While much of the US anxiously anticipates the chill of autumn, those in Florida are still lounging about in beachwear. This year alone saw some of the hottest days on record ever all across the country.
However, Florida’s “endless summer” the Sunshine State is famous for often leaves its residents seeking a mixture of style and comfort in their clothing. That’s why the creators behind Bearbottom Clothing are giving active men in warmer climates a chance to stay cool, comfortable, and stylish all at the same time.
An inspired start
Robert Felder, Founder and CEO of Bearbottom Clothing, grew up in Florida, but the idea for Bearbottom didn’t come from his time relaxing on the West Coast beaches. Rather, the inspiration for his clothing company came from a trip to Bangladesh in 2012.
“I saw first-hand the need for quality jobs and basic necessities like clothing,” he remembers.“I returned home with a desire to make an impact and by early 2013, we started our first production in Bangladesh while donating shorts locally.”
Drawing from his experience as a Floridian and the year-round need for durable yet comfortable “adventure-ready” clothing, Felder designed a line of clothes to perfectly fit the needs of those living in endless summer climates. He also designed his company to be of aid to the people of both Bangladesh and India — two of the largest clothing manufacturing countries in the world.
The jobs provided by Bearbottom were one benefit, but it was the “buy-one-give-one” donation model that drew attention to the Bearbottom brand. For every item that is purchased with Bearbottom, a school meal is given to a child in India.
“By 2020, we moved most of our production to India, where began donating school lunches,” Felder states. To date, Bearbottom’s customers have helped donate over 700,000 meals to those in need.
Wear tested and hot-weather ready
Each piece released by Bearbottom Clothing keeps active men in mind. Everything from their sportswear pieces to more formal summer duds like polos and khaki shorts is put through its paces to ensure durability, wearability, and comfort — even during the dog days of summer.
The stretch fabrics used on many of Bearbottom Clothing’s pieces are designed to carry wearers through work and play. The breathable material not only helps wearers stay cool during the brutal Florida summers and just as comfortable during the milder winters, but they travel well, too. So, even if you’re not a native of a tropical climate like Florida, purchasing Bearbottom Clothing for your next warm-weather vacation will help you rest easy knowing you won’t be showing up at the cabana with wrinkled chino shorts.
All of Bearbottom Clothing’s products are designed to be stacked with go-to wardrobe staples, from chinos to loungewear. It’s Felder’s hope that he is offering a line of clothing that will help men focus more on activity and “everyday adventure” and less on what they’re wearing.
Felder and his team are aware that style is just as important as comfort and keeping cool, which is why many of Bearbottom’s swim trunks and chino shorts have a distinct throwback feel — a nod to the 80s that has been gaining popularity. Additionally, most of their shorts and swim trunks also have a noticeably shorter fit, a style that is coming back into play, especially on the heels of the retro beach looks featured in the recent “Barbie” movie.
The Bearbottom collection isn’t simply beach-focused, however. The casual button-down shirts, polos, and chino pants are perfect for a night out or even for more laid-back office wear.
An eye on sustainability and ethics
Studies show that the fashion industry contributes upwards of 10% of carbon dioxide emissions, and accounts for one-fifth of all of the plastics produced globally. The negative effects of producing clothing for people can be catastrophic.
Bearbottom Clothing was built on a foundation of understanding the impact one can have on the world around them. In order to combat the sober truth of how devastating the fashion industry can be to the environment, Felder and his team have worked tirelessly to keep Bearbottom operating as sustainably as possible. Their products are made with post-consumer recycled materials, contain natural dyes, and contribute less to overall waste.
Felder is committed to running an ethical clothing company. The well-being of the Bearbottom team members — from the worldwide supply chain to those working at the Florida headquarters — is of the utmost importance to his vision as the company’s Founder and CEO. The company consistently goes above and beyond industry standards with manufacturing partners and withholds a strict Vendor Code of Ethics with labor practices.
Living the lifestyle of someone who can enjoy beach-ready weather all year round requires a specific type of clothing. This menswear needs to be ready for activity, adventure, and — above all — cool comfort.
Bearbottom Clothing was designed by people who know what it’s like to live where it rarely dips below 75 degrees. With a keen eye for style and an earth-friendly ethos, Bearbottom Clothing is the perfect menswear collection for those who like to play hard and look great at the same time.