It Started With Daughters. And a Dream.
A 1992 original. Made by a family, made for women, made to last. Over 33 years ago, Hard Tail redefined what it meant to move like a girl, with purpose, power and a little West Coast edge.
The Original Movement
Before leggings went viral, we were already living in them.
Hard Tail Forever was born in Los Angeles in 1992 with one radical idea: comfort and confidence should go hand in hand. What started as a single pair of perfectly cut cotton leggings turned into a movement that redefined what women wore to move, stretch, sweat, and live. We’re made in the USA, and obsessed with fit, fabric, and form. Our signature styles, like the Rolldown Flare, aren't just iconic. They’re forever. Worn by dancers, dreamers, yogis, CEOs, and cool girls everywhere, Hard Tail has always been about showing up in your own skin and feeling damn good doing it. This isn’t fast fashion. This is legacy. Built to last. Built to move. Built for you.
A legacy stitched in California.
The Hard Tail story is stitched with innovation, boldness, and a little rebellion. From the now-iconic rolldown pant to an international cult following, here’s how one couple’s dream became a multi-decade movement.
The Origin Story
1992: How it All Began
From a Santa Monica Garage to the Start of a Movement
It all began with Dick and Patty Cantrell, three daughters, and a bold idea: make clothes that could keep up with real women. Hand-dyed, American-made, and rooted in female empowerment, Hardtail was born with a mission to break stereotypes and move with confidence. The original Rolldown Bootleg Flare would go on to become a cult classic, seen everywhere from yoga studios to Venice Beach sidewalks, long before anyone said “athleisure.”
2000s: The Cult Following Years
From West Coast Secret to Celebrity Favorite
As word spread, Hardtail became a must-have for the wellness generation and style insiders alike. Our signature hand-dyes, comfortable layers, and no-fuss silhouettes caught the attention of Hollywood, worn by the likes of Cameron Diaz, Ellen DeGeneres, Nicole Kidman, Diane Keaton, and Eva Longoria. The brand expanded its offering beyond pants into tanks, dresses, outerwear, and more, all still made in the USA, all still rooted in effortless movement and individuality.
Today: Reimagined, Recharged, Still Rolling
The Icon Returns. Same Soul, Fresh Energy
Hardtail steps confidently into its next chapter with a brand-new website, a bolder voice, and the same commitment to comfort, color, and California spirit. Our pieces are still hand-dyed, still made here, and still built to move with you, from studio to street and everywhere in between. Whether you’re discovering us for the first time or you’ve lived in Hardtail for years, welcome to the revival.