WELCOME

TO THE

OVERLAND FAMILY

For 50 years, our family-run business has offered superbly crafted outerwear, clothing, and home accents inspired by the American West and made from the finest sheepskin, leather, wool, and other natural materials.

1970s

1973

It all started in Taos, New Mexico, with a bale of sheepskins, a sewing machine, and a dream.

Cut by hand and sewn on a second-hand sewing machine in Taos, New Mexico, Overland’s first sheepskin coat laid the foundation for a family-run business that has endured for 50 years. Word quickly spread about the quality and craftsmanship of Overland coats, and soon, the entire Leahy family came down from Iowa and started to help.

“There is nothing better than working in a family business and sharing successes together. I feel blessed that I was able to spend more than 40 years working with my parents. We had meals together and talked together almost every day. Sometimes it was hard to have a conversation that didn’t eventually have something to do with work, but it was an exciting time.”

– ROGER LEAHY, CO-OWNER

Roger wearing a sheepskin coat with a horse

Marge and Jerry Leahy, Roger’s parents, began helping their adult children run the business and would scout, secure, and run new retail stores, always in America’s most picturesque settings. The two scoured flea markets and antique shops to decorate the Overland stores, which served as inspiration for retail locations to follow.

Jerry and Marge

“My folks were really involved in the business since early on, too. They would drive around and open up stores. They opened up several stores in the first several years of the company. They are why we got into retail.”

– ROGER LEAHY, CO-OWNER

Catalog 1978

In 1975 Overland produced its first catalog, featuring family members and friends modeling the sheepskin coats. While the initial product offering was small–coats, slippers, and rugs–the demand was so substantial that items began being shipped across the country.

1980s

Overland’s designs continued to be refined, resulting in what is recognized today as iconic sheepskin coat styles.

1982

The Leahy family relocates Overland’s headquarters to Fairfield, Iowa, and builds a large three-story log cabin that they would call home and would also serve as offices for employees. This warm and welcoming building is still Overland’s headquarters today.

“It’s fun to look back and see how things have changed, especially in the first ten years. So many family members are in a lot of the old catalogs, including my dad. But somehow Mom, despite being a whirlwind in the business, was always too shy to be in the catalogs.”

– ROGER LEAHY, CO-OWNER

Catalog 1980

Catalog 1981

Catalog 1982

Catalog 1984

Catalog 1986

With so much enthusiasm from customers visiting Overland stores while on vacation, the catalog quickly grew in distribution. By 1983, more than two million copies were sent out each year.

1990s

The 1990s brought with it a time of significant growth and further success of sheepskin coats, namely the bomber jacket.

During this decade of continued innovation, Overland introduced its website, making it one of the first family-run businesses to enter the e-commerce space. The desire for Overland’s sheepskin products surged, requiring the development of new partnerships to keep up with demand. With that, new members joined the Overland family, both in stores and in product development.

Forever Iconic

OVERLAND BOMBER JACKETS

1970s

1980s

2000s

2010s

“Over the years, cousins, aunts, uncles, children, and grandchildren have joined Overland. And we also have lots of friends from college and high school, friends of friends, and families of friends who have become part of the business—some of whom have been with us for 40 years. We treat each and every one like a member of the Overland family.”

– ROGER LEAHY, CO-OWNER

2000s

Product categories expanded, website sales took off, and the catalog was restyled and reintroduced.

Adding quality production partners, both at home and abroad, allowed Overland to increase its product offering. The catalog, which had been popular with the earliest customers, was revamped and relaunched as a vehicle to show Overland products in the setting of the American West, allowing customers a glimpse of what it’s like to discover an Overland store while traveling.

“We’ve had catalogs since the mid-1970s, and I’m proud of how we’ve always paid attention to every detail. That’s why we relaunched our catalog in 2003. Our customers love it, and it helps us stay in touch with them.”

– ROGER LEAHY, CO-OWNER

Overland coats from a variety of decades

2010s

Overland added several new stores across the United States and expanded its base of artisans as the reach of its catalogs and website grew.

By the middle of the decade, Overland’s team of buyers, including Amber, the founder’s niece, had traveled the globe to build lasting relationships with the best artisans, to offer an artful range of long-lasting goods with real value. Many of these partnerships have grown stronger over decades, allowing the flexibility to create handcrafted items at the highest standards of quality.

“We work with the best artisans around the world, creating handcrafted goods designed to last a lifetime and reflecting the individual personalities of our diverse customers.”

– ROGER LEAHY, CO-OWNER

Celebrating Overland’s rich heritage, the captivating visuals in catalogs and on the website embody the breathtaking beauty of the American West. As Overland continues to expand, it still honors its talented employees and loyal customers.

Models wearing leather jackets in the desert

2023

Couple wearing sheepskin coats in the mountains

Woman modeling sheepskin vest in the mountains

Woman modeling fur coat in rocky terrain

Woman modeling sheepskin coat with mountains behind

Man modeling sheepskin coat in snowy landscape

CELEBRATING

50 YEARS

“I feel so fortunate to be part of a family business. Our growth hasn’t always been easy, but we have worked together to create a consumer experience–whether it’s online, in our catalog, or in our stores–that will thrive for many years to come.”

– ROGER LEAHY, CO-OWNER

WELCOME

1973

1982

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