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Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.

The Unassuming T-Shirt Brand Trying to Break the DTC Curse

True Classic has emerged from a sea of men’s brands promising the perfect t-shirt, managing to build a big audience without bleeding cash.
A pack of True Classic t-shirts.
The apparel start-up True Classic is growing faster than most DTC brands, but its distribution strategy and meticulous cost management is keeping it from operating in the red. (True Classic)

There was no shortage of online brands claiming to sell a better men’s t-shirt when True Classic arrived on the scene in 2019.

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Further Reading

How the DTC Bust Could Play Out

Fashion and beauty start-up valuations appear to have stabilised after plunging last year, though it may be months or even years before many return to their old highs — if they ever do. But there are ways for emerging and established players to ride out the downturn.

Case Study | How to Build a Profitable DTC Brand

With the direct-to-consumer funding heyday now over, DTC brands need to turn a profit. Unlike their revenue-obsessed counterparts, DTC pioneers Marine Layer, Meundies and Trinny London offer a blueprint for achieving both top- and bottom-line growth.

About the author
Malique Morris
Malique Morris

Malique Morris is Senior E-Commerce Correspondent at The Business of Fashion. He is based in New York and covers digital-native brands and shifts in the online shopping industry.

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