both& - Transmasculine Clothing | Direct-to-Consumer

Addressing a Gap in the Fashion Market: Both&

For a long time, the fashion industry has overlooked the needs of the transmasculine community. However, a new brand, Both&, is emerging with the intention of providing apparel specifically designed for transmasculine physiques.

The Brand's Origin and Philosophy

Both& was established by Finnegan Shepard, a trans man. His personal experience following top surgery revealed a lack of clothing options that truly accommodated his body. This realization spurred the creation of Both&.

The clothing is intentionally designed to accentuate a masculine silhouette and effectively conceal chest bindings. Furthermore, the brand is committed to size inclusivity.

The core belief driving Both& is that clothing serves as a form of self-expression, and access to suitable options shouldn't be restricted by one's body type.

Business Model and Initial Product Line

Both& operates on a direct-to-consumer model, funded entirely through bootstrapping. The company’s strategy centers around releasing limited quantities of curated capsule collections.

The inaugural line features three essential t-shirt styles.

• The Finnegan: A versatile, everyday basic tee.
• The Tyla: Similar to the Finnegan, but incorporates a ribbed sleeve cuff for a more fitted appearance around the biceps.
• The Khazeel: Designed with an oversized cut, intended to comfortably cover bindings and create a boxy aesthetic.

These initial offerings are priced between $39 and $45.

Focus on Fit and Sustainability

Both& is prioritizing foundational designs, initially eschewing elaborate colors and patterns. The emphasis is on perfecting the shape and fit of the garments.

“Our initial goal is to perfect the basics in terms of shape, and concentrate on relatively minimalist color palettes,” Shepard explained. “Once we’ve established that foundation, we can explore more vibrant options.”

He further noted a disinterest in prints, observing that many companies simply add Trans Pride imagery to ill-fitting shirts, rather than addressing the underlying fit issues.

New designs are planned for release on a schedule of approximately every six to eight weeks.

Navigating Challenges

According to Shepard, a key challenge lies in catering to a target audience that highly values sustainability but often has limited financial resources.

“We are striving to offer products at an accessible price point while maintaining sustainable practices and enabling small-batch production,” Shepard stated. “Balancing these factors presents a significant undertaking.”