The Story Behind Our RF-Wear Aurora Borealis Quarter-Zip

Inspired by a real night under the northern lights and bright Alaskan stars in Homer, Alaska — the Aurora Borealis Quarter-Zip, created from original photos taken in Homer, Alaska.”

Some designs come from sketchbooks.
This one came from the sky.

Earlier this year, I traveled to Homer, Alaska to visit my daughter — a tiny coastal town known as the Halibut Fishing Capital of the World and one of the most beautiful places on Earth. I expected mountains, ocean views, maybe some wildlife.

I didn’t expect the night that changed this design forever.

The Moment That Sparked It

One clear, freezing night on the Homer Spit, the sky erupted into waves of green, gold, and violet light — the Aurora Borealis dancing directly overhead. I stood there stunned, taking photo after photo, trying to capture what felt almost unreal: the movement, the brightness, the way the light curved across the horizon. The air was so crisp you could see every bright star pinned across the sky, shining through the curtain of moving light.

Those photos became more than memories.
They became the blueprint for this quarter-zip.

Turning the Sky Into a Shirt

Back home, I took the best captures of that night and began transforming them into wearable art. This wasn’t a generic “northern lights” graphic — the design is literally built from my real photos, altered just enough to follow the shape and flow of the garment.

Every gradient, every streak of green and neon glow, every edge fade was handcrafted to match what I saw in the sky.

This isn’t just a shirt.
It’s a moment, frozen.

A Hidden Detail — The Coordinates

Running vertically down the front side of top are a set of numbers that customers always ask about. Those aren’t random.

They are the Latitude and longitude coordinates of Homer, Alaska, often referred to as geographic coordinates,  The coordinates are the exact place on Earth where the inspiration hit.  It a nod to the location, the trip, and the personal roots behind this design.

Inside Label: A Tribute to Homer

Inside the collar, we added a custom interior print featuring:

• “Homer, Alaska”

• “Halibut Fishing Capital of the World”

• A silhouette of the famous Homer landmark sign

• The RF-Wear branding tag

It’s a small detail, but it ties the whole story together — the outside shows the lights, the inside honors the place.

Why This Piece Matters

RF-Wear is built on real experiences — not generic stock graphics or trends. Everything we make means something.

This quarter-zip represents:

• Adventure

• Nature’s power

• One of Alaska’s most magical phenomena

• The magic of a bright, star-filled Alaskan sky

And customers feel that when they wear it.

👉 Shop the RF-Wear Aurora Borealis Quarter Zip Now

What’s Coming Next — Northern Lights Shorts

Because this design became a customer favorite, we’re expanding the theme.
Yes — Northern Lights Shorts are coming soon.

Using another set of photos from the same trip, we’re creating shorts that match the quarter-zip’s energy with the same glowing aurora patterns and outdoor spirit.