What happens when five guys with no fashion background decide to change men’s activewear? You get Rhone – a premium athleisure brand that grew from side hustle to a $50 million success story.
Table of Contents
The Spark: One Gift Changed Everything
In 2013, Nate Checketts was working with the NFL, surrounded by sportswear that never felt premium. Then came a Christmas gift—Lululemon sweatpants. Comfortable, yes. But the jokes followed. Why? Because Lululemon was seen as a women’s brand. That moment sparked a thought: why wasn’t there a premium activewear brand just for men?
Built by Hustlers, Not Designers
With no experience in fashion, Nate, his brother Ben, brother-in-law Carras, and friends Casey and Kyle decided to build Rhone in 2014. They pooled their savings and kept their full-time jobs. At night, they built Rhone from scratch.
They cold-emailed over 200 gyms, fitness influencers, and buyers. That hustle paid off. Early support from Equinox and Nordstrom helped get their foot in the door.
Explosive Growth in Year One
By November 2015, Rhone had already earned 62% of the previous year’s total revenue—in a single month. By year-end, revenue had grown 5x, crossing $3 million. Soon, they raised a $5 million Series A and moved into their own office.
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2025: Rhone’s $50 Million Moment
In 2025, Rhone is on track to touch $50 million in annual revenue. The brand now stands as a leader in men’s athleisure, with a loyal customer base and premium positioning.
What Makes Rhone Unique?
- Men-Only Focus: Unlike most brands, Rhone was built specifically for men.
- Top-Tier Quality: From design to fabrics, the brand never cut corners.
- Startup Spirit: From cold emails to high-end deals, Rhone was all hustle.
Final Words
Rhone didn’t start with funding or fame. It started with a real need and a simple question: Why isn’t there something better for men?
Their journey is a reminder that great ideas don’t need perfect conditions—just passion, effort, and belief.
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