10 Outdoor Apparel Brand Success Stories [2024]
Here are some real life success stories of starting a outdoor apparel brand:
1. Glade Optics ($1.5M/year)
Curt Nichols started Glade Optics as a side project while working at a market research company. He saw an opportunity to create a challenger brand in the skiing industry due to a lack of competition and a common marketing approach. With just $5,000 in savings, he launched the business, and it has since grown to close to $1 million in annual sales. Nichols focused on building a strong product-market fit and used tactics like email marketing and targeted advertising to attract and retain customers. Glade Optics is now a profitable business experiencing over 100% YoY growth.
How much they make: $1.5M/year
How much did it cost to start: $5K
Current team size: 3
Glade Optics is a premium ski goggles and helmets brand that achieved close to $1M in annual sales with just $5,000 to start, using a favorable price point, streamlined messaging and marketing, and partnering with like-minded brands to lower CACs and get in front of more skiers.
2. MuskOx ($360K/year)
Brad Hoos, founder of MuskOx, came up with the idea for his men's clothing line by realizing that men needed more thoughtful gear to simplify their lives. He sought out the expertise of a designer and together they created high-quality, functional clothing that is fitting for everyday adventures. Since their launch, MuskOx has grown a significantly supportive customer base and has developed partnerships to support wildlife conservation.
How much they make: $360K/year
How much did it cost to start: $50K
Current team size: 4
MuskOx, a men's outdoor apparel brand created in 2019, has gained a supportive customer base and already generated $10k in monthly revenue, offering quality gear for everyday adventure that is designed to last.
So... can you actually make money with a outdoor apparel brand?
Of course. There are millions to be made in this industry.
But how?
- Research real, profitable businesses and see exactly how much money they make.
- Study exactly what works, and what doesn’t.
- Take action, because now you have the roadmap.
Join Starter Story and build your next big thing:
3. Outdoor Adventure Solutions Inc Shower Toga ($240K/year)
Kressa, the founder of Shower Toga, came up with the idea for her waterproof changing garment after struggling to clean up after Spartan Races. Realizing there was no efficient solution, she invented the Shower Toga and launched a successful Kickstarter campaign to bring it to the mass market. Despite having no prior experience in retail or product development, Kressa persevered and created a high-quality, lightweight, and versatile product that has since gained popularity in outdoor and healthcare industries.
How much they make: $240K/year
How much did it cost to start: $30K
Current team size: 1
Shower Toga, the world's first and only waterproof changing garment, invented by Kressa, has found success in the outdoor hygiene market, with notable sales to camping, surfing, and healthcare workers for decon, and the company recently donated $100,000 in Shower Togas to healthcare workers and first responders.
4. Patagonia ($750M/year)
How much they make: $750M/year
Current team size:
Discover the philosophy behind clothing brand Patagonia's success, from its start producing climbing gear to its unique approach to business and leadership, with a focus on profit.
So... can you actually make money with a outdoor apparel brand?
Of course. There are millions to be made in this industry.
But how?
- Research real, profitable businesses and see exactly how much money they make.
- Study exactly what works, and what doesn’t.
- Take action, because now you have the roadmap.
Join Starter Story and build your next big thing:
5. Under Armour ($5.7B/year)
How much they make: $5.7B/year
Current team size: 10136
Under Armour, the American sports equipment and sports apparel manufacturing company, started from scratch in 1996 with an initial product of a synthetic base layer that wicks away sweat, and has since expanded their range to include football, cross-training, and running shoes, with 2019 revenues of $5.27 billion.
6. MealSurfers ($60K/year)
How much they make: $60K/year
Current team size:
This case study highlights how a men's apparel company founded by Paul in California successfully raised $15,000 through Kickstarter.
So... can you actually make money with a outdoor apparel brand?
Of course. There are millions to be made in this industry.
But how?
- Research real, profitable businesses and see exactly how much money they make.
- Study exactly what works, and what doesn’t.
- Take action, because now you have the roadmap.
Join Starter Story and build your next big thing:
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- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
