By: Jay Feldman
Finding apparel brands that prioritize ethical practices can be challenging in an industry often focused on fast fashion and fleeting trends. Established in 2014 by Robert Felder, Bearbottom Clothing is a Tampa-based brand on a mission to deliver high-quality menswear that aims to positively impact the world. Bearbottom isn’t just about clothes; it’s a movement that strives to combine style, comfort, and social responsibility into every piece they create.
The Birth of Bearbottom Clothing
Bearbottom Clothing’s journey began in 2012 when Robert Felder first visited Bangladesh as a high school student. The experience was eye-opening. After witnessing the need for quality jobs and basic necessities in certain communities, he returned home determined to make a difference.
Growing up on Florida’s West Coast, Felder often noticed the lack of versatile clothes for people like himself—those who enjoy incorporating adventure into their daily lives. He wanted clothing that could work for travel, outdoor activities, and a night out, prioritizing comfort, fit, and sizing.
“I struggled to find clothes with the features that made them comfortable and functional year-round, so I decided to try creating them myself,” Felder remembers.
Upon returning from Bangladesh, Felder saw an opportunity to use his passion for designing clothes to make a positive impact. Recognizing that Bangladesh is one of the world’s major clothing production hubs, he believed he could support the people he met while building his brand. Felder launched Bearbottom with a vision of blending style, function, and social responsibility.
The Bearbottom Mantra
At the core of Bearbottom Clothing’s success lies its focus on comfort, versatility, and ethical practices. These values guide every step of the brand’s process, from ideation to manufacturing.
Comfort is a high priority at Bearbottom Clothing. Attention to fit and sizing is reflected in every piece they create. “We aim to test-wear every product we offer,” says Felder. “We want everything you buy from us to be as comfortable as it is stylish. Our goal is for you to feel your optimal whether you’re working, playing, or on the move.”
Bearbottom’s use of stretch fabrics with performance features helps its clothing stand out. Many of their pieces, such as pants or swimwear, are designed to move with the wearer, offering a high level of comfort in various activities.
Alongside comfort, Bearbottom Clothing focuses on designing versatile pieces. Felder’s vision centers on clothes that can adapt to every season and occasion. Whether it’s a casual outing, gym session, or hiking trip, Bearbottom’s range aims to cater to many aspects of a man’s life.
Thoughtful design and carefully chosen materials help achieve this versatility. The result is clothing that can often transition smoothly across different settings without sacrificing style.
Bearbottom’s Ethical Commitment
Bearbottom Clothing doesn’t just create pieces people love to wear; they also strive to give back. Ethical practices are central to Bearbottom, offering an alternative to an industry that sometimes prioritizes profit margins.
Today’s consumers increasingly want to know whether brands align with their values. They often research manufacturing practices, environmental efforts, and community impact. Bearbottom Clothing seeks to address these concerns through its initiatives.
Felder works to ensure that Bearbottom’s ethical standards are upheld. This includes caring for everyone involved, from Florida HQ to global suppliers. Recently, they adopted a vendor code of ethics based on global labor practices, supporting their responsible manufacturing goals.
While the apparel industry has faced criticism for waste and pollution, Felder and his team are actively exploring ways to reduce their environmental footprint. The brand incorporates post-consumer recycled materials and natural dyes where possible, contributing to less waste. Through these efforts, Bearbottom hopes to encourage more sustainable practices in fashion.
To help communities in Bangladesh, Bearbottom operates on a buy-one-give-one model, where each purchase helps fund a school meal for a child in India. So far, this has provided a tremendous number of meals. Past initiatives have included donating 100,000 shorts to kids in Bangladesh and India, as well as 275,000 protective masks during the COVID-19 crisis.
Closer to home, Bearbottom has launched special products like the Veterans’ Day “Good Boy Tee” to support local causes. This initiative raises funds for Dogs Inc., a nonprofit that provides service dogs to veterans at no cost. Bearbottom’s commitment to social responsibility extends beyond clothing; it reflects their broader goal of improving lives wherever they can.
The Future of Bearbottom Clothing
Bearbottom Clothing aspires to be more than just a menswear brand; it is working toward a future where ethical style and everyday comfort go hand in hand. As the brand grows, its mission stays focused: to create comfortable, versatile menswear while making a positive impact.
From a high school student’s vision to a growing menswear label, Bearbottom’s journey shows how fashion can be a force for good. “We set out to make a difference, and we’re proud of the progress we’ve made,” concludes Felder. “By focusing on comfort, versatility, and ethical practices, Bearbottom Clothing aims to create menswear that looks good, feels good, and does good.”
Published by Joseph T.
