686 Technical Apparel is an independently owned, Los Angeles-based company renowned for its innovative, fashion-forward technical outerwear and apparel for snowboarding, skiing, and everyday adventure. Founded in 1992 by Michael Akira West, 686 (pronounced 'six-eight-six') is built on a passion for the mountains and a commitment to creating high-quality, durable, and technically advanced gear. The brand is known for its unique designs, collaborations, and dedication to the snowboarding community, pushing the boundaries of performance and style.
Serves as the global headquarters, housing design, product development, marketing, sales operations, and North American distribution. Key brand strategy and innovation initiatives originate here.
The facility is designed to support all facets of apparel creation and distribution, likely including dedicated spaces for design and prototyping, showrooms for product display, and efficient warehousing. It embodies a blend of creative energy and operational pragmatism.
A dynamic, creative, and passionate environment, deeply connected to snowboarding and outdoor culture. Employees are often enthusiasts of the sports 686 caters to, fostering an authentic, collaborative, and innovative atmosphere. Expect a blend of laid-back California style with a rigorous approach to product excellence.
The HQ is the nerve center of 686's global operations, where its distinct design DNA is cultivated, product innovation is driven, and brand identity is meticulously shaped. Its Southern California location keeps it connected to a vibrant action sports and streetwear culture.
686 Technical Apparel products are distributed internationally, with a strong presence in key winter sports markets across North America, Europe, Asia (notably Japan and Korea), and Oceania. Global operations are supported by its California headquarters and its European office in Munich, along with a network of trusted international distributors. This framework ensures product accessibility, marketing coherence, and customer support for snowboarding and outdoor enthusiasts worldwide.
227 E. Compton Blvd
Gardena
CA
USA
Address: Nymphenburger Str. 14, 80335 Munich (c/o Westlife Distribution GmbH)
To effectively manage and expand 686's brand presence, product availability, and customer support within the diverse European snowboarding and outdoor markets, tailoring strategies to regional consumer needs and trends.
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As of April 2025, 686' leadership includes:
686 has been backed by several prominent investors over the years, including:
As a privately held company, 686 Technical Apparel generally does not publicly announce all executive team changes. Based on available information, there have been no widely publicized major executive hires or departures in the last 12 months.
Discover the tools 686 uses. Highperformr reveals the technologies powering your target accounts — helping your sales, marketing, and GTM teams prioritize smarter and close faster.
686 Technical Apparel commonly uses an email format consisting of the first initial followed by the last name, at their company domain. For example, an employee named Jane Doe would likely have an email address like jdoe@686.com.
firstinitiallast@686.com
Format
mwest@686.com
Example
80%
Success rate
Shop Eat Surf • March 7, 2024
686 Technical Apparel announced the release of its new Everywhere Multi Pant, designed for versatility across various activities. The pant features durable stretch fabric, multiple pockets, and DWR coating, aligning with the brand's focus on functional and adaptable outdoor wear....more
686.com News • October 27, 2023
686 Technical Apparel announced a collaboration with artist Brendan 'Tangle' Monroe, integrating his unique art style into a limited-edition line of outerwear and apparel. This partnership highlights 686's fusion of art, culture, and technical performance....more
Shop Eat Surf • October 10, 2023
686 Technical Apparel partnered with Dragon Alliance to release a co-branded goggle collection for the Winter 2023/2024 season. The collaboration combines 686's outerwear expertise with Dragon's advanced goggle technology, offering integrated style and performance for snowboarders and skiers....more
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