7 Underwear & Activewear Brand Success Stories [2024]
Here are some real life success stories of starting a underwear & activewear brand:
1. SHEATH LLC ($3.6M/year)
Robert Patton, CEO of SHEATH, came up with the idea for his premium men's pouch underwear company while serving in the Army in Iraq. Frustrated with the discomfort and chafing caused by his issued underwear, he conceived the idea of a pouch that would separate the male anatomy from the inner thighs, keeping everything cool and dry. After hand-stitching prototypes, finding a seamstress, and working with a manufacturer in Pakistan, Patton finally launched his business.
How much they make: $3.6M/year
How much did it cost to start: $5K
Current team size: 7
Learn how Robert Patton grew a premium men's pouch underwear line to generate over $4K a day in sales with his latest women's line projected to double by the end of summer 2019 through persistence, learning from past mistakes, and keeping things simple.
2. TomboyX ($24M/year)
Fran Dunaway, CEO and Co-Founder of TomboyX, came up with the idea for their gender-neutral underwear and loungewear company when they launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund their button-up shirt production. However, they soon realized that the name "TomboyX" was resonating with a wide audience, leading them to pivot and focus on creating boxer briefs for women, which became their hero product. With consistent revenue growth of over 100% each year, TomboyX has become a successful and inclusive lifestyle brand.
How much they make: $24M/year
How much did it cost to start: $40K
Current team size: 34
TomboyX, a gender-neutral clothing company, has consistently increased its revenue over 100% each year and expanded from zero employees to 15 in just two years by focusing on quality underwear and listening to customer feedback.
So... can you actually make money with a underwear & activewear 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. MeUndies ($75M/year)
Jonathan Shokrian launched MeUndies in 2011 after a frustrating underwear shopping experience. He raised an impressive $400,000 from family and friends to create a millennial-friendly online store for underwear, and the brand gained significant media attention in 2014 when Facebook blocked some of its ads featuring scantily-clad models. Since then, MeUndies has become popular among younger generations, boasting over 500,000 Facebook fans and 340,000 Instagram followers, thanks in part to celebrity endorsements from stars like Kylie Jenner and the Hadid sisters.
How much they make: $75M/year
Current team size: 126
MeUndies used social media shock value to become a millennial-friendly online store for underwear with more than 500k+ Facebook fans and 340+ Instagram followers, thanks to endorsements from stars like Kylie Jenner and the Hadid sisters.
4. Spanx ($400M/year)
Sarah was getting ready for a party when she realized she didn’t have the right undergarment to provide a smooth look under white pants. She began making pantyhose in her home. Later, she worked with a manufacturer to bring her vision for seam-free tights to the masses.
How much they make: $400M/year
How much did it cost to start: $5K
Current team size: 750
How Sara Blakely built a billion-dollar business selling hosiery that eliminates panty lines, plus a postscript on how Chandra Arthur's friend-matching app, Friendish, was featured on Planet of the Apps.
So... can you actually make money with a underwear & activewear 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:
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
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- 8,628 business ideas
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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
