the goals are strikingly similar: commitment to the process, willingness to fail, and the joy of seeing something come together. “Ultimately, it’s just really fun,” she said with a laugh. “I hope more climbers try it. It’s such a rewarding side gig to climbing.”
Her story is not only a reminder of the power of creativity but also an invitation for climbers to think outside the box—whether in their hobbies or how they move through life.