This week, we want to share our admiration for the wonderful BMS and its founder, Bernd-Michael Schröder. Alongside his children, and successor Mikka, Schröder has built a sustainable and environmentally conscious rain gear business in Hamburg, Germany. Schröder can be quoted as saying, "I've never worked, I've just fulfilled my dreams." What a beautiful life to have created!
B.M. Schröder is a surfer, sailor, and family man who started in the tire business, which led to an unexpected crossover to life jackets and a contact point with a large clothing company. That connection gave Schröder an inside look at the clothing industry. After working as an employee, he took the leap to entrepreneurship and founded BMS in 1987.
The company has experienced its fair share of successes and challenges but ultimately prevailed and has reached a sustainable level. Starting out with only two sailing suits and three jackets, BMS now boasts an inventory of 500 items sold in over 30 countries. Additionally, they are certified by Ökotex, signifying that their products are 100% free of any harmful substances or chemicals.
From tires and life jackets to wetsuits and rain gear, BMS has taken a proud journey over its 37+ years in business. We had the great fortune just over a year ago, to have the opportunity to visit Mikka at the warehouse and thought you might like a peek at their amazing space and meet Mikka!
We love BMS rain gear for helping kids to be able to adventure even when the weather creates mud, wet snow or rain. We have raincoats, three styles of rain pants, and lined and unlined mitts. We are so impressed by the details and the durability; it truly keeps children warm and dry in any weather.
Here are a few highlights: the jackets have a zipper and snaps, with a small cover over the zipper to keep chins safe. The back of the jacket comes down a little lower for extra coverage when worn alone. The sleeves can be adjusted to fit snugly on the wrist. The jacket is slightly gathered at the bottom of the jacket to keep it in place and to keep the rain out. The hood is detachable for when it's not needed. Last but not least, they have reflective strips added to all of the rainwear for those dark and grey days.
We have three styles of rain pants: the bib overall style with shoulder straps for babies, toddlers and children and the elastic waist pants for toddlers and children. The baby overall has feet to allow for socks or slippers inside. The bib overall provides maximum coverage. The straps are adjustable, and the pants will fit for over a year, and often two or more depending on how fast the children grow. The elastic waist pants come in larger sizes for bigger kids. All rain pants have straps to hold the pant leg in place over the boot.
Last but not least, there are the waterproof rain mitts, fleece-lined or unlined. The unlined ones pair beautifully with our fleece mittens or homemade knitted wool mitts.
All of the BMS items are durable and can be worn by more than one child - great for resale and hand-me-downs.
