Woolrich Converse I noticed that plaid was big for men at the Holt Renfrew Fall 2009 – 2010 Menswear Media Preview. I kinda liked that and these Chucks immediately struck a cord. The interesting thing about these ones are the Woolrich angle. Woolrich has been synonymous with quality outdoor clothing for over 178 years. The company got its start in 1830 when John Rich, an immigrant from England, built his first woolen mill in Plum Run, Pennsylvania. Rich would visit the lumber camps that dotted the area and sell his woolen fabric, socks, coverlets, and yarn from a mule cart. image: sneakerfreaker.com