In 1981 James Mabee and his family opened a store selling only sweatshirts that said "Charlevoix" on them.  It turned out to be quite successful,  and so that year Harbor Wear was born.

In 1991 Susan, the oldest child of James, created

Bay Wear. She opened a store in Suttons Bay, MI then Frankfort, MI and finally Glen Arbor, MI.

Over thirty years later James has long retired from the clothing business. Selling his Harbor Wear stores to his children, grand children, and close family. There are dozens of Harbor Wear stores all along the coast of Lake Michigan and Florida.